Midwest Deer Hunting: October 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

Minnesota's Top 10 most common firearms deer season hunting violations

With Minnesota’s firearms deer season getting underway on Saturday, Nov. 5, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) approximately 200 conservation officers will be traveling the back roads, hiking through the woods, or spending seemingly endless hours on patrol ensuring that hunters hunt safely and ethically, and follow the state’s hunting rules and regulations.

“The vast majority of deer hunters in Minnesota abide by the rules and regulations, while a small percentage run afoul of the law,” said Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement Division director. “Hunters can best help us protect and preserve the resource by simply following the rules.”

Statistics show conservation officers wrote 1,110 citations or warnings during the 2010 firearms deer season. That compares with 1,035 citations or warnings in 2009.

A large number of citations are written each year for failure to validate a site tag. Minnesota’s deer license and site tag come as a two-part form. The upper half is the site tag for tagging the deer in the field. The lower half is the deer license and registration slip.

Konrad said that at the kill site, a hunter must detach the site tag from the deer license/registration slip.

Before moving the deer, the hunter must validate the tag by using a knife or similar sharp object to cut out the appropriate notches indicating the month the deer was killed, date it was killed and the time of day it was killed. “Mark carefully – if more than one month, date or time is cut out or marked, the tag becomes invalid,” Konrad said.

The validated site tag must be attached to the deer when the deer is placed on a motor vehicle or an ATV, a vehicle or a trailer being towed by an ATV, or brought into a camp, yard or other place of habitation.

Transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle is another recurring deer hunting violation.

It is unlawful for any person to transport a firearm, including a handgun, in or on a motor vehicle unless the firearm is unloaded and in a case made expressly for that purpose; unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or carried under a valid permit to carry a pistol or handgun.

There are circumstances, however, when a person may transport unloaded, uncased firearms (excluding pistols) in a motor vehicle, including ATVs: while at a shooting range with permission; while lawfully hunting on private or public land; or while travelling to or from a site the person intends to hunt or has lawfully hunted that day.

Firearms must be transported unloaded and cased within Anoka, Hennepin or Ramsey counties; within the boundaries of a home rule, charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more; on school grounds; or as otherwise restricted in game refuges, shining or night vision laws.

Other common violations include hunting over bait, license not in possession, shooting from the road right-of-way at big game, and hunting without permission on private property.

“Hunters need to be aware of their location at all times while hunting, to be sure they are not trespassing on private property,” Konrad said.

While hunting deer, blaze orange is required on a hunter’s cap and outer clothing above the waist, excluding sleeves and gloves. Blaze orange includes a camouflage pattern of at least 50 percent blaze orange within each square foot.

While conservation officers are constantly working to protect Minnesota’s wildlife, they also depend on the public to report unethical hunters or people who disobey state wildlife laws.

Turn-In-Poachers is a non-profit organization also working to protect and preserve Minnesota’s natural resources. The program offers rewards to citizens who report poachers or other resources violations. Callers do not have to reveal their names. To report a violation, call 800-652-9093, or #TIP on most cell phones.

Top 10 list of firearm deer hunting violations in 2010:

Fail to validate tag (180)*
Hunt over bait (150)
Untagged (131)
Transport uncased/loaded firearm (127)
Fail to register (110)
Misdemeanor shining (92)
License not in possession (89)
Trespass (87)
Shoot from road right of way at big game (81)
No license (63)

* Number in parenthesis indicates number of citations or warnings in 2010

North Dakota Outdoors Upcoming Events Calendar

Image via Wikipedia

Upcoming Events:

Nov. 3 Bighorn sheep bow only and regular seasons close
4: Deer gun season opens
4: Any elk extended seasons (Units E3, E4) open

5: Bobcat firearms, traps and archery seasons open
6: Daylight Savings Time ends - Set clocks back 1 hour
13: Sandhill crane zone 1 closes

Complete List of Schedule of Events

Harvested deer can be donated for distribution to food shelves

Image via Wikipedia

Minnesota hunters can donate processed venison to food shelves at no or very little cost thanks to a program coordinated by the Minnesota departments of natural resources and agriculture.

The state’s venison donation program provides a prized food source to those in need while encouraging hunters to harvest additional animals.

“We recognize that ethically, hunters will not take more deer than they know can be consumed,” said Steve Merchant, wildlife populations and regulation programs manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Simply asking someone to take another deer to manage populations provides only half of the picture. The venison donation program was developed to provide hunters an avenue to donate the extra deer they harvest without having to pay processing costs.”

More details on the venison donation program, as well as a list of participating meat processors, are available online.

Processors who accept deer are paid $70 to process each animal for food shelf distribution.

“There are a few processors who are charging an additional fee to cover expenses, so hunters should check with the processor prior to donating a deer,” Merchant said.

Funding for the program comes from surcharges placed on antlerless permits and nonresident hunting licenses. Individuals have an opportunity to donate to the program when they buy their deer license or by informing a DNR license agent they would like to donate to the program.

To donate a deer, hunters will need to adhere to the following guidelines:

Only whole carcasses with the hide on can be donated; processors will not accept cut and wrapped meat or portions of carcasses.
Information such as permit area of harvest and the DNR number will be collected for tracking purposes.
Processors can only accept carcasses for donation that are free from signs of illness, free of visible decomposition or contamination, and properly identified with a Minnesota DNR registration tag.
Processors will reject deer for the donation program that appear to have been mishandled in any way.

Hunters are strongly advised to contact the processor prior to donating the deer. The list of processors accepting deer will be regularly updated as more processors register.

Missouri Deer hunters reminded of changed permit format, tagging procedures

Image via Wikipedia

A new YouTube video shows how to “bag it,

notch it, tag it and check it.” Free permit protectors

are available from conservation agents and MDC offices.

JEFFERSON CITY–With the November firearms deer season on the horizon, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters of changes to deer and turkey permits and tagging procedures that went into effect in this year.

The November firearms deer hunt starts Nov. 12. The 11-day season typically accounts for approximately 80 percent of the firearms deer harvest each year.

This year is the first time that Missouri hunters can buy deer and other hunting permits online, print them and use them immediately. Hunters can use this new e-Permits system to buy permits online or purchase them in person at MDC regional offices, nature centers and other offices statewide. Hunters also still can buy permits from hundreds of vendors statewide.

Vendors still are printing permits on the familiar yellow plastic material that has been used in the past. However, the format has changed and no longer includes a separate self-adhesive tag. Within a couple of years, all permits will be issued on plain paper.

The new format does not include separate tags for deer or turkeys as in the past. Under this new e-Permits format, deer and turkey permits are permit-and-tag in one.

With these changes come some changes in deer and turkey tagging and checking procedures. These are explained in the 2011 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, which is available wherever permits are sold or at mdc.mo.gov/node/3656. MDC also has a Web page (mdc.mo.gov/node/3891) explaining the procedure. It even has a short video at youtube.com/watch?v=CHFp_9UiKjg that illustrates the reminder phrase, “Bag it, notch it, tag it, check it.”

“E-Permits offer some significant advantages in terms of convenience,” said MDC Permit Services Supervisor Greg Jones. “We know that changes can be confusing. We want to be sure hunters have easy access to permits and information about the new procedures in whatever form they like best – in person, in print, online text or video. If folks still have questions, they can call or visit any of our offices for help.”

MDC is providing free permit protectors through its conservation agents and regional offices.

-Jim Low-

Sunday, October 30, 2011

North Dakota: 3F2 Deer Hunters Reminded of Regulations

Image via Wikipedia

Hunters with a deer license in unit 3F2 are reminded of preventive measures intended to reduce the likelihood of spreading chronic wasting disease within North Dakota.

Hunters harvesting a big game animal cannot transport a carcass containing the head and spinal column outside of the unit unless it’s taken directly to a meat processor. However, the head can be removed from the carcass and transported outside of the unit if it is to be submitted to a CWD surveillance drop-off location or a licensed taxidermist.

In addition to carcass transportation guidelines, hunting big game over bait is prohibited in unit 3F2.

Bait includes grain, seed, mineral, salt, fruit, vegetable nut, hay or any other natural or manufactured food placed by an individual. Bait does not include agricultural practices, gardens, wildlife food plots, agricultural crops, livestock feeds, fruit or vegetables in their natural location such as apples on or under an apple tree, or unharvested food or vegetables in a garden.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Railroad Line in East Central South Dakota Closed to Hunting

Image by vistavision via FlickrPIERRE, S.D. – Hunters in South Dakota are finding a stretch of the Dakota Southern Railroad line from Mitchell to Reliance closed to hunting this fall.

That section of railroad tracks had been slated to be open for use by hunters this fall, but a major construction project on the line is keeping the railroad right-of-way closed to public access.

“When we provided information to the state Game, Fish and Parks Department for the 2011 Hunting Handbook, we had planned that construction crews would be past White Lake by the time the hunting season opened,” said Lynn Kennison of the South Dakota Department of Transportation. “Crews are currently working along the route, and that will probably be the case until freeze-up.”

Dakota Southern Railroad maintains control of public access to its leased properties. Due to public safety concerns while construction work is in progress, the company has placed signs at railroad crossings to alert the public to the closure.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Minnesota: St. Croix State Park to remain open during special youth deer hunt Oct. 29-30

Group cabin area of St. Croix State Park, Minn...

Image via Wikipedia

During the special youth deer hunt Oct. 29-30, St. Croix State Park will remain open, but visitors are advised to wear blaze orange if they visit while the hunt is in progress. Visitors should also check for hunt-related information at the park office when they arrive.

Hunts will take place at several other Minnesota state parks and recreation areas this fall, and access to the parks will vary. Some will remain open to all visitors, some will have limited public access and some will be open only to hunters with special permits. The deadlines have passed for youth and adults to apply for a special permit to participate in the hunts, which include regular firearms, muzzleloader and archery options.

“The DNR allows these annual hunts as a way to help control the deer population at state parks,” said Ed Quinn, resource management coordinator for the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails. “When there are too many deer in one area, the native plants and animals can be negatively affected. Our goal is to ensure healthy natural communities.”

DNR staff said they appreciate visitors’ patience and understanding at parks where access will be limited during the hunts.

Read more about which state parks are open, closed or partially closed during hunting season, or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free at 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Ohio: Special Youth Deer Hunt to be Offered at Hueston Woods State Park

Image via Wikipedia

COLLEGE CORNER, OHIO - Young deer hunters will be able to take advantage of a permit only Youth Deer Hunt at Hueston Woods State Park during the 2011 youth deer gun season. Hunters 17 years of age and younger, accompanied by a non-hunting adult, are eligible to apply to hunt specified zones within the park on November 19, 2011.

Registration for the drawing gets underway Saturday, November 5, 2011 beginning at 2:00p.m. The drawing will be held promptly at 3:00p.m. at the Hueston Woods State Park Office located at 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner 45003. Driving directions may be obtained from the park at (513) 523-6347. Interested hunters may contact the Wildlife District Five Headquarters at (937) 372-9261, or Rush Run Wildlife Area at (513) 726-6795. All youth hunt information is posted at www.wildohio.com.

The non-hunting adult that will be accompanying the youth hunter on the hunt must enter the drawing. The permit will be issued in the adult’s name. If drawn, the youth hunter must purchase an Ohio hunting license and youth deer permit.

The youth must hunt with a non-hunting adult within the zones specified on the permit. All other rules and regulations must be followed. The permit is transferable; however, Rush Run Wildlife Area (513) 726-6795 must be notified of any changes prior to the hunt.

The permit only hunt will occur on November 19, 2011. Hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.

For information, contact:
Wildlife District Five Headquarters
(937) 372-9261
-or-
Rush Run Wildlife Area
(937) 726-6795

South Dakota: Drivers Beware: Deer on the Move

Image via WikipediaFAMILY-OUTDOORS

PIERRE, S.D. – Autumn is a time for peak movement of deer, and the South Dakota departments of Transportation and Game, Fish and Parks are reminding motorists to be wary of deer that are crossing roads.

October through December is the peak time for both deer movement and deer-vehicle collisions. Nationally, more than one million deer-vehicle collisions are recorded annually, but there are a number of precautions drivers can take to reduce their chances of being involved in those accidents.

“Deer are very active this time of year, and drivers in South Dakota need to be alert to the likelihood of seeing them along roadways,” said Emmett Keyser, GFP Division of Wildlife assistant director. “Deer are just now beginning the rut, which has them very active, especially during twilight hours. With harvest in full swing and hunters walking the fields, deer are moving even more.”

“Statistics from our Office of Accident Records show that 25 percent to 30 percent of all vehicle crashes in South Dakota each year involve wild animals, and deer are a huge part of that,” said Lee Axdahl, director of the State Office of Highway Safety. “We’re in the peak period for deer movement. It’s more important than ever for drivers to be alert and to avoid any distractions as they travel.”

Dusk through dawn is the most active time for deer. Use extreme caution when driving during those hours, especially in areas deer frequent. Heed deer-crossing signs. When possible, use high beams for headlights and watch for movement and the glow of eyes to the sides of the road. If one deer crosses, be prepared for more. Deer usually travel in groups.

“If you see a deer, always slow down and proceed with caution whether or not the deer is moving toward the roadway,” Keyser said.

Increase the distance between your car and others, especially at night. Doing so will provide ample time to stop if a vehicle ahead of you strikes a deer.

If you see a deer near or on the road, give your car horn a long blast to alert the deer.

Should a deer enter the roadway, avoid swerving so your vehicle doesn’t hit oncoming traffic or run into a steep ditch. Safety studies reveal that swerving can lead to more dangerous accidents that might occur instead of hitting a deer.

Buckle up. Always!

If you hit a deer, move your vehicle safely off the road and call authorities. Do not touch an injured animal. An injured deer is likely terrified and may thrash violently with its body and hooves, seriously injuring you.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

2011 Deer Hunting Workshops- Nebraska

Get ready for deer season by attending one of our upcoming free workshops. Spots are still available - sign up today!

The 2011 rifle and muzzleloader deer seasons are coming up soon!

To help you prepare for a safe and successful hunt, the wildlife and outdoor education staff at Nebraska Game and Parks have scheduled free deer hunting workshops.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Yanney Heritage Park - Environmental Resource Center

611 Kea West Road

Kearney

Monday, November 7, 2011

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Lancaster County Extension Education Center

444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A

Lincoln

Whether you are new to the sport or have been hunting for years, you'll get practical information and tips on how to prepare your equipment, plan your hunt and have a better experience in the field.

Learn the basics of firearm deer hunting, including:

Strategies for success (scouting, shooting from tree stands, still-hunting and calling and rattling)
Equipment (firearms, shooting accessories, game calls, blinds, tree stands, scents and clothing)
Deer biology and behavior (food sources, feeding patterns, bedding areas, rutting activities)
How to predict deer movement
Game Care (field dressing/gutting, equipment, getting photographs of your hunt)
Future of Nebraska's deer herd

From hunting regulations to animal behavior to strategies for success, these workshops will get you up to speed for your upcoming hunting trips!

Seating is limited, so register for these workshops today by visitingwww.HuntSafeNebraska.com. (Scroll down to the lower section of the page and look for the class date you are interested in.) Information about upcoming hunter and bowhunter education classes can also be found on this website.

Have other questions about these classes? E-mail our Outdoor Education Staff at NGPC.OutdoorEd@nebraska.gov.

For a pdf copy of Nebraska's 2011 deer hunting regulations and check stations, click here.

KANSAS MOTORISTS BEWARE: DEER ON THE MOVE IN NOVEMBER

Image via Wikipedia

Kansas deer-vehicle collisions peak in November
TOPEKA — Deer can be spotted near Kansas roadways any time of year, but motorists should be especially vigilant in the fall. Deer breeding season, called the “rut,” peaks in mid-November, and this is when deer-vehicle collisions are most likely. That’s why the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) are working together to raise awareness and help drivers avoid collisions with deer.

According to KDWPT biologist Lloyd Fox, the increase in deer-vehicle crashes at this time of year is strongly influenced by the rut. During rut, deer travel more than in other seasons and pay less attention to hazards such as vehicles. Also during the fall, many deer move to new locations as crops are harvested and leaves fall from trees and shrubs, limiting cover.

Not only are deer more active during the fall, shorter days mean dusk and dawn — when deer are more likely to be on the move — occur when commuter traffic is busiest. According to KDOT spokesperson Steve Swartz, there were 9,109 deer-vehicle collisions reported to KDOT in 2010. Deer-vehicle collisions occur in every Kansas county. In most cases, counties with high human populations and high traffic volumes record the most deer-vehicle crashes. Sedgwick County reported the most crashes with 391, followed by Johnson County with 346 and Butler County with 287.

Motorists should observe the following tips to avoid deer collisions:

be especially watchful at dawn and dusk when deer are particularly active;
watch for more than one deer — if one crosses the road, others may follow;
reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces such as parks or golf courses and near water sources such as streams or ponds;
don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer — the most serious accidents occur when motorists swerve and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle;
heed deer crossing signs;
always wear a seat belt; and
use bright lights and slow down whenever the reflective eyes of deer are spotted.

According to Technical Trooper Josh Kellerman of KHP, if you hit a deer, pull onto the shoulder, turn on your emergency flashers, and watch for traffic before exiting your vehicle. Do not try to remove a deer from the roadway unless you are certain it is dead; an injured deer is dangerous. If you have a cellular phone and are on a Kansas highway, dial *47 (*HP) for a highway patrol dispatcher or *582 (*KTA) for assistance on the Kansas Turnpike, or dial 911 from anywhere.

Anyone involved in a deer-vehicle crash that results in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any traffic accident is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.

If you are involved in a non-injury crash on an interstate or U.S. highway, or any divided or multi-lane road in the state of Kansas, and if you are not transporting hazardous materials, you are required by law to move your vehicle out of the lane of traffic. This law is intended to help keep drivers and passengers safe by getting them out of the lane of traffic, and away from oncoming vehicles. Make sure you and your passengers are buckled up and are using the appropriate child safety seats, practices which help prevent injuries or death should you be involved in a crash.

For more information, phone Swartz (KDOT) at 785-296-3585 or email stevesw@ksdot.org; Kellerman (KHP) at 785-296-6800; or Ron Kaufman (KDWPT) at 785-296-2870 or email ron.kaufman@ksoutdoors.com.

Wisconsin: Hunters may harvest deer with tags and collars

Image via Wikipedia

Wisconsin wildlife researchers ask for basic, valuable information in return

MADISON -- Wildlife researchers are looking for assistance from Wisconsin hunters who may harvest any of the more than 335 white-tailed deer marked with ear tags and radio-collars during the archery and gun-deer seasons.

The researches say hunters’ help may play a role in how Wisconsin’s white-tailed deer herd is managed for generations to come. That’s a big impact for help that may take each hunter who harvests a marked deer only a few minutes to provide.

“These deer were marked back in January as part of a study to better understand how long deer live and how they die,” said Chris Jacques, a research scientist with the Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Science Services. “Hunters are free to harvest these marked deer. And if they do, we would like some basic information that shouldn’t take more than a minute to provide.”

The requested information about marked deer include:

ear tag or radio collar number;
how, when and where the animal died or was harvested; and,
the hunter’s phone number, complete with area code.

Hunters are being asked to call Jacques at (608) 221-6358 to report this information.

Jacques and his colleagues marked the deer in the northern counties of Rusk, Sawyer and Price, and the east central counties of Shawano, Waupaca and Outagamie 10 months ago as part of the buck mortality study sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Stevens Point campuses, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Wildlife Restoration, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, Whitetails Unlimited, Applied Population Laboratory, Menn Law Firm, and private donations from Wisconsin citizens.

“To date, we have not heard from any hunters who may have harvested a tagged deer,” Jacques said. “I do want to stress that you should treat these deer like any other you might see. They may be harvested, but the information that hunters provide is important to the future of our deer herd.”

Jacques says researchers are monitoring weekly survival status of radio-collared deer across east central Wisconsin, including 42 adult males, 32 adult females, and 33 fawns. In the northern counties, researchers are monitoring the survival status of 44 adult males, 30 adult females, and 11 fawns.

While the DNR uses a deer population modeling system built upon sound science and data, Jacques says challenges remain.

“Years ago, the presence of predators of deer wasn’t an unusual issue. However, that’s changed today as predator populations across Wisconsin are expanding and deer are sought by more than just the orange-clad hunters,” Jacques says. “Not only is this a wildlife issue, it is an economic issue – Wisconsin’s tourism relies upon its healthy and abundant natural resources. Deer hunting season is part of that tourism industry, not to mention the heritage of the state. Our deer hunters have expressed concerns about the impact that predation may be having on deer population growth and recruitment rates across the state– they can be rest assured that the department is listening to their concerns and trying to better understand predation impacts with our ongoing collaborative research.”

And this is where the hunters come in, Jacques says.

“There is no way we will be successful in our deer herd management without the hunters’ participation,” Jacques says. “And the research partners who make it possible for us to increase our ability to gather this key information.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Jacques - (608) 221-6358 or Joanne Haas – (608) 267-0798

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Minnesota Deer hunters encouraged to buy license early

Image via Wikipedia

With nearly 500,000 firearms deer hunters in the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging hunters to purchase their licenses early to avoid long lines and any system issues associated with the high sales volume.

Minnesota’s 2011 firearms deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 5.

Deer licenses can be purchased for $27 at DNR license agents across Minnesota, by phone at 888-665-4236 or online. There are additional fees for telephone and Internet transactions, which individuals should check prior to buying their license. Hunters who purchase licenses by phone and Internet will receive their deer tags by mail, which can take five to 10 business days to arrive.

The Information Center and License Center at DNR headquarters, 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul, will work extended hours on opening weekend to handle additional phone calls from deer hunters. Phone lines will be open on Friday, Nov. 4, until 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to noon.

License questions should be directed to the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free at 888-646-6367.

Wisconsin: With increased wildfire danger, hunters, others urged to be extra cautious

Image via Wikipedia

61 wildfires reported so far this fall

MADISON – With 61 wildfires already reported this fall in areas of Wisconsin where the state Department of Natural Resources is responsible for fire protection, state officials are cautioning the public that wildfire activity could be a significant problem this fall and they are asking hunters, recreational vehicle operators and other outdoor recreationists to use extra caution in the outdoors this year.

Traditionally, the primary fire season in Wisconsin is in spring after the snow disappears. However, when summer ends and the leaves fall, the risk of wildfire increases again. A dry summer and unseasonably warm fall temperatures are increasing the risk this fall.

Only two weeks into October, the 61 wildfires reported have burned one building and threatened at least 24 others, according to Jolene Ackerman, a wildfire prevention specialist with the DNR Division of Forestry.

The dry conditions are an even greater concern across Polk, Burnett, Washburn, Douglas and Bayfield counties due to the July 1, windstorm that damaged more than 106,000 acres of forest and left many landowners with major damage to woodlands. The salvage of blown down timber is underway to reduce fuel loads for wildfire potential. People in the blow down area can check a storm recovery page on the DNR website or call the toll free DNR information line at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463) for information on how to deal with wind damaged timber.

“This recent fire activity has been attributed to people burning debris, working with equipment, having campfires or warming fires, and dumping ash outdoors,” Ackerman said.

During fall and early winter months, hunting is a common activity. Unfortunately, this leads to wildfires from abandoned cooking or campfires or improperly disposed of smoking materials, and hot exhaust systems from trucks and ATVs.

Additionally some hunters have been known to use fire in the base of a hollow tree in an attempt to smoke out game animals. Using fire in this manner is a hunting violation. It is also an illegal breach of burning regulations. It can cause fires in remote locations after the hunter has left the area.

Forestry officials encourage people planning to spend time outdoors to check on the latest fire conditions and restrictions. Anyone deciding to have a campfire or warming fire should maintain at least a 3-foot clearing around the fire and keep the fire small. Always keep water and a shovel handy and keep the fire attended. When finished, drown and stir the fire with water and a shovel until the fire is out. Before leaving the area, check the ashes with the back of the hand for any warmth and repeat the wetting process until the fire is 100 percent dead out.

Improper ash disposal is another cause of wildfires this time of year. When disposing of ashes from a stove or fireplace, fire prevention specialists recommend placing ash and coals into a steel bucket or metal garbage can until completely cold. The ash can then be disposed of by spreading on bare ground such as a tilled garden or plowed field. Otherwise ashes can be spread out, wetted down and stirred to extinguish any embers that may still be smoldering.

ATV and other vehicle users in the forests should check around their mufflers for dry grass, leaves and pine needles. This debris can turn to a smoldering cinder, fall off on a grassy backwoods trail, and start a fire.

All people working or playing outdoors are asked to be aware of the wildfire potential in the fall with the abundant dead and dry vegetation all around and to use caution with anything that could start a wildfire. For more information on how to prevent wildfires, and for obtaining current information on any fire restrictions in effect, contact your local DNR Service Center, Ranger Station, or visit thhe forest fire program pages of the DNR website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jolene Ackerman – (608) 267-7677

Monday, October 24, 2011

Iowa Hunters: Be Aware of Out of State Deer Transportation Requirements

Image via WikipediaDeer seasons are underway in Iowa and across the Midwest. As the activity builds, hunters should be aware of transportation requirements, to avoid the potential spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

CWD is a neurologic disease affecting deer and elk. Always fatal to the animal, it has caused widespread preventive and control measures across the country. Iowa carries out extensive monitoring for CWD, sampling brain tissue from more than 36,000 deer in all 99 counties in the last decade. None have returned ‘positive.’

Still, confusion over what is required from state to state has been building this fall.

“I’ve received maybe a dozen calls in the last week; from a taxidermist, a sporting goods store, a meat locker, all asking whether an Illinois (taken) deer can be brought into Iowa,” recounts Luke Webinger, an Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officer in Clinton County.

Similar calls have been received in Muscatine County. Each county borders the Mississippi River and Illinois; which has had positive CWD cases.

Simply stated, Iowa DNR regulations prohibit bringing into Iowa whole carcasses of deer, elk, moose or caribou from areas where CWD has been identified. They do allow transport of boned meat, the cape (skin) and antlers—if attached to a clean skull plate—from which all brain and connective tissue has been removed. If the animal was taken in a state or province which has not been classed as CWD-endemic, it may be transported in any matter that is otherwise legal.

A list of regions in which CWD has been detected in free ranging populations of deer or elk is listed in the 2011 Iowa Hunting Regulations (page 42) or at www.iowadnr.gov under Chronic Wasting Disease.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Related articles

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Related articles

Friday, October 28, 2011

Related articles

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Related articles

Related articles

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Related articles

Related articles

Wisconsin wildlife researchers ask for basic, valuable information in return

Related articles

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

61 wildfires reported so far this fall

Related articles

Monday, October 24, 2011

Related articles