Midwest Deer Hunting: September 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

North Dakota: Permit Required to Possess Road-Killed Deer

Image by Edith OSB via Flickr

North Dakota Game and Fish Department enforcement personnel reminds the public that a permit is required before taking possession, or any part, of a road-killed deer, including the skull with antlers.

Permits to possess road-killed deer are free and available from game wardens and local law enforcement offices.

In addition, hunters are reminded to properly dispose of dead deer. Harvested deer cannot be left on the side of a roadway or in a ditch.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

North Dakota: Residents Only on PLOTS, State WMAs

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Out-of-state hunters are reminded that state law does not allow nonresidents to hunt on North Dakota Game and Fish Department owned or managed lands during the first week of the pheasant season.

Private Land Open to Sportsmen acreage and state wildlife management areas are open to hunting by resident hunters only from Oct. 8-14. Nonresidents, however, can still hunt those days on other state-owned and federal lands, or private land.

The law applies to all small game, waterfowl, furbearer and big game hunting on PLOTS and state wildlife management areas during the first seven days of the pheasant season. Starting Oct. 15 this year, nonresidents may hunt on PLOTS and WMAs as long as the appropriate season is open.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Changes to Public Hunting Access in Southeast Ohio

Male Kansas White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virg...

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ATHENS, OH – Access to some popular public hunting lands in southeast Ohio has changed, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

April 14, 2011 marked the end of a five-year agreement between the Southern Ohio Scioto Land Company and the ODNR Division of Wildlife to provide hunters almost 40,000 acres of public access in southeast Ohio.

“During the last several years, the Department of Natural Resources actively acquired a large segment of those lands, most of which are now open to public hunting,” said Mark Hemming, district manager for Wildlife District 4 in southeast Ohio.

In 2007, the Division of Wildlife purchased 4,879 acres in Jackson and Ross counties. Broken ARO Wildlife Area in eastern Jackson County provides 3,007 acres of excellent habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other forest wildlife species. Coalton Wildlife Area in northern Jackson County provides 1,729 acres of good habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and squirrels. Because of select timbering, the area should provide good ruffed grouse habitat in upcoming years. The 143-acre Kinnikinnik Wildlife Area on the northern edge of Ross County provides excellent fishing in the Scioto River as well as good hunting opportunities. Several species of spring wildflowers can be found on the area, and the corridor has excellent potential for observing bald eagles and other migratory bird species.

Additionally, ODNR finalized in 2010 the purchase of 15,494 acres in Vinton County, now known as the Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest and the Vinton Furnace Wildlife Area. This land, formerly known as the Raccoon Ecological Management Area, remains permanently open for public hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation, and is managed in partnership by the divisions of Wildlife and Forestry.

Information on these and other wildlife areas can be found at www.wildohio.com or by calling the Wildlife District 4 Office in southeastern Ohio at 740-589-9930.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Wisconsin: End of Operation Deer Watch survey period

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MADISON -- September 30 marks the end of the Operation Deer Watch survey. While the survey period is over, wildlife watchers still have until Oct. 15 to report their deer observations. Observations can be reported by going to the Operation Deer Watch page of the Department of Natural Resources website.

People without access to a computer and the web, can send tally sheets to: Wildlife Surveys, Attn: Brian Dhuey, 2801 Progress Road, Madison, WI 53716

Data from the survey will be combined with similar data collected from DNR personnel. These data, along with harvest and age information, will be used in estimating deer densities in most of the state’s deer management units at the end of the hunting season.

Observations have come in from 96 of 139 deer management units in the state. DMU 35 has the greatest number of observations (57), followed by DMU 60M with 35 observations.

To date, observers have reported 370 bucks, 295 unknowns, 855 does without fawns, 327 fawns without does, 391 does with one fawn, 314 does with two fawns, and 62 does with three fawns. Preliminary data shows the statewide fawn-to-doe ratio at 0.94.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Dhuey (608) 221-6342 or Jes Rees (608) 221-6360.

Wisconsin-Outdoor Report Summary for September 22, 2011

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Temperatures were comfortable for the first few days of the archery deer, squirrel, turkey, and exterior goose seasons last Saturday, but rain on Sunday made many hunters stay home. Youth waterfowl hunters reported good success during their two-day hunt, with mostly blue-wing teal, mallards and wood ducks harvested, along with some geese. Turkey hunters report turkeys are still flocked up in family groups. Archery hunters had some success on opening weekend in southern Wisconsin, with a number of registration stations having some deer brought in, with most of the bucks having polished antlers and gray winter coats. Bucks are still grouped up and many are still in summer patterns, but the cooler weather is starting to get deer moving, so drivers should start being more aware of deer crossing roads.

The northern duck zone and new Mississippi duck and Canada goose zone seasons open this Saturday, and waterfowlers out scouting are reporting increasing numbers of migratory geese moving into the state and just a few northern ducks starting to show up. Wildlife crews have been out activating banding locally breeding ducks at major wildlife areas, and are reporting good numbers of mallards and wood ducks. Hunters that shoot a banded duck are asked to go online to www.reportband.gov and report the band number and where the bird was harvested.

With so many hunting seasons open, fishing pressure showed a sharp drop on many waters. In the north, there have still been quite a few musky anglers out and they have been seeing quite a bit of action along the deep weed edges. Some anglers have started dragging suckers with only mediocre success due to the warm early fall water temperatures. Walleye fishing has been steadily improving. Bass continue to be found in relatively shallow water with the best action late afternoons after the water has warmed up.

Bluegills were being caught throughout the Mississippi River backwaters. White bass and walleye were being caught below dams on the Rock River and catfishing has been good on the Crawfish River.

Strong southeast winds in the last week have made fishing on Green Bay and Lake Michigan difficult. Anglers continued to report some walleye and perch on the west shore off Oconto and some perch action at Little Sturgeon Bay on the Door County. Salmon were scattered up the Manitowoc and Twin rivers, but only a small number were seen by the dams with few caught. Similarly, despite some rain in the last week, water levels remain low on southeastern Lake Michigan tributaries, and few salmon have started to move upstream yet, though some were reported on the Sheboygan and Root rivers.

Sandhill cranes are flocking up and some large groups are being seen. Blackbirds are forming some very large flocks also. There have been several reports in southern Wisconsin of collared whooping cranes being seen. Waterfowl hunters are being cautioned to make sure they watch out for whooping cranes and trumpeter swans.

Fall color is really starting to come on in the north, with about a dozen counties now reporting colors at 25 to 50 percent and Vilas County reporting color at 50 to 75 percent on the Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report (exit DNR).

Monday, September 26, 2011

North Dakota: Deer, Fall Turkey Licenses Available

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As of Sept. 26, interested deer and fall turkey hunters still have time to purchase a license for the 2011 hunting seasons. Hunters should check the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov for an updated list of licenses available.

While more than 97 percent of North Dakota’s deer licenses have been issued, nearly 2,500 antlerless licenses remain for the 2011 season. Doe licenses are available in units 2D, 2L, 3F1, 3F2 and 4F. There is no limit to the number of deer licenses a hunter can receive.

These remaining antlerless licenses – and doe licenses that have already been issued and are printed with second, third or additional concurrent season designations – can be used during any open season: bow season with a bow; the deer gun season with a bow, rifle, or muzzleloader; or during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloader. Hunters must stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.

In addition, remaining licenses in units 3F1, 3F2 and 4F can be used during the special herd reduction season, which is open Sept. 23 through Oct. 7.

North Dakota’s 2011 deer gun season runs from Nov. 4-20. The archery season extends through Jan. 8, 2012, and muzzleloader season is Nov. 25 – Dec. 11. License fees are $20 for residents and $55 for nonresidents.

Nearly 350 fall turkey licenses remain for the following units: Unit 03, Benson and Ramsey counties and a portion of Pierce County; Unit 25, McHenry County and portions of Pierce and Ward counties; Unit 51, Burke County and portions of Renville, Bottineau and Ward counties; and Unit 99, Mercer and Oliver counties. There is a limit of 15 wild turkey licenses per hunter.

The fall turkey season opens Oct. 8 and continues through Jan. 8, 2012. Turkey licenses are $8 for residents and $80 for nonresidents.

Resident and nonresident deer and fall turkey hunters can apply online at the Game and Fish Department website. Applications are also available by calling the Department’s Bismarck office at (701) 328-6300.

Hunters Encouraged to Donate Venison in Northeast Ohio

AKRON, OH - Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH), a ministry that provides nutritious venison to the hungry through food banks and local feeding programs now has eleven participating coordinators in Northeast Ohio. FHFH helps hunters return to their heritage as food-providers by transforming deer - renewable resources- into meals for the hungry.

Hunters in Northeast Ohio can contact the following coordinators to arrange deer donations at participating butchers. Hunters may also find information on 20 northeast Ohio drop-off locations at www.fhfh.org.

Ashland County: Darrell Christine, 419-571-9839, darrellchris@hotmail.com

Ashtabula, Geauga & Lake counties: Jason Traggiai, 440-548-5904,traggiai@windstream.net

Carroll County: Mark Oboy, 740-269-3024, mvoboy@eohio.net

Columbiana, Mahoning, & Trumbull counties: Carol Bretz, 330-424-7221, ext. 101,bretz@caaofcc.org

Cuyahoga, Erie, & Lorain counties: Pete Banks, 440-988-5495, pete@fhfh.org

Holmes County: Dustin Taylor, 330-231-3295, DustinMTaylor@gmail.com

Portage County: David Walstad, 330-256-1368, northernohiofhfh@yahoo.com

Stark County: TimothyWedekamm, 330-705-9260, TWedekamm@neo.rr.com

Trumbull County: Robert Hanusosky, 330-583-0088,rublinehunter@aol.com

Tuscarawas County: DeweyThompson, 740-502-5568, dl-thompson@sbcglogal.net

Wayne County: Fred Bradford & Dennis Derflinger, Fred 330-201-4117, Dennis 330-464-0284 fjbradfordllc@gmail.com, derfsdv@sssnet.com

Successful hunters donate deer to partnering butcher shops that are licensed and inspected by the health department or USDA. Regional food banks as well as local feeding programs and ministries that feed the hungry pick up the packaged, frozen meat from the butcher shop. Local FHFH chapters raise money to cover the butchering costs so that hunters can donate their deer free of charge. FHFH then matches that amount with grant monies from Division of Wildlife.

FHFH began in 1997 and blossomed from one Maryland County to over half of the states in the nation. Since its inception, FHFH has provided nutritious meat for millions of meals to the food banks and agencies that serve the poor across the country. FHFH is a 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Anyone interested in becoming a local Ohio FHFH coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the "Local FHFH" page at www.fhfh.org.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

North Dakota: Game and Fish Encourages Hunters to Donate Deer

With the special antlerless deer season in southwestern North Dakota opening Sept. 23, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is encouraging deer hunters to consider donating a deer to the Sportsman Against Hunger program.

SAH is a charitable program that raises money for processing of donated deer, and coordinates distribution of ground venison to food pantries in North Dakota. It is administered by the North Dakota Community Action Partnership, a nonprofit agency that serves low-income families across the state.

This year, in addition to archery season opening Sept. 2, an early antlerless deer gun season runs Sept. 23 - Oct. 7 in units 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 3F2 and 4F. “We strongly support the donation program and hope that deer hunters will do the same, not only during the early seasons, but the regular deer gun, archery and muzzleloader seasons,” Game and Fish Director Terry Steinwand said.

“We have enough funding for the program to grow this year,” said Ann Pollert, NDCAP executive director, “and our food pantries tell us they have a demand for all the venison we can provide them.”

A current statewide list of participating SAH venison donation processing sites is available by accessing the NDCAP website, capnd.org.

As of Sept. 19, all units open during the early season, except 3E2, still had antlerless licenses available.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Minnesota: Hunting barriers keep falling; opportunities keep rising

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Hunting in Minnesota has never been easier.

Yes, it’s more work than clicking the remote to bring a television to life. But thanks to technology and other changes it’s never been easier to find places to hunt, purchase a license, or introduce someone new to the sport.

“If you’ve got a phone, you can buy a license,” said C.B. Bylander, outreach section chief for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “If you’ve got a computer, you can download hundreds of great hunting maps and aerial photos. And if you’ve got the time, Minnesota has abundant grouse, deer, and other game populations that provide memories for a lifetime.”

Bylander said introducing someone new to hunting is easier these days too, thanks to the apprentice hunter validation provision. This option allows an individual who would normally be required to have a firearms safety certificate (but does not have one) to try hunting for two years under the supervision of a licensed hunter. Cost of the validation is $3.50, plus the purchase of the necessary hunting license.

“This a great option for friends and family members who have not taken or completed their firearms safety training,” said Bylander. “They can experience a hunt this fall; they can do it in a safe setting with a person they trust.”

Bylander said the DNR has taken other steps in the past decade to make hunting easier and more family friendly. The cost of youth licenses have been cut in half or are free, depending upon age. The draw weight for taking big game by archery has been reduced from 40 to 30 pounds to better accommodate youth, women and older adults. Youth age 17 and younger can now purchase a turkey license without having to participate in the lottery.

Bylander suggests those looking for information on how or where to hunt visit the following website locations:

General hunting information: mndnr.gov/hunting.
Find public hunting lands: mndnr.gov/hunting/tips.
Walk-In-Access areas: mndnr.gov/walkin.
Hunting opportunities for youth: nssf.org/Minnesota.
Ruffed Grouse hunting opportunities: mndnr.gov/grouse.
Apprentice Hunter Validation: mndnr.gov/safety/apprentice.
Purchase a hunting license: mndnr.gov/buyalicense.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Minnesota: Interactive Walk-In Access hunting maps now available online

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A free online atlas and interactive maps of hunting lands enrolled in Minnesota’s new Walk-In Access (WIA) program now are available to the public for viewing and downloading on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)website.

“Our website offers a number of ways for hunters to identify and locate WIA parcels,” said Marybeth Block, WIA coordinator for the DNR. “In addition to aerial maps, we offer some neat interactive options through Google maps, Google earth and the DNR recreational compass.”

Block said crews have posted boundary signs on more than 9,500 acres enrolled in the WIA program.

“WIA sites are not considered open until boundary signs are in place,” she said. “Maps representing WIA sites are general and may not accurately represent the actual legal or established boundary of these areas. They should be used for reference only.”

The public may hunt on any signed WIA parcels of land without getting additional permission from landowners. No motorized vehicle traffic is allowed. Trapping, trap shooting, fishing, dog training or other activities outside of hunting are prohibited.

“The future of this program depends on the positive perceptions of the landowners involved in the program,” Block said. “We ask hunters to follow a code of conduct that respects the land and the people living near the WIA parcels.”

The code of conduct can be found online with the hunting atlas, interactive maps and other WIA information.

The Walk-In Access program is a collaborative effort among the DNR, Board of Water and Soil Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access Program, which funded the three-year pilot program.

Minnesota: No roadkill permits for deer in CWD management zone

Minnesota State Highway shield - Uses Type D F...

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With white-tailed deer becoming more active as fall arrives, increasing the chances of deer-vehicle collisions, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that no roadkill possession permits will be issued in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management zone in southeastern Minnesota. Normally, when a driver accidentally kills a deer, a local law enforcement officer can issue a roadkill permit for purposes of salvaging the meat.

The CWD management zone was established early this year after a white-tailed deer taken by a hunter last November near a captive elk farm outside of Pine Island tested positive for CWD, a fatal brain disease that can affect deer, moose and elk. The zone includes southeast Goodhue County, southwest Wabasha County, northwest Olmsted County and northeast Dodge County.

There is no evidence CWD can be transmitted to humans. The roadkill permit ban is being imposed to minimize chances of the disease being spread outside the zone by transport of carcasses.

Earlier this year, as part of its CWD response plan, DNR implemented a culling operation on the deer herd in the zone and tested nearly 1,200 animals taken by sharpshooters and landowners under special permits. None tested positive. Using liberalized bag limits and mandated CWD testing for any deer harvested in the special management zone (Deer Permit Area 602), DNR will continue to monitor for any further evidence of the disease.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Ohio Hunters Asked to Help Spot Asian Longhorned Beetle

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio hunters are asked to be on the lookout for trees displaying signs and symptoms of Ohio’s newest, non-native invasive insect, the Asian longhorned beetle, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Hunters pursuing game in Ohio’s woodlots, especially in southwestern Ohio, are encouraged to report sightings of any suspicious tree damage or beetles. While the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has only been found in Clermont County in Tate Township and parts of Monroe Township, hunters should be alert for this pest in trees across the state.

Trees affected by the ALB include all species of maple, birch, horse chestnut, poplar, willow, elm, ash, mimosa, mountain ash, London plane, and Ohio buckeye.

Hunters should look for trees displaying large, round exit holes with smooth edges, often oozing sap, as a strong indication ofALB activity. Frequently, piles of frass (insect waste and sawdust) are found at the base of infested trees and in branch crotches. Leaves of infested trees may also exhibit unseasonable yellowing or drooping.

Hunters can report suspicious tree damage or suspected ALBs by calling toll free at (855) 252-6450 or going online to www.BeetleBusters.info.

Hunters are also encouraged to buy firewood near their destination – BUY IT WHERE YOU BURN IT. Invasive species can “hitch-hike” to new wooded areas and cause infestations, impacting the landscapes that are enjoyed for hunting. There are several quarantines in Ohio that restrict the movement of firewood; protect our forests by not moving firewood.

The ALB already has caused tens of thousands of hardwood trees to be destroyed in Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.

This invasive beetle has no known natural predators and poses a threat to Ohio’s hardwood forests (more than $2.5 billion in standing maple timber) and the state’s $5 billion nursery industry, which employs nearly 240,000 people.

Learn more about the Asian longhorned beetle at agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/asianbeetle/

Kansas: NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY SEPT. 24

Events celebrate the contributions of hunters and anglers to conservation
PRATT — The 40th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) — designated by Congressional decree and Presidential Proclamation — will be held Sept. 24. The event is a nationwide celebration of hunters and anglers and their contributions to conservation.

This year, T. Boone Pickens is the honorary chair for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Pickens is one of America’s most prominent and influential businessmen. He is president and CEO of the investment firm BP Capital Management and founder of Mesa Petroleum.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Operations Office will host a NHFD event at its Pratt Operations Office located at 512 SE 25th Ave. (2 miles east and 1 mile south of Pratt) on Saturday, Sept. 24. The celebration will run from 8 a.m. through 1 p.m. The event will include a kids' fishing derby, a casting contest, catch and release fishing, archery, a canoe race, and other outdoor events.

National Hunting and Fishing Day was established in 1972 under President Nixon, when Congress dedicated the fourth Saturday of each September to recognize the efforts of generations of hunters and anglers who support wildlife conservation and habitat improvements with billons of dollars collected through fees on hunting and fishing licenses and permits, excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment, as well as donations. Many species such as white-tailed deer, turkey, pronghorn, elk, whooping cranes, and bald eagles were brought back from near extinction through management programs funded by sportsmen.

Celebrities traditionally lend their names to the National Hunting and Fishing Day cause by serving as honorary chairs. Previous honorary chairs include Jeff Foxworthy, Hank Williams Jr., Tom Seaver, Arnold Palmer, Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, George Brett, Robert Urich, Ward Burton, Louise Mandrell, Travis Tritt, Wade Boggs, Tracy Byrd, and Luke Bryan.

National Hunting and Fishing Day 2011 sponsors include Wonders of Wildlife, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Sportsman Channel, Realtree, Smith & Wesson, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Cabela's, GunBroker.com, Academy Sports + Outdoors, the Pope and Young Club, Yamaha Motor Corporation, and the Izaak Walton League.

For more information, including a detailed history of National Hunting and Fishing Day, as well as a feature article on Pickens, go online to www.nhfday.org. For events in your area, contact the nearest KDWPT office.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wisconsin: Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey

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The Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey will go live online beginning September 17, the opening day of the 2011 deer season. This will be the third year of the survey which asks deer hunters to report their field observations of a variety of wildlife species, hunting conditions and hours spent pursuing game. Deer hunters’ efforts have produced valuable information for estimating abundance and distribution of many of Wisconsin’s wildlife species. Results of previous years are available online.

The past two years, Wisconsin deer hunters have reported a total of 30,000 hunting trips encompassing 176,000 hunting hours. Trips have been reported from all 72 counties in both years. Statewide, deer hunters averaged seeing 0.28 deer per hunting hour in 2010. Deer seen per hour varied between regions with the high being the Western Farmland averaging 0.45 deer per hour and the low being the Central Forest averaging 0.18 deer per hour. The most frequently observed species other than deer were turkeys.

Hunters can find survey instructions, record sightings, and view survey results online at theWisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey webpage. A tally sheet is also available for times when hunters do not have access to the internet or a computer. Hunters should record all of their hunting activity throughout the deer season, even if no wildlife sightings were made. The survey period begins September 17 and runs through January 2012.

9/15 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report Update

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Wisconsin’s fall hunting seasons move into high gear this weekend with the opening of the Canada goose season on Friday, and the opening of fall turkey, archery deer, ruffed grouse, cotton tail rabbit and squirrel seasons on Saturday. This weekend there is also a special two-day youth waterfowl hunt (pdf) open to youths 10 to 15 years of age who are hunter safety certified or participating in a mentored hunt. Participants must be HIP registered and be accompanied by and adult.

There are some changes this year for turkey hunters and archery deer hunters. It will be more convenient for turkey hunters to register their birds this year, either toll-free over the phone at 1-888-HUNT-WIS (1-888-486-8947) or usingonline turkey registration (Note: link will become active when season opens) through the DNR website. There will no longer be turkey registration stations. The fall turkey hunting season will also be extended for turkey zones 1 through 5 to Dec. 31. This late season had a two-year trial period, but is now permanent. There are still plenty of turkey permits available for these zones this fall. Archery deer hunting will now be open during the nine-day gun deer season, which will make this the longest archer deer season on record.

Pleasant late-summer weather in the past week made for very nice fishing conditions. In the Northwoods, water temperatures dropped into the mid-60s spurring on fall feeding activity for most species. Musky and northern pike action continues to improve and anglers have reported some very good success. The hook-and-line sturgeon season into its second week with moderate pressure and quite a few fish being caught, including a couple legal 60-inch-plus fish reported. Bass fishing continued to become more erratic, but some excellent action has been experienced on a couple of days, especially for largemouth. Walleye success continues to improve with some decent catches reported from on and around mid-depth structure on leaches and crawlers. In the south smallmouth bass are very active and feeding on the Wisconsin River and walleye fishing remains good below dams on the Rock River. Panfish action has been good on many southern lakes.

On Green Bay, some very good perch fishing with some limits were being reported along Door County. Anglers were targeting musky on the lower bay and Fox River with some success this week. Lake Michigan trollers continue to work outside of harbors with success for chinook and brown trout as well as farther off shore with a mixed bag of chinook and coho salmon and brown and rainbow trout reported. Lake Michigan tributaries continue to run quite low. A few chinook were reported this week on the lower sections of the Manitowoc and Sheboygan rivers, but additional rainfall is needed to draw fish up tributaries for fall spawning.

Whitetail bucks are now being seen both with and without velvet. Archers are reminded that if they shoot a buck in velvet and want to keep the antlers they must contact a conservation warden and request written authorization.

Coyotes have been very vocal over the last several weeks. Family groups have established rendezvous sites. These are typically open areas including old log landings, abandoned quarries or grassy hillsides, where family groups meet to socialize, and prepare for an upcoming hunt. Pups are especially vocal at this time and will readily respond when howled at by a human voice.

Spots of autumn color are starting especially with some maples starting to turn. Iron County in far northern Wisconsin is reporting the most color at between 25 and 50 percent on the Department of Tourism’s newly revamped Fall Color Report (exit DNR), but peak color is still several weeks off in the north and a month or so in the south.

Ohio Hunters: Free Tree Stand Safety Course in Portage Lakes of Akron

AKRON, OH- Tree stand safety is oftentimes an overlooked but very important aspect of hunting. Tree stand accidents are the leading cause of injuries to hunters. Join Division of Wildlife staff in a free workshop to learn more about proper safety measures when using tree stands while hunting.

The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 6^th from 6:30pm-8:30pm at Division of Wildlife District Three headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron. Topics that will be covered include using and selecting fall restraint systems and tree stands as well safe climbing techniques. Hands-on opportunities will be available.

Registration is free but required as seating is limited. Call Ken Fry, Division of Wildlife, at (330) 245-3030.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

This fall, introduce someone to hunting

Image by elviskennedy via Flickr

Friends, family, fun, and food! What could be better? Well, that’s what hunting in Wisconsin is all about.

We’ve got a long tradition of being a leader in hunter numbers and participation and we intend to keep it that way. But participation in hunting is slipping some due to a variety of factors like increased urbanization, less unstructured free time, and a reduced deer population in parts of the state. We’ve done our best to address the deer population problem and we’ve gotten some cooperation from Mother Nature.

Now it’s time for us as hunters to do our part. The future of hunting in Wisconsin is bright – there is a constitutional guarantee of our right to hunt. However, who hunts in the future is up to us. I got started in hunting through friends and colleagues who mentored me and I want to give that back by introducing someone new to hunting. I hope you do too.

New hunters are best started by an experienced friend or family member. It takes time and commitment to start a hunting tradition – as I’m sure many of you know. But commitment – our commitment -- will serve as our legacy to the next generation in Wisconsin.

Hunters are directly responsible for a big part of the conservation of this state’s beautiful natural resources and we all want to pass that legacy on to the next generation. So invite a friend to try hunting this fall. Take your daughters hunting too. Nothing is better than time spent in the fall woods with our children.

Active hunters are clearly the most effective way to recruit new hunters. If each of us is able to start one more person hunting, the tradition will be secure for the next generation. So give it a try. Introduce a friend to hunting this fall. Your enthusiasm and commitment are needed and your efforts will be appreciated in the next generation. If we don’t do it, who will?

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke – (608) 576-5243

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