Kansas Deer Hunters: JULY 8 DEADLINE FOR RESIDENT ELK, FIREARM EITHER-SPECIES DEER APPLICATIONS

Apply online for Elk and Firearm Either-Species/Either-Sex deer permits

PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) reminds resident hunters that 2011 Firearm Either-Species/Either-Sex Deer permit applications are due July 8. Applications are available online atwww.kdwpt.state.ks.us and must be submitted online or by phone, 620-672-0728. No paper mail-in applications will be accepted. These permits allow firearm hunters to take a mule deer or white-tailed deer of either sex. General resident permits cost $37.50. Landowner/tenant permits cost $22.50, plus internet processing fees. Unsuccessful applicants will be charged a $6.50 application fee and receive one preference point for next year's drawing.

There are two mule deer zones for resident firearm hunters. In the West Zone (Deer Management Units 1, 2, 17, and 18), 1,290 permits are allocated. In the East Zone (Deer Management Units 3, 4, 5, 7, and 16), 1,000 permits are allocated.

Applications for limited resident elk permits valid in units 2A (Ft. Riley), 2, and 3 (most of Morton County closed) are also due July 8 through online application. Ten Either-Sex and 15 Antlerless-Only Elk permits are allocated for this drawing.

A unlimited number of Hunt-Own-Land Antlerless Only Elk and Hunt-Own-Land Either Sex Elk permits will be available for most of Kansas, except a portion of Morton County, which is closed to elk hunting. A Hunt-Own-Land Elk permit is valid during any elk season, and the bag limit is one elk as specified on the permit. These permits will be available July 25, 2011, through March 14, 2012.

An unlimited number of general resident Antlerless-Only Elk permits and Either-Sex Elk permits will be available over the counter. These permits are valid in Unit 3 (most of Kansas except Fort Riley and Morton County) only. The bag limit for each unlimited over-the-counter elk permit will be one elk as specified on the permit. These permits are also available July 25, 2011, through March 14, 2012. While most elk in Kansas inhabit the Fort Riley area, some small populations may be found in western Kansas on private land. KDWPT recommends that hunters make sure they have permission to hunt before purchasing a permit.

General resident Either-Sex Elk permits cost $252.50, and landowner/tenant Either-Sex permits are $127.50. General resident Antlerless-Only Elk permits cost $102.50. Landowner/tenant Antlerless-Only Elk permits are $52.50. The fee to apply for an elk permit is $7.69. Those unsuccessful in the drawing for limited permits valid on Fort Riley will receive a bonus point.

Applicants for limited elk permits valid on Fort Riley must apply online or by phone, 620-672-0728, by July 8. For more information, visit the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us, or phone the nearest agency office. Elk and deer season information may be found on the website at Hunting/When to Hunt/Big Game.

South Dakota Hunters: Archery, West River, B Hills, Youth Deer, Turkey and Antelope Applications Now Open

 South Dakota West River Deer, Black Hills Deer, Fall Turkey, Archery Deer, Archery Antelope and Youth Deer applications are now being accepted. To apply, visit: http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/licenses/limited/default.aspx

Family-Outdoors: 
Your source for hunting, fishing, and camping tips and more.

Indiana Hunters: Online reserved-hunt applications available July 1

Hunters may apply for a reserved hunt online by visiting http://www.indianaoutdoor.in.gov/ and clicking on the "Register for a Reserved Hunt" link, beginning July 1. The online method is the only way to apply.
All applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the hunt for which they apply. All applications must be completed by the application deadline to be eligible for the drawing. Hunters will be selected through a random drawing. All drawing results will be posted at http://www.wildlife.in.gov/ within a week after application deadlines.

• Dove Hunt Draw
  Online application must be completed by July 31
• Military/Refuge Firearm and Archery Deer Hunt Draw
  Online application must be completed by Aug. 28. Hunts on Military/Refuge properties may be cancelled at any time.
• State Park Deer Reduction Hunts
  Online application must be completed by Aug. 28
• Youth Firearm Deer Hunt at Muscatatuck National Widlife Refuge
  Online application must be completed by Aug. 28
• Pheasant Hunt Draw
  Online application must be completed by Oct. 2. Adults should not apply for the Nov. 25 hunt. Nov. 25 is reserved for youth (17 and younger) only.

Applications for waterfowl draw hunts begin in late August. Pheasant put-and-take and state park goose will be available in September.
For more information on military/refuge hunt opportunities, call (812) 334-3795 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekdays.
More information is available in the Hunting & Trapping Guide online at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5834.htm.

Minnesota Hunters: Apply now for prairie chicken, fall turkey hunts

Image via WikipediaHunters who wish to apply for one of 186 permits for the 2011 Minnesota prairie chicken season or for a fall turkey hunting permit must do so by Friday, July 30, wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Application materials and maps of permit areas for both hunts are available on the DNR
website at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey. Winners will be notified though the mail by mid-September after applying at any DNR electronic licensing agent.

The application fee is $3. The license costs $23 for residents and $78 for nonresidents. The $5 stamp validation has been incorporated into the license fee. A separate stamp is no longer required.

This year there will be 10,450 fall turkey permits available for the season, which runs from Saturday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 30. In 2010, hunters harvested a record 1,353 birds in the fall hunt, with hunter success typically about 20 percent. 

PRAIRIE CHICKEN SEASON
The five-day prairie chicken season, which will begin on Saturday, Oct. 22, is open to Minnesota residents only. Hunters will be charged a $4 application fee and may apply individually or in groups up to four. Prairie chicken licenses cost $20.

The hunt will be conducted in 11 prairie chicken quota areas in west-central Minnesota between Warren in the north and Breckenridge in the south. Up to 20 percent of the permits in each area will be issued to landowners or tenants of 40 acres or more of prairie or grassland property within the permit area for which they applied. Resident hunters younger than 12 may apply for a prairie chicken license.

The odds of being drawn are about one in three, depending on the area chosen, said Bill Penning, DNR farmland wildlife program leader.

The season bag limit is two prairie chickens per hunter. Licensed prairie chicken hunters will be allowed to take sharp-tailed grouse while legally hunting prairie chickens.

Sharptails and prairie chickens are similar looking species. The general closure on taking sharp-tailed grouse by small game hunters in this area is to protect prairie chickens. Licensed prairie chicken hunters who wish to take sharptails must meet all regulations and licensing requirements for taking sharp-tailed grouse.

In 2010, an estimated 87 prairie chickens were harvested, with 37 percent of hunters taking at least one bird. Hunter success varies considerably from year-to-year, especially when poor weather prevents hunters from going out in the field.

TEXAS MAN SENTENCED TO JAIL IN CONNECTION WITH KANSAS DEER HUNTING AND GUIDING OPERATION

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Receives 41 months in federal prison; largest case in Kansas history
WICHITA — A Texas man was sentenced June 21 in a Wichita federal court on felony charges of conspiracy, wildlife trafficking, and obstruction of justice related to the illegal sale of guided deer hunts in southern Kansas, announced Barry Grissom, U.S. attorney for the District of Kansas, and Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division.

James Bobby Butler, Jr., 42, of Martinsville, Tex., was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. Butler pleaded guilty in March 2010 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, one Lacey Act interstate trafficking count, and one count of obstruction of justice. His brother, Marlin Jackson Butler, 36, also of Martinsville, pleaded guilty in March 2011 to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and one Lacey Act count. Marlin Butler is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2011.

“Illegal wildlife trafficking is a threat to the natural resources of Kansas," Grissom said. "Our goal is to preserve and protect wildlife for everyone to enjoy, including hunters who abide by the law."

"Thanks to outstanding cooperation between federal and state law enforcement agents and prosecutors, we put an end to a criminal conspiracy that took valuable and limited wildlife resources," Moreno added. "This prosecution sends a message to everyone in Kansas and elsewhere that there will be serious consequences for those who seek to profit by violating state and federal wildlife laws, especially at the expense of those who hunt and guide lawfully."

The Lacey Act is a federal law that makes it illegal to knowingly transport or sell in interstate commerce any wildlife taken or possessed in violation of state law or regulation. According to court documents filed in the case, James and Marlin Butler conspired together to knowingly transport and sell in interstate commerce deer that had been hunted in violation of Kansas state law.

In particular, the brothers operated a guiding service and hunting camp near Coldwater at which they sold guiding services to out-of-state hunters for the purpose of illegally hunting and killing white-tailed deer and mule deer. Hunters guided by the Butler brothers killed deer in excess of annual bag limits, hunted deer without permits or with permits for the wrong deer management unit, killed deer using illegal equipment, and hunted using prohibited methods such as spotlighting. The guided hunts were sold for between $2,500 and $5,500 and in several instances resulted in the killing of trophy-sized buck deer.

In addition to selling guiding services, the brothers also arranged for transport of the deer, in particular the antlers and capes, from Kansas to Texas and Louisiana.

James Butler also pleaded guilty to instructing another person to conceal or destroy evidence during the investigation.

“This is the largest case in the history of wildlife law enforcement in Kansas," said Steve Oberholtzer, special agent in charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Mountain-Prairie Region. "Trophy deer are an important resource for the state of Kansas from both wildlife and economic standpoints. Joint investigations such as this one demonstrate that the combined efforts of state and federal agencies and federal prosecutors result in prosecutions that hold those who violate the law accountable. We are grateful to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their assistance in this case and hope that it will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider exploiting our nation's wildlife for personal gain."

The case was investigated by the USFWS, KDWP, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and jointly prosecuted by District of Kansas U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom's office and the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Crimes Section.

Kansas Deer Hunting: TUTTLE CREEK YOUTH/DISABLED DEER HUNT SEPT. 10-11

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Application deadline Aug. 1
MANHATTAN — The 9th Annual Tuttle Creek Youth/Disabled Assisted Deer Hunt is just around the corner, and staff and volunteers with the Riley County Fish and Game Association, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), and the Tuttle Creek Lake Corps of Engineers are seeking participants for the hunt, which will be held Sept.10-11.

The application deadline is Aug. 1.

Kansas youth 11 through 16 years of age and Kansas residents with a certified disability are eligible to participate in this hunt. Participants need a deer permit, and, if required by Kansas law, a Kansas hunting license and an approved hunter education course. Assistance meeting these requirements, including scholarship assistance to purchase a hunting license and deer permit, is available through sponsoring agencies and associations.

Hunt participants will also be required to attend a firearm safety presentation and sight-in at the Fancy Creek Range on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 21. If participants do not have a rifle or ammunition for the hunt, these items will be provided. Each participant will be guided by an experienced hunter. Arrangements have been made with area lockers, where basic processing of harvested deer will be handled free of charge.

Other items provided for this hunt include accessible hunting blinds, hunting locations, hunter orange hats and vests, and transportation to the field.

Additional groups and organizations contributing to this hunt include the Friends of Fancy Creek Range, the Kansas City Chapter of Safari Club International, and the Tuttle Creek Lake Association.

For more information or an application, phone Steve Prockish at the Tuttle Creek Lake Corps of Engineers Office, 785-539-8511, ext. 3167, or email Stephen.E.Prockish@usace.army.mil.

Missouri Managed deer hunt applications open July 1, close Aug. 15

Hunters can apply for nearly 100 archery, muzzleloader and modern

firearms hunts, including events for youths and hunters with disabilities.

JEFFERSON CITY–Deer hunters have until August 15 to apply for 99 managed hunts. The hunts will take place from mid-September through January and have openings for more than 6,000 hunters.

The Missouri Department of Conservation holds a drawing to determine who gets to participate in special managed deer hunts at conservation areas, state parks, national wildlife refuges and urban parks. The application period opens July 1 each year. The hunts are open to Missouri residents and nonresidents.

This is the second year that applications must be made online. Wildlife Management Chief Mike Schroer said advancing technology permitted the switch to an exclusively Web-based application process.

“With the growth of Internet access through home computers, laptops, smart phones and other technology, most hunters have Internet access – if not at home, then through family, friends, hunting partners or community locations such as public libraries,” said Schroer. “We encourage hunters to take advantage of these connections to apply for managed hunts.”

Types of hunts include archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, historic methods and modern firearms – plus youth hunts and hunts for persons with disabilities. Hunt dates, locations and other details will be listed on the managed hunt application at www.mdc.mo.gov/node/3867. Details about managed hunts also are available in the 2011 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting booklet, which is available from permit vendors statewide.

Hunters may apply individually or as groups of up to six, except for youth hunts. Youths may apply singly or with one other youth. Applicants need a nine-digit Conservation ID number for each hunter to complete the application process. If you do not have a Conservation ID Number, call 573-751-4115 to obtain one.

The Conservation Department will post drawing results at the same website Sept. 14. Successful applicants also will receive area maps and other information regarding their hunt in the mail.

Resident or nonresident managed deer hunting permits are required to take part in managed hunts. These permits will be available to successful applicants after Sept. 14 from any permit vendor statewide.

The Conservation Department implemented a preference point system in 2007 to give unsuccessful applicants for managed deer hunts an advantage in future drawings. Preference points are like extra pieces of paper in a hat. Hunters who apply for the first time or who were drawn for hunts the previous year have only one piece of paper with their name on it in the hat. Those who entered but were not drawn the previous year get an extra piece of paper in the hat for each unsuccessful year. For example, a hunter who was not drawn four years in a row would have five pieces of paper in the hat the fifth time he or she applied.

Missouri Deer Hunters - Info from Last Conservation Commission Meeting

Image via WikipediaSeasons and Other Regulation Change Info

Firearms Deer Season

• Urban Zones Portion: Oct. 7-10 in select zones; limit one antlerless deer on an Any-Deer Permit. Additional antlerless deer may be taken on Firearms Antlerless Deer Permits.
• Youth Portion – Early: Nov. 5-6 statewide; limit one deer of either sex on an Any-Deer Permit or in select counties one antlerless deer on a Firearms Antlerless Deer Permit.
• Youth Portion – Late: Jan. 7-8, 2012 statewide; limit one deer of either sex on an Any-Deer Permit. Additional antlerless deer may be taken in select counties on Firearms Antlerless Deer Permits.
• November Portion: Nov. 12-22 statewide; limit one deer of either sex on an Any-Deer Permit. Additional antlerless deer may be taken in select counties on Firearms Antlerless Deer Permits.
• Antlerless Portion: Nov. 23-Dec. 4 in select counties; limit one antlerless deer on an Any-Deer Permit. Additional antlerless deer may be taken on Firearms Antlerless Deer Permits.
• Muzzleloader Portion: Dec. 17-27 statewide, limit one deer of either sex on an Any-Deer Permit. Additional antlerless deer may be taken in select counties on Firearms Antlerless Deer Permits.

The Commission also

• Approved managed deer hunts and deer-hunting regulations for conservation areas. Details will be published in the 2011 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet. The booklet will be available in July wherever hunting permits are sold, or at www.missouriconservation.org.
• Changed the Kansas City and Columbia/Jefferson City urban zone boundaries in response to staff and citizen comments about the effects of urban zone regulations on deer numbers and herd characteristics. The changes are intended to better define the areas where increased opportunity for antlerless harvest is desirable and remove areas where regular seasons and limits allow hunters and landowners to meet their management goals.
• Approved continuing the antler-point restriction where it was in effect last year, and extending it to the portion of Platte County not included in the Kansas City Urban Zone.
• Approved managed deer hunts for 2011-2012, which includes new managed hunts at Fellows Lake, Lake Springfield, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and Powder Valley Nature Center.
• Approved the use of unlimited antlerless permits during the archery season in Bollinger, Madison and Wayne counties.
• Approved regulation changes to take effect during the 2012-2013 deer and turkey hunting seasons. These include approving the use of atlatls during the archery deer and turkey hunting seasons and allowing the use of archery methods, crossbows, atlatls, handguns and air-powered guns during the muzzleloader portion of firearms deer season.

More from Meeting

Wisconsin Outdoor News...Deer Information Included

This is the Wisconsin Outdoor Report.  We have highlighted the deer news in bold.

June is an important month for wildlife in Wisconsin, and reports from across the state this week indicate some wildlife activities that have been delayed by the cool spring are reaching their peak. Numerous reports of abandoned fawns have come into DNR offices this week. Fawns are rarely abandoned. White-tail does will leave fawns alone for protection from predators, but they are nearby and will return to care for fawns. If you see a fawn in the wild, leave it alone and quietly leave the area. Also, many yearling deer have been pushed to fend for themselves as the does are taking care of their new fawns. These yearlings are moving about and are often sighted along roadsides, and because of this June is one of the highest months for vehicle-deer collision.

There were also reports from across the state that turtles have been actively nesting in the last week, and many times this activity takes place along roadways, or turtles cross roadways to reach nesting sites. Please watch for and avoid turtles on or near roads. Some turtles such as the wood and Blanding’s turtles take 15 years to reach maturity. If a turtle is crossing a road, and you can do it safely, move the turtle across the road in the direction it was headed. Be very cautious of snapping turtles and only drag them by their tails. See a news release and video on the DNR website for more information.

Black bears also move into their breeding season in June, and male bears are now on the move in search of receptive sows. Those sows have emancipated their yearling cubs, which are also on the move, and often will stay near homes to avoid the older males. If a young bear is remaining near your home, remove all sources of food such as bird and pet food and garbage, and chase the bear away making loud noises.

Following last week’s warm temperatures, Wisconsin returned to more seasonable weather pattern in the last week. Most of the state also received much needed rainfall in the last week. Water temperatures remain in the lower 70s in the north and to the mid 70s in the south, which has triggered bluegill spawning on southern lakes. The harvest season for bass opens this Saturday in the northern zone, and fisheries biologists are encouraging anglers on some lakes, especially in the northwest, to consider harvesting some bass. The strong catch-and-release ethic among bass anglers has lead to an overabundance of bass in some waters, which fish manager believe may be having a negative impact on walleye populations.

Some very good catfishing was reported at the Peshtigo harbor and along the lowr Fox River at Green Bay. Walleye fishing remained good at Oconto and smallmouth bass fishing was good along Door County. Perch fishing was mixed, but there were some reports of nice size perch along the Door peninsula. Trollers had a good week with some limits being brought in, mostly of coho, but also some chinook as well as rainbow and lake trout.
Spring wildflowers are now giving way to more summer bloomers, with reports of sunflowers, white wild indigo, hoary puccoon, beards tongue, yarrow, goat's beard, and prairie larkspur blooming. Monarchs, mourning cloaks, swallowtails, and luna moths are being seen. Dragonflies have finally appeared and are putting a dent in the mosquito population, and there continue to be reports of high numbers of ticks, so be sure to check yourself and pets especially after walking through tall grass.

Public hearings set on proposed changes to Indiana deer hunting rules

The Natural Resources Commission will conduct two public hearings on proposed changes to deer hunting rules next month. The components of the proposed deer rules changes include modifications to the season structure, bag limits, hunting equipment, and licensing requirements.

The proposed rule language and fact sheet can be found at: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2362.htm. Individuals can provide comments at one of the public hearings scheduled as follows:

Monday, July 25Spring Mill Inn
Spring Mill State Park
3333 St. Rd. 60 East
Mitchell, IN 47446
6 p.m. (EDT)

Tuesday, July 26Community Building
Miami County Fairgrounds
1029 W. 200 N.
Peru, IN 46970
6 p.m. (EDT)

Submit comments regarding these proposed changes to the NRC at http://www.IN.gov/nrc/2377.htm by clicking on "Comment on Proposed Rule" next to the "Deer Amendments." The deadline for submitting comments is Wednesday, July 27.

Comments can also be mailed to:

Natural Resources Commission
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Ave., Room N501
Indianapolis, IN 46204

All comments sent to the NRC regarding these proposed rule changes will be provided to its members and DNR staff, and will be publicly disclosed and searchable on the Internet and in a paper docket as part of the final report.

SENTENCING IN KANSAS FELONY DEER POACHING OPERATION SET FOR JUNE 21 AND 24

Pair face prison sentencing, heavy fines, suspension of hunting privileges
WICHITA — On March 16, James Bobby Butler Jr. and Marlin Jackson Butler — both of Martinsville, Texas — pleaded guilty in federal court in Wichita to felony conspiracy and wildlife trafficking charges stemming from the illegal sale of guided deer hunts in southern Kansas. On Tuesday, June 21, James Bobby Butler, Jr., will be sentenced in the federal court at 10 a.m. At 1 p.m., Kansas U.S. attorney Barry Grissom will hold a press conference regarding the case at the Great Plains Nature Center, 29th and Woodlawn in Wichita.

Butler, Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, one substantive Lacey Act count, and one count of obstruction of justice. Marlin Butler, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and one Lacey Act count. Marlin Butler will be sentenced June 24. Charges for others involved in the case are still pending.

The Lacey Act is a federal law that makes it illegal to knowingly transport or sell in interstate commerce any wildlife taken or possessed in violation of state law or regulation. The maximum penalty for a felony violation of the conspiracy statute and the Lacey Act includes as many as five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the obstruction charge against James Butler includes as many as 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine. According to the plea agreements, the prosecution agreed to recommend sentences of 41 months in prison for James Butler and 27 months in prison for Marlin Butler, in addition to fines, restitution, and three years of supervised release during which time both Butler brothers would be prohibited from all hunting and guiding activity.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The case is being jointly prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and Environmental Crimes Section of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

Michigan Hunters: Here's a Great Deal for You!

Hunters and Anglers Get Big Discounts on Michigan International Speedway Tickets

Race fans who hunt or fish - or want to try their hand at it - now have an extra incentive to pick up a license, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. Michigan International Speedway (MIS) is offering 50 percent off Friday and Saturday grandstand tickets for its June race weekend, and $10 off Turn 1 Sunday grandstand tickets for June, for those who show a 2011 Michigan hunting or fishing license.

Guests must first visit the DNR booth at the speedway June 17-19, show their license and get a discount voucher to use at the MIS box office (restrictions apply). Hunting and fishing licenses are available at any Michigan license agent or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com, and will also be available for purchase at the speedway for those who don't already have one.

"A great deal on a weekend of racing excitement at MIS adds to the many benefits of buying a hunting or fishing license," said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. "A license gives you the chance to enjoy some of the finest hunting and fishing around, and also supports the conservation efforts that help keep Michigan among the best places to experience the outdoors."

Director Stokes added that Michigan offers ample opportunity for quality hunting and fishing, with more than 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, more freshwater shoreline than any other state and 8 million acres of public hunting land. "Pick up your license and explore Michigan's hunting and fishing opportunities to find out why we rank third in the nation in licensed hunters and why Field and Stream recently named us the No. 1 fly-fishing destination in the nation," he said.

For more information about MIS - located in southeast Michigan's Irish Hills at the intersection of U.S. 12 and Michigan Highway 50 - and its racing events, visit www.mispeedway.com or call 800-354-1010.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go towww.michigan.gov/dnr.

Michigan Deer Hunting News: Natural Resources Commission Votes to Lift Deer Baiting Ban

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission on Thursday voted 4-3 to lift the current deer baiting and feeding ban in the state's Lower Peninsula. The ban had been in place since 2008, when Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was detected in a deer at a private deer breeding facility in Kent County.

Baiting will still be prohibited in Deer Management Unit (DMU) 487, the six-county Bovine Tuberculosis zone in northeastern Lower Michigan. The counties where baiting will continue to be prohibited are Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle.

The NRC approved a proposal to allow baiting in limited quantities from Oct. 1 to Jan. 1. Hunters may place any type of bait, no more than two gallons at a time, across a 10-foot by 10-foot area per hunting location.

The NRC also reinstated recreational feeding of deer in the Lower Peninsula, with the exception of DMU 487. Property owners may place two gallons of bait on their property within 100 yards of their residence year-round.

The NRC also placed a three-year sunset on the regulations, which means it will reconsider the baiting issue again in 2014.

In 2008, the Department of Natural Resources announced it had detected the state's first case of CWD in a three year-old female deer at a private deer breeding facility in Kent County. At the time, the Department followed protocol as outlined in the state's emergency response plan for CWD and immediately banned baiting and feeding of white-tailed deer in the Lower Peninsula. The NRC then passed regulations making the ban permanent, but said it would reconsider the ban in three years, giving the DNR adequate time to perform disease testing and surveillance in the state for CWD.

In the three-year period, the DNR tested thousands of white-tailed deer for CWD, but did not detect another case.

The NRC also directed the department to work with the Legislature to strengthen the penalties for baiting violations. A potential bill sponsor has been identified who supports establishing an escalating scale of penalties for repeat offenders, which would include mandatory hunting license revocation.

If hunters do use bait, the DNR requests they not place bait repeatedly at the same point on the ground, and only place bait out when they are actively hunting. This may minimize the chance of direct and indirect exposure of deer to any unknown disease that may be present.

For more information about CWD, go to www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go towww.michigan.gov/dnr.

KANSAS LEFTOVER NONRESIDENT DEER PERMITS ON SALE JUNE 15

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4,395 permits left over from May nonresident drawing
PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced that leftover nonresident deer permits will be sold online and over-the-counter on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 12:01 a.m. June 15. After the initial nonresident deer permit drawing in May, KDWP had 4,395 permits left over in 11 deer management units for the 2011 season. These permits will go on sale for those nonresidents who were unsuccessful in the initial drawing or did not apply.

With these permits, the hunter designates unit and equipment/season choice, as well as one adjacent unit, at time of purchase. They will be sold to any nonresident who does not already have a 2011 permit at license vendors, online at the KDWP website (www.kdwp.state.ks.us under “License/Permits”), or by phoning 620-672-5911 and asking for Licensing.

The number of leftover Nonresident Whitetail Either Sex Deer permits includes the following: Unit 6 — 259; Unit 8 — 448; Unit 9 — 326; Unit 10 — 590; Unit 11 — 872; Unit 12 — 488; Unit 13 — 435; and Unit 14 — 628; Unit 15 — 181; Unit 16 — 118; and Unit 18 — 50.

Hunters who purchase a leftover permit will lose any preference points they may have accumulated for next year's drawing. Applicants who were successful in the nonresident drawing may not purchase a leftover permit. No hunter may purchase more than one permit that allows the take of an antlered deer. An antlered deer permit is required before purchasing a Whitetail Antlerless-Only Deer permit.

Updated information on the number of permits leftover may be found on the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click "Hunting/Applications and Fees/Deer/Quotas and Draw Stats." Those without internet access may phone620-672-5911 and ask for Licensing.

South Dakota: East River and Refuge Deer Hunting Seasons Proposed

PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed a 2011 East River Deer hunting season that is very similar to the one conducted in 2010.

One proposed change is an adjustment in the number of licenses available to hunters. There would be 1,500 more 1-tag licenses, 5,110 fewer 2-tag licenses, and 3,200 more 3-tag licenses available in 2011 compared to 2010.

Another proposed rule change would repeal an administrative rule for designation of areas where free landowner antlerless deer licenses are valid. A recent rule change by the Commission makes these licenses available to farmers and ranchers based on license drawing results from the previous year so individuals will know at the time of application which hunting units will be valid for use of the free antlerless deer licenses.

Season dates have already been established for East River Deer and will run from Nov. 19 through Dec. 4, and then for antlerless permits only from Dec. 31 through Jan. 8.

The deer hunting seasons for Sand Lake, LaCreek and Waubay National Wildlife Refuges were also proposed.

Changes from 2010 would include offering resident hunters 50 fewer 2-tag "any deer plus antlerless deer" licenses for Sand Lake, and 5 fewer for nonresidents; and change the 1-tag "antlerless whitetail" license for Lacreek to 2-tag "antlerless whitetail" licenses.

Additional information is on the GFP website at http://www.gfp.sd.gov/agency/commission/default.aspx.

 

Those who wish to provide written comments on the proposal may do so until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6. Comments may be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, S.D., 57501, or e-mailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us . Each comment must have the sender's full name and address in order to be included in the public record.

Comments may also be presented in person at the public hearing during the GFP Commission meeting, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT on Thursday, July 7, at the Ramkota in Pierre.

North Dakota Deer Hunting News: White-tailed Deer Study Helps Biologists

A study of white-tailed deer in the Wing-Tuttle area has provided North Dakota Game and Fish Department biologists with invaluable information.

Bill Jensen, Department big game biologist, said research focuses on seasonal movements, mortality factors, habitat use, population biology and other management questions.

The study involved radio-collaring 62 adult females. In addition, four adult males, eight female fawns and six male fawns were ear-tagged. “We contacted area landowners in the fall of 2009 to let them know what we would be doing,” Jensen said.

In mid-February 2010, 48 deer were fitted with collars and tagged, and another 14 were collared this past winter. As of April 1, South Dakota State University graduate student Brian Schaffer has made more than 3,700 relocations of these radio-collared deer.

Some of the information biologists have obtained centers on general movement, and Jensen said the average distance deer move from summer to winter habitat is 3.8 miles. “The farthest a deer traveled was 17 miles, and the flip side of that is some didn’t move much as they stayed in the immediate vicinity of where they were collared,” he said.

A total of 16 radio-collared deer have died; one from starvation, four were harvested by hunters, three from vehicles, two from predation and six from undetermined causes. “The two confirmed deaths by coyote predation had been observed on deer with prior physical problems,” Jensen said. “Both of these deer were in very poor physical condition, one with an injured front leg and one with a fractured hind leg. These two were observed in progressively declining physical condition for four to six weeks prior to their death. This shows the value of having someone visually monitor the condition of deer.”

Schaffer was able to monitor the reproductive performance of 36 radio-collared adult females during the summer and fall of 2010; 26 were observed with one fawn and 10 had two fawns. Visual observations were not made on the remaining 12 does and their reproductive performance is unknown.

The study will continue through December, with a final report expected next summer.

Deer Gun Applications Due June 8- North Dakota

North Dakota deer hunters are reminded the deadline for submitting applications for the 2011 gun season is June 8. Hunters are encouraged to apply online at the State Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

The deadline applies to muzzleloader, regular gun, gratis and nonresident landowner, and youth antlered mule deer applications (specifically for antlered mule deer in units 3B1, 3B2, and 4A-4F).

The deadline for regular statewide youth licenses is Sept. 1. In addition, the deadline for submitting an antlerless white-tailed deer gun application for ages 12 and 13 is Sept. 1. Hunters are reminded that completion of a hunter education course is required before applying.

Hunters who choose not to apply online can print out an application to mail at the Game and Fish Department website. Applications are also accepted by calling (800) 406-6409, and paper forms are available at county auditors, license vendors and Game and Fish offices.

Anyone mailing applications to the Game and Fish Department is advised to mail early because some post offices use the following day’s postmark for mail received after regular hours. The department’s online application feature will be deactivated June 8 at midnight.

Opportunity for Indiana Youth to Learn Hunting and Outdoor Skills

This year's Youth Day at the Range at J. Edward Roush Fish & Wildlife Area is June 19, 9 a.m. to noon.

The day includes basic gun safety, shotguns and clay targets, rifle shooting, an archery demonstration, instruction in the use of deer, turkey, duck and goose calls, door prizes, and a free lunch.

Reserve a spot by calling (260) 468-2165 before June 12.

Sponsors include Roush FWA, Lime City Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, Flint Springs Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Huntington County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

The shooting range is located east of Highway 5 on Division Road in Huntington County.

The range's regular hours are Tuesdays through Sundays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hearing and eye protection are required and may be purchased from the Range Master's Headquarters at the range along with targets and ammunition. The normal fees for the shooting range are $4, $80 for an adult annual pass, $2 for age 16 and younger, and $40 for a youth annual pass.

For more information, visit http://in.gov/dnr/fishwild/6358.htm.

Wisconsin deer Hunters: Program for Opening Private Ground to Outdoor Activities

MADISON – The public has until July 1, 2011 to submit comments on a federally required environmental assessment that will clear the way for spending federal grant dollars to lease public access rights for hunting, fishing, trapping and other wildlife-dependent recreation from willing private landowners.

The federal dollars were received in the fall of 2010 through a new program called the Voluntary Public Access – Habitat Improvement Program. This new program will complement the current Public Hunting Ground lease program in southern and southeastern Wisconsin. More recently, Wisconsin learned that it will likely receive a second round of funding toward this effort.

The new program will encompass a total of four focus areas.

Three of these focus areas will be in the northeast, south-central, and west-central portions of the state. A fourth new focus area in southwestern Wisconsin, will concentrate on stream and fishing access.

All of the proposed focus areas will overlap with Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program eligible counties. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has chosen to focus the program near population centers in Wisconsin to maximize recreational use.

“The establishment of focus areas will allow for more effective implementation and will alleviate pressure on any single, isolated property,” said Missy Sparrow, DNR wildlife biologists and project coordinator. “Creating blocks of properties or access sites will ensure a concentration of habitats and fish and wildlife populations suitable for recreational opportunities.”

The federal dollars were appropriated in the most recent federal Farm Bill, which is the primary agricultural and food policy tool of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As a condition of receiving the funds, the agency is required to complete an environmental assessment in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act requirements.

A copy of the document can be found on the [www.fsa.usda.gov] website (exit DNR) . Comments will be accepted until July 1, 2011. To request a hard copy of Wisconsin’s Voluntary Public Access – Habitat Improvement Program environmental assessment or to submit comments, contact Melissa Sparrow via e-mail at Melissa.Sparrow@wisconsin.gov or via U.S. mail to 1155 Pilgrim Road, Plymouth, WI 53073.