Midwest Deer Hunting: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Hunters Reminded to Confirm Their Favorite Spots in Southeast Ohio

Don’t get caught trespassing due to changes to public areas

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 which provided approximately 18,000 acres of public access to hunters in southeast Ohio.

“Many of the former Southern Ohio Scioto Land Company agreement properties were purchased by the ODNR Division of Wildlife over the past several years,” said Mark Hemming, District Manager for Wildlife District 4. “Hunters are reminded that these 20,000 acres are permanently open to public access for sportsmen and women.”

In 2007, The ODNR Division of Wildlife purchased 4,879 acres in Jackson and Ross Counties. Broken ARO Wildlife Area in eastern Jackson County provides excellent habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other forest wildlife species. Coalton Wildlife Area in northern Jackson County provides 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. Kinnikinnick 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.

In 2010 the Ohio Department of Natural Resources finalized purchase of 15,494 acres in Vinton County, now known as the Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest and the Vinton Furnace State Wildlife Area. This land, formerly known as the Raccoon Ecological Management Area, or REMA, remains permanently open for public hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation.

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

A Few Things You Should Know About Guided Hunts

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Do you dream about going on a guided hunt? Do you attend sport shows and collect all the brochures but not sure where to go from there? You’re not alone. Hunting around home is unlike the experience you will gain when going on a guided hunt or even a guided fishing excursion. But the planning and the cost of it can be overwhelming, and it’s definitely a process; many don’t know where to begin. Let me walk you through it, it’s worth all the effort!

Before you begin, realize one thing…it doesn’t matter what type of guided hunt you take, hunting is still hunting; there are no guarantees to an actual success and the experience should be your main priority. If you regard it as an entire adventure, you are bound to be pleased with the results.

Outfitters all over the world work hard to offer you the quality you are looking for. Their careful planning, investment and knowledge provides you with an experience of a lifetime. They spend countless hours and money to ensure an environment exists to optimize your chances at fulfilling your dreams. You can help by learning as much about the hunt as you are able. The more you know, the more you can be prepared; and while the outfitter already knows their responsibilities, it’s only to your benefit that you know yours. Gaining knowledge about the area you will be hunting, the game you are seeking can lay great foundation to your overall experience. Remember, though, that your guide is the expert and always be honest about your abilities.

To begin, you need to decide what you want to hunt. When do you want to hunt? If you are interested in peak times, plan well in advance. Many outfitters are booked a year ahead of time for peak ruts or fish runs. Be prepared to be flexible and work with the outfitter, they can give you alternate time frames that may be just as suitable. You also need to decide what kind of hunt you would like to go on. There are several types of hunts from the bare bones hunt (least expensive) to the trophy hunt (most expensive). We shall assume a standard hunt, which is what most hunters go with.

The final deciding factor before choosing your guide is what kind of weapon is allowed. Many outfitters are becoming archery only due to the low impact and longer seasons. Make sure that the outfits you are considering allow the weapon of your choice and they place you in the appropriate season. If you are a firearm hunter, ask if they will allow you to shoot a group of bullets when you arrive to check for accuracy. Depending on the distance or means of travel, this is very important. Most guides will encourage you to zero in before you hunt.

Once you have chosen these important factors, start seeking a guide service. If you don’t know of one, you can find a guide matching service online such as HuntAndFishGuides.com, which will match you with a reputable outfitter. You can also try to call the game warden in the county that you have interest hunting in. They should be able to direct you to a reputable outfitter in their area. Once you have made contact, ask for references from previous hunts that are willing to talk to you. Make sure you don’t receive references from the same hunting party; you will want to talk to several different clients that have experienced different adventures. Ask them anything you would like to know about their time from the guide themselves to accommodations if they are willing to share. Select several guides and compare. Discuss with the guide your expectations, make sure they can accommodate you; trophies in one part of the country may be different than a trophy in another part of the country. After all, it’s your money and you have the right to know the details.

Be aware of all costs involved. Surprises of the financial kind are not usually welcomed in any stance in life and this is no exception. Find out what is included in your package so you can plan accordingly; license and tags, transportation, trophy fees, tipping, processing, shipping, etc. Ask the guide if they have available extra hunting supplies if something breaks or you forget something. Bottom line? Do your homework. Leave no stone unturned, leave nothing to chance.

Once you have chosen your guide, keep an open dialogue. If questions come up, write them down and then sit down and make that phone call. Clear communication with your guide will only enhance your trip. Allow your guide to know your limitations both physically and with your shooting abilities. Armed with this information, the guide can create an outing that will play to your strengths instead of your weaknesses. Most of these hunts can by very trying on the human body and making yourself out to be in better shape than you are will only serve misery and a low chance of success. This is important information to share when you finally book your hunt, not when you get there.

Your guide will send you a confirmation, a list of recommended gear to bring and your itinerary. Don’t assume you know more than your guide and pack what they suggest. You shouldn’t need anything new for your trip, make sure everything you have is comfortable and appropriate for your chosen game and in good condition. Unless you have something you can’t live without, pay attention to what they will provide so that you don’t unnecessarily over pack.

Once you arrive do your part to be a good guest. Your enthusiasm is expected and welcomed but your time there is also spent well listening and learning. Whether this is for a trophy or a new species to add to your showcase, you can always learn something new and your guide will be a wealth of information. When it comes time to zero in on your target, keep your eyes and ears open and your guide will direct you to the best possible shot. Develop relationships, enjoy the time and hunt safe. This is your dream; help it become a reality!

Iowa: WHITE DEER KILLED ON I-80

One of Jasper County’s most recognized residents has died.

The white deer often seen near I-80 at the Baxter exit was hit and killed by a vehicle Monday night. The white doe caused excited motorists to report seeing the deer to State Conservation Officer Kirby Bragg.

“I received hundreds of calls over the years about that deer,” Bragg said. He said the doe had a pair of brown fawns last spring and was often seen in the company of another white deer that was hit by a vehicle in the same area a few years ago.

Deer that are predominately white are protected in Iowa and cannot be hunted.

IOWA’S FIRST SHOTGUN DEER SEASON BEGINS SATURDAY

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The Iowa DNR expects that nearly 90,000 hunters will be heading to the woods and fields during Saturday’s opening day for first shotgun season. Iowa’s shotgun deer seasons are the most popular among hunters and account for more than half of all deer harvested. Although hunters will still have good hunting opportunities they can expect to find fewer deer across much of the state. They may need to hunt a little longer this year to be successful.

“Deer numbers in many areas are near the department’s objective and we are now encouraging hunters to be more selective with their harvest,” said Dale Garner, the DNR’s wildlife bureau chief.

“We have been hearing complaints from hunters that they are not seeing the number of deer that they had in the past and some are voicing their concerns that the herd reduction may have gone too far,” he said. “My advice to those hunters is to work with the landowner to see if the deer population is at a desirable level and adjust the local doe harvest accordingly.”

With the crop harvest being completed, good habitat conditions and a favorable weather forecast hunting conditions should be excellent in most of the state. However, in western Iowa, hunters may find that the summer-long Missouri River flooding has changed the deer distributions so they may need to adjust where they hunt.

Safety First

Blaze orange is required for hunters participating in the shotgun hunts and party hunting is legal. Hunters using blinds during the shotgun seasons are reminded that they are required to display at least 144 square inches of blaze orange that is visible from all directions (see p. 23 of the 2011 Hunting Regulations for more information).

Report Your Harvest

All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered. Accurately reporting the harvest is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities.

For hunters with Internet access, the online harvest reporting is the easiest way to register the deer. Hunters can report their deer online at www.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor.

Tagging Antlered Deer

Hunters are reminded that antlered deer must have the transportation tag attached to the antler’s main beam, either at the base or between two points.

Season

First shotgun season is Dec. 3-7. Second shotgun season is Dec. 10-18. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Youth Season Tags

Youth season hunters with an unfilled “any-deer” license from the youth deer season who did not harvest a deer are eligible to hunt during one of the two shotgun seasons. However, the youth hunter must follow the weapons restrictions that are in place during the season and be under the direct supervision of a licensed adult. A youth must harvest and tag their own deer.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

2011 Firearm Deer Season Underway in Michigan; Early Reports Available

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The 2011 firearm deer season opened Tuesday, Nov. 15, and impressions regarding deer observations, hunting activity, and check station operations from the first few days of the season have been compiled by the Department of Natural Resources. Overall, hunting activity started slow but appeared to increase later in the week and over the weekend. Deer condition throughout the state has been reported as good to excellent. The following are the early impressions summarized on a regional basis:

Upper Peninsula - Conditions have been fair for hunting, though opening day temperatures were above freezing, moderate to strong winds and winter storm conditions moved through portions of the region on Nov. 16. Hunter numbers across the region appear the same or lower than during the early days of the 2010 firearm season. Most hunters are reporting seeing more deer than last year, and that deer are in good condition. The excellent condition of deer at check stations supports hunter observations. Initially slow activity at check stations picked up near the end of last week to now include similar or increased numbers of deer checked compared to last year.

Northern Lower Peninsula - Opening morning was cool, but temperatures warmed by late morning with a mix of clouds and sun. Nov. 16 saw a mix of flurries and accumulating snow in locations with high and gusty winds moving into some areas. Hunting activity last week was reported as fairly light compared to previous years. The northeast portion of the region noted an increase in number of deer checked, but the western and southern portions have noted similar to fewer deer brought in compared to last year. Early reports on weekend check station activity suggest check station and harvest numbers may now have caught up to or exceeded numbers from last year. Deer condition has been described as very good with several exceptional bucks observed at a number of check stations around the region.

Southern Michigan - Hunting conditions were fair in southern Michigan. Dense fog throughout much of the region on opening morning affected hunters' abilities to see deer. With temperatures climbing into the upper 50s by late morning to early afternoon, both deer and hunter activity was slowed. Cooler temperatures prevailed the next few days accompanied by wind and scattered snow flurries. About 71 percent of corn was picked by opening day, which matches the five-year average but was less than last year, when 97 percent was picked. Hunting activity varied somewhat around the region, but appeared the same or lower than last year; shots heard were consistently lower than last year throughout the region over the first few days of the season. Fewer deer have been checked compared to last year, but deer are in good condition. Some check stations noted an increase in 3 ½ and even 4 ½ year-old bucks compared to recent years.

Each year, DNR Wildlife Division staff working at check stations around the state submit their impressions and a summary of comments provided by hunters from the first few days of the firearm season. These impressions provide an early view of how the firearm season is faring. Deer populations in both northern regions have come through two relatively mild winters in a row, on the heels of two relatively severe winters of 2007 and 2008. Deer numbers appear to be recovering, but more notable is the good to excellent condition being observed by hunters and confirmed by data collected at check stations. License sales through opening day were about 2.5 percent lower than in 2010, which supports the observations of generally lighter hunting pressure in most areas of the state.

Firearm deer season continues through Nov. 30 with archery season resuming Dec. 1. For more information about deer hunting opportunities in Michigan, go online to www.michigan.gov/deer. Updated field observations and check station summaries will be posted on the collaborative DNR Wildlife Division and Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife website at www.deer.fw.msu.edu.

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.

WI: Lots of hunting left, many antlerless deer permits available, consider donating venison

“What a great opening weekend!” Kurt Thiede, DNR administrator

MADISON – “’Trophy’ can mean different things to different people; whether it’s the buck of a lifetime, a young buck, a first deer or an antlerless deer,” said Kurt Thiede, Department of Natural Resources administrator of the wildlife management program. “The important thing is that folks participated this past weekend and many were successful…that is what will keep our hunting tradition strong in this state.”

With another five days left in the popular gun deer season that includes what is a long Thanksgiving weekend for many people, there is a lot of hunting opportunity left according to Thiede. The traditional nine-day gun hunt runs through Sunday Nov. 27.

“If you hunt in an area where you saw a lot of antlerless deer on opening weekend, which may be in the chronic wasting disease management zone or in a herd control unit and you have an antlerless tag available, please consider filling that tag,” says Thiede. “Many units still have antlerless tags available and they can be purchased from our license vendors. In addition to the rest of this regular deer gun season, we also have the four-day early December antlerless gun hunt, the 10-day muzzleloader hunt, the late archery season, and in the CWD zones - the Holiday hunt. Food pantries are looking for donations.”

Thiede encourages hunters to donate deer to the state’s venison donation program. Early donations are running slower than in past years – perhaps because of having no earn-a-buck this year -- but demand is strong for the high quality food. Wisconsin meat processors and civic groups all across Wisconsin participate in the program. There is no cost to hunters other than transporting a deer carcass to a registration station and then to a participating processor.

“Your harvest can be donated to help feed the hungry or, it could mean a little extra free range and lean meat for your freezer, or maybe some always popular venison sausage,” says Thiede. “Also, it truly helps keep our valuable deer herd in balance and healthy.

Jerry Stoddard, owner of Stoddard Country Grove Market in Cottage Grove, and Dick Dickman, owner of Dick’s Quality Meats in Mt. Horeb, participate in the pantry donation program which provides venison to local food pantries.

“In the past, people have been really good about donating,” Dickman said. This fall, Dickman said that the number of deer being brought to his market during archery season have been good. “They’re out there,” said Dickman. “And they’re all big deer.”

Once the venison is processed, community groups assist in distributing the packages of ground venison to food pantries

Michelle Friedrich with the Southwest Community Action Partnership (SWCAP) in Dodgeville and the Target Hunger point person stresses the need for deer donation. “Being able to provide venison to needy families helps to fill a very real need,” she said. “When we have venison, it flies out the door.” Last year, Target Hunger received more than 58,000 pounds of venison from 1,300 donated deer. Their goal is to reach 2,000 deer donations this season.

A list of participating processors is available online. Hunters are encouraged to call ahead to check business hours and if the processor has space available.

Pantry donation locations within the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CWD-MZ) will also sample and register deer. The DNR recommends that hunters who wish to donate a deer that was harvested in the CWD-MZ take it to a processor who operates within the CWD-MZ as well.

“We skin them, bone them and freeze them in crates with the registration tags,” says Stoddard of a testing process that determines if the deer has CWD. If the test is negative the meat is ground into hamburger for distribution or if positive it is disposed of in an approved manner.

“It’s a great program and food pantries really, really appreciate it,” says Dickman who gives all of his donated venison to SWCAP. “It’s all being done right,” he adds.

“With the big opening day behind us, and as we look ahead to the rest of the fall and winter, please consider taking to the field with family and friends to extend the tradition a while longer,” says Thiede. “So as this deer season rolls on I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, and of course….Go Packers, Go Badgers, and Go Hunting!”

Monday, November 28, 2011

November deer harvest tops last year’s figure

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Missouri’s robust deer herd continues to pump millions into

the state’s economy annually and supports 11,000 Show-Me State jobs.

JEFFERSON CITY–Hunters checked 190,089 deer during Missouri’s 11-day November firearms deer hunt, slightly surpassing last year’s figure despite a slow start on opening weekend.

Extremely windy weather, combined with reduced deer populations in some areas, dropped the opening-weekend harvest 10,000 below the 2010 figure. Hunters persevered, however, and more than made up lost ground in the following nine days of the November hunt. In the end, they harvested 1,884 more than last year, a 1-percent increase.

Top harvest counties were Howell with 3,483 deer checked, Macon with 3,393 and Texas with 3,284. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recorded six firearms-related deer-hunting accidents during the November hunt, down from nine last year.

MDC Resource Scientist Jason Sumners said changes to hunting regulations over the past 20 years are responsible for producing more large-antlered deer.

Sumners noted that in 2003, antlered deer made up 37 percent of the November firearms deer harvest. Last year, 40 percent of the harvest consisted of antlered deer. This year, the figure was 43 percent. This narrowing of the gap between doe and buck harvest began with implementation of the four-point rule for antlered deer in 2004.

Missouri’s four-point rule, now in effect in all or parts of 69 counties, allows hunters to shoot an antlered buck only if it has at least four points measuring 1 inch or longer on at least one side. The antler-point restriction allows more bucks to grow trophy antlers while providing effective control of deer numbers.

Sumners said that before implementation of antler-point restrictions, 1.5-year-old bucks made up 40 to 50 percent of the total buck harvest. Today in counties with the antler-point restriction, 1.5-year-old bucks make up 10 to 15 percent of the total buck harvest. After more than four years under antler-point restrictions, 30 to 40 percent of the bucks harvested are 3.5 years and older. That means hunters are seeing and harvesting more larger-antlered adult bucks.

“It’s no wonder the four-point rule has become very popular with hunters,” he said.

MDC has been working for the better part of a decade to balance hunting opportunities against crop damage, deer-vehicle accidents and other problems associated with overabundant deer. The agency’s current challenge is to maintain a healthy, stable deer herd while working with landowners and hunters to fine-tune harvest at the local level.

MDC Director Bob Ziehmer hailed this year’s deer harvest numbers as good news for all Missourians.

“A robust firearms deer harvest is proof of a healthy deer herd that benefits all Missourians, whether they hunt or not,” said Ziehmer. “Resident deer hunters and a significant number of hunters from out of state spend approximately $700 million on their sport. That spending generates more than $1 billion in business activity. In all, deer hunting supports 11,000 Missouri jobs. In these economic times, that’s a big boost to the state’s economy.”

Iowa: NOVEMBER SEASON PREVIEWS DEER PROSPECTS

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Hunters stepping into the field this weekend will provide a preview of deer hunting prospects during Iowa’s December shotgun seasons. The November season--the Friday, Saturday and Sunday following Thanksgiving and only on private property —is to reduce the number of antlerless deer, helping the state reduce herd numbers to mid to late 1990s levels.

Heading into the opener, there were plenty of tags available in the 41 counties which will be open. That may be an indication that hunters are seeing fewer deer from their bow stands or on scouting trips. As of midday Tuesday, only Polk County--of those counties offering the November hunt--was even close to selling out its antlerless tags. Sales of those tags began November 12 and continue until they are gone.

“Hunters report seeing fewer deer, notably in eastern and southeast Iowa, where deer numbers are at or close to management goals,” notes Tom Litchfield, DNR deer research biologist. “I would estimate that--over all seasons—the harvest will be down 5-6 percent this year.”

Hunters last year reported harvesting 127,094 deer across all seasons, down about 7 percent from 2009-10.

The region open for the November antlerless hunt is primarily the southern three tiers of Iowa counties. It also includes the four most northeastern counties, as well as into the Loess Hills region in the west and a belt of four counties across south central Iowa.

Shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders and bows may be used; though most hunters out in the November season utilize shotguns; a preview in many cases of what they’d see the next weekend as the first of Iowa’s two shotgun seasons gets underway. Hunters need to remember there will still be camouflaged bowhunters in the woods and hunt accordingly and the licenses are not valid for public ground.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Ohio's Young Hunters Get Results during Special Two-Day Deer Hunt

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COLUMBUS, OH- Young hunters across Ohio enjoyed success during the eighth annual Youth Deer-Gun Season, held Saturday and Sunday, November 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Hunters aged 17 and under, harvested 8,681 deer during the special two-day season, as compared to 8,445 last year. Counties reporting the greatest number of deer killed were Tuscarawas-321, Guernsey-316, Coshocton-287, Muskingum-277, Holmes-275, Licking-248, Harrison-227, Knox-214, Belmont-207, and Washington-195.

The Division of Wildlife estimated 60,000 young hunters took to the state's fields and forests during the two-day season, which provides a high-quality hunting experience for younger Ohioans.

The youth deer-gun season was open in all 88 counties. All participants were required to wear hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and deer permit, and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.

The youth deer-gun season is one of four special youth-only hunting seasons designed to offer a safe and excellent early hunting experience for young hunters. Special days are also set aside for upland game, wild turkey, and waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Youngsters and all other hunters will have a chance at taking a whitetail during next week's statewide deer-gun season, which runs Monday through Sunday, November 28-December 4.

Details on youth hunting opportunities and all Ohio deer hunting seasons can be found in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It can also be viewed online at wildohio.com.

SD Turn In Poachers 2010 Statistics

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Fall hunting is now in full swing, and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is reminding hunters who see illegal activities to call the Turn In Poachers (TIPS) hotline at 888-OVERBAG (683-7226).

The hotline, which is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allows people to report information about wildlife violations – and if they choose – remain anonymous. Those who would prefer to email TIPs reports may do so on the GFP website: http://gfp.sd.gov/agency/law-enforcement/turn-in-poachers.aspx

From July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, a total of 394 TIPs cases were investigated. Those investigations led to 146 arrests or citations. As a result of successful cases closed during that period, poachers were assessed more than $27,000 in fines and were sentenced to 1,730 days in jail. Offenders were also assessed almost $50,000 in civil damages.

Wildlife Protection, Inc., the nonprofit agency handling TIPS rewards, paid $8,725 to those who took the initiative to report wildlife violations.

Since the beginning of the South Dakota TIPs Program in 1984, there have been more than 10,000 investigations, leading to more than 3,000 arrests or citations. Violators have been required to pay $650,000 in fines and more than $500,000 in civil damages.

During the same 28-year period, nearly $130,000 in TIPS rewards have gone to witnesses who provided information on violations.

“These numbers are proof that South Dakotans are serious about protecting our natural resources,” said Charlie Wharton, TIPs coordinator for GFP. “As caretakers of nature, we all have a vested interest in the public trust of preserving wildlife for future generations. It’s heartening to have people take an active interest in reporting violators and protecting our resources.”

Wharton reminds those who witness wildlife violations, and even those who learn of them later, to call their local conservation officers or use the TIPs hotline.

While any information can be useful, those things that can be most beneficial are accurate physical descriptions of people committing hunting and fishing violations, specific geographical information and vehicle information. The most helpful vehicle information is a license plate number, along with the general make, model, color or any unique markings and graphics that might improve the chances of officers locating them.

“South Dakota has a limited number of law enforcement officers patrolling our state,” Wharton said. “The good people of South Dakota can make a real difference in stopping poaching.”

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Ohio's Popular Deer-Gun Season Opens November 28

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Donation of extra venison - at no cost to the hunter - is encouraged for Ohioans in need

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio's popular deer-gun season opens statewide on Monday, November 28, offering hunters a full week to harvest a whitetail. The upcoming season will again include an extra weekend of gun hunting on December 17-18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Deer can be hunted with a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset through December 4 and December 17-18. With a pre-hunting season population estimate of 750,000 white-tailed deer, the ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 115,000 to 125,000 deer will be killed during the nine-day season. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year's season, including many out-of-state hunters.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license. Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. Beginning on the opening day of gun season and continuing through December 4, a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (12 counties) and two deer in Zone B (38 counties). A total of six deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio's Zone C (38 counties) through the week long gun season.

Antlerless deer permits are not valid in Deer Zones A and B after November 27. The antlerless deer permit will be valid until December 4 only in Zone C.

Beginning on December 5, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid.

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter's zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits can be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits must be purchased by November 27.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license.

Hunters are encouraged to kill more does this season using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit where valid.

They are also encouraged to donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. Counties being served by this program can be found online at fhfh.org.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state's deer zones are contained in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The 2011-2012 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

ND Tentative 2012 Season Opening Dates

Cougar, photographed in the Arizona-Sonora Des...

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To help North Dakota hunters make vacation plans and lodging reservations for hunting seasons in 2012, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department annually provides tentative opening dates for the coming year.

Some popular hunting seasons will have opening day arrive nearly a week later in 2012 due to the calendar change. For example, opening day of pheasant season is always the second Saturday in October, which in 2012 is Oct. 13. Therefore, nonresidents will not be able to hunt on state wildlife management areas or Private Land Open To Sportsmen acres from Oct. 13-20.

The opening day for deer, which falls on the Friday prior to Veterans Day, is tentatively set for Nov. 9, the second Friday of November. Veterans Day in 2012 is Sunday, Nov. 11.

Dates become official when approved by governor’s proclamation. Tentative opening dates for 2012 include:

Spring Crow	March 10
Spring Turkey	April 14
Fall Crow	August 11
Deer Bow, Mountain Lion	August 31
Dove	September 1
Sharptail, Hun, Ruffed Grouse, Squirrel	September 8
Youth Deer	September 14
Youth Waterfowl, Sandhill Crane	September 15
Early Resident Waterfowl	September 22
Regular Waterfowl	September 29
Youth Pheasant	October 6
Pheasant, Fall Turkey	October 13
Mink, Muskrat, Weasel Trapping	October 27
Deer Gun	November 9
Deer Muzzleloader	November 30

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

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