Saturday, December 31, 2011

South Dakota Deer Seasons Reopen for Antlerless Harvest

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PIERRE, S.D. - Big game hunters will get another opportunity to harvest antlerless deer as the East River Deer season and West River Deer season both reopen from Dec. 31, 2011 to Jan 8, 2012. All unfilled tags are valid for antlerless deer harvest only.

Unsold licenses remain in some management units for the East and West River Deer seasons. Licenses may be applied for, and purchased online through the GFP Web site atwww.gfp.sd.gov/hunting/big-game/deer/default.aspx

Friday, December 30, 2011

Missouri Muzzleloader harvest tops 15,000

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Missouri’s muzzleloader harvest continues to grow with
increased opportunities and advances in muzzleloading technology.
JEFFERSON CITY–Hunters shot 15,238 deer during the muzzleloader portion of Missouri’s firearms deer season, the second-largest muzzleloader harvest on record.
Top harvest counties were Oregon with 314, Franklin with 285 and Callaway with 281.
This year’s muzzleloader harvest was up 18 percent from last year and fell just short of the record 15,907 deer checked during the 2009 muzzleloader hunt.
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Resource Scientist Jason Sumners said this year’s increased muzzleloader harvest continues a long-term trend.
Missouri held its first muzzleloader season in 1988. Back then, hunters had to declare if they intended to use a muzzleloader or a center-fire rifle. If they chose a muzzleloader, they had to use a muzzleloader during the firearms season in November but also could hunt during the muzzleloader season. That first year, the muzzleloader season was three days long.
Since then, many of the original restrictions on muzzleloader hunting have been relaxed. In 1999, MDC eliminated the separate muzzleloader deer permit, allowing hunters to buy one permit and hunt with muzzleloaders during the muzzleloader season and with center-fire rifles during the November and antlerless portions of deer season. By then, muzzleloader season was nine days long. Now it runs for 11 days.
“Those increases in opportunity to fill firearms deer permits led to increased participation in the muzzleloader portion,” said Sumners. “The muzzleloader harvest more than doubled between 1999 and 2002.”
In 2009, MDC reversed the order of the muzzleloader and antlerless seasons, putting the muzzleloader hunt in the last half of December to provide a better quality hunt for muzzleloader hunters. The muzzleloader harvest increased by 55 percent that year, surpassing 15,000 for the first time.
“Topping the 15,000 mark this year isn’t a surprise at all if you consider the changes in permit use, timing and participation,” said Sumners. 
Changes in muzzleloader technology also have contributed to the sport’s increased popularity. When Missouri had its first muzzleloader hunt 23 years ago, most commercially available muzzleloaders were traditional caplock and flintlock types, and muzzleloader season was a practical exercise in hunting history. Today, most hunters use in-line muzzleloaders, often with telescopic sights. Modern propellants and bullets have changed dramatically from black powder and round lead balls, leading to improvements in ballistic performance. The loading process remains essentially the same as in pioneer days, but the accuracy of modern, in-line muzzleloaders is similar to those of single-shot, center-fire rifles.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Oklahoma Outdoor Calendar

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DECEMBER
 
25: Last day of Holiday Antlerless Season (only in open zones). Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons. For full details and regulations, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
 
26: Fourth annual trout pond for Tulsa opens for fishing. Made possible by the Oklahoma Chapter of Trout Unlimited, The Tulsa Fly Fishers, NatureWorks and the Tulsa County Parks Department. Oklahoma fishing license is required and all state trout fishing laws apply. Adults are welcome but are asked to "take a kid" fishing. Donations to help continue this program are encouraged. Send your tax deductible donation to Oklahoma Trout Unlimited, PO Box 54108 Tulsa, OK 74155. The Trout Pond For Tulsa is located in The Gardens Park area of LaFortune Park at the corner of 51st St. and Hudson St. To park your car, enter The Gardens Park on the north side off of 51st street between Yale and Hudson.www.tulsaflyfishers.org <http://www.tulsaflyfishers.org/
 
26 & 27: State Offices Closed.
 
JANUARY
 
5-8: Oklahoma Tackle and Hunting Show at the Oklahoma City Fair Grounds, Oklahoma City.
 
5-8: Oklahoma Winter Bird Feeder Survey. Help the Wildlife Department track wintering birds at backyard feeders. For more information, log on to www.okwinterbirds.com<http://www.okwinterbirds.com/> .
 
9: Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting. Meetings are held monthly at 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Building (auditorium), 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City.
 
13: Eleventh annual OKC trout fishing clinic at Putnam City High School Gym (5300 NW Warr Acres) for anyone interested in fishing for and catching rainbow trout. Program is free. To register call the H.B Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014.
 
16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - State Offices Closed.
 
17: Bob Walshaw will present a hands-on bluebird program including how to deal with house sparrows at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow at 7 p.m. This event will be held in the upstairs seminar room, is free and open to the public, and door prizes will be awarded. For more information (918) 355-7600.
 
24: Predator Calling Seminar at 7 p.m. in the upstairs seminar room at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow.. Scott Ruff will cover bobcat calling, and Travis Alzate will cover coyote calling. Both men are expert predator hunters, videographers and seminar presenters with many years of multi-state experience. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call (918) 355-7600.
 
31: Prescribed Burn Workshop. Topics will range from legal considerations and techniques for managing fire to environmental considerations and developing prescribed burning plans. Weather permitting an afternoon demonstration burn will be conducted with an explanation of necessary equipment. Workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration fee is $20 and includes lunch. To register call the Noble Foundation at (580) 224-6411 or log on to www.noble.org/AgEvents <http://www.noble.org/AgEvents

Friday, December 23, 2011

Only a Few Days Left for Your Chance at Michigan's Hunt of a Lifetime


With 2011 drawing to a close, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the last day to purchase Pure Michigan Hunt applications is Saturday, Dec. 31.
Past Pure Michigan Hunt winner Randy Willis with the 6x6 elk he harvested as part of his hunt of a lifetime. Photo courtesy of Steve Koss, Big Boy Adventures.Applicants can purchase an unlimited number of $4 chances for Michigan's "Hunt of a Lifetime" anywhere DNR licenses are sold or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com. Three lucky hunters will be randomly selected to win the 2012 Pure Michigan Hunt ultimate prize package, including licenses to hunt elk, bear, turkey, deer and waterfowl, along with an array of donated merchandise.

"Dollars generated from this unique opportunity fund wildlife habitat restoration and improvements here in Michigan," said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason. "Wildlife management in Michigan is paid for by the users, and the purchase of a hunting license is the best investment folks can make to support our wildlife species and the habitat they depend on."

Thanks to generous donations from several Michigan companies and organizations, Mason added, the winners will walk away not only with lifelong memories of a coveted elk or bear hunt, but also an incredible selection of prizes, including:
  • Brickhouse ground blind from Ameristep
  • 2012 Scorpion II crossbow package from Darton Archery
  • One-year magazine subscription and duck decoy from Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited
  • Savage Model 115 American Classic Rifle from Michigan Gun Owners
  • One-year magazine subscriptions to Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine and Tracks youth magazine from Michigan United Conservation clubs
  • Nine Square Target System from MOR Archery
  • Custom box call, hunting vest and turkey patch from Michigan Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation
  • Soroc sports sled from Northwoods Wholesale Outlets
  • Start-up package, including membership fee and deer-aging kit, from Quality Deer Management Association
"I encourage all Michigan hunters to buy their own chance for a Pure Michigan Hunt," said past Pure Michigan Hunt winner Randy Willis. "What a wonderful year of hunting it has been. This is truly the hunt of a lifetime!"

As part of his Pure Michigan Hunt package, Willis was able to take a 6x6 elk, a bear and several antlerless deer. He also participated in a managed waterfowl hunt at Shiawassee River State Game Area and the spring turkey hunt.

Pure Michigan Hunt applications also make a great last-minute holiday gift or stocking stuffer. Those who purchase applications as gifts for other hunters need to use the gift recipient's identification - a Michigan driver's license number or DNR Sportcard number - to ensure the recipient is awarded the hunting rights.

For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt, visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.
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.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for December 22, 2011

Lake Monona, in Madison, Wisconsin
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Winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts have colder weather and snow on their holiday wish lists, as most of Wisconsin is free of snow, and many lakes and rivers in the southern half of the state are open or have only unsafe ice. While the astronomical winter began this week with the Winter Solstice on Wednesday, there has been no significant snowfall in the last week. This has left just far north central Wisconsin, mostly Iron, Vilas and Oneida counties, with any snow cover, and that ranges from just a couple to at most 5 to 6 inches.

Snowmobile trails are open in parts of those counties, but are generally in poor condition, and any trails that cross lakes still closed. No cross-country ski trails are being groomed, but some trails in those areas can be skied.

Colder night temperatures in the north has made some more ice, after last week’s near 50 degree weather had melted much ice. Ice depths in the north now range up to 7 to 10 inches, but there are still many areas that have thinner ice, especially near inlets, outlets and springs or other moving water. Ice is forming again on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, but is unsafe for travel. Ice depths drop quickly through central Wisconsin, and many lakes in southern Wisconsin remain open or have only unsafe ice. Conservation wardens are urging people to use extreme caution and check ice depths often. There were reports of two deaths in the last week from people falling through weak ice.
Ice anglers venturing out in the north reported some good early action for northern pike and walleye, mostly on suckers and shiners. There was also some good action for bluegills and crappies. With the mild weather, some open water anglers have returned, with some very good brown trout action reported in the Milwaukee harbor on Lake Michigan. Walleye fishing has been good on Lakes Monona and Mendota in Dane County and musky anglers have been having some success on Lake Monona. Walleye fishing was also good in on the Wisconsin River below the Wisconsin Dells dam.
Deer hunters still have ample opportunity to get out and do some more hunting. The Holiday Hunt starts Saturday, Dec 24 and ends on Jan. 8 in the chronic wasting disease management zone in south central Wisconsin. It is the same regulations as the nine-day rifle season in November, with one buck plus unlimited earn-a-buck there after. The late season archery hunt also remains open through Jan. 8 and some archery hunters reported this week that deer seemed to have just finished a second rutting period and have been seen feeding heavily, even during daylight hours. Hunters also report that bucks have begun shedding antlers and sheds are being found.

With open water remaining along Lake Michigan and southern Wisconsin, many waterfowl are still being seen, including Canada geese, goldeneyes, mallards, scaup, common mergansers and even an occasional wood duck.

There will be no Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report between the Christmas and New Years holidays. The next Outdoor Report will be January 5, 2011. Should snow arrive before then, check the Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR) for updates. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wisconsin Volunteers sought to assist with deer research project

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MADISON – Wisconsin wildlife researchers are seeking people interested in wildlife research to volunteer in assisting in the live capture of deer. This will be the second year for each of two Department of Natural Resources deer research efforts; a five year study of adult deer and a three year study of fawns.
Captured deer will be fitted with radio collars and ear tags in an effort to learn more about causes of death in deer and the impact of predators on deer populations. The projects are described in a short series of Wisconsin Public Television interviews.
Researchers also ask all hunters who may have shot a collared or ear-tagged deer during the recently completed nine-day gun deer hunt to please call in using the number on the collar or ear tag and report their harvest if they have not done so already. They’ll be asked a few questions about the details of their kill and asked to return the collars, which are valuable and can be reused on newly captured deer.
“This is important information for the study,” said Christopher Jacques, DNR research scientist, “as it will give biologists a more complete understanding of the number of deer killed by hunters compared to all other causes of death.”
Jacques says volunteers are vital to the success of this effort.
“Last year, our first year of this project, got off to a great start thanks to the more than 400 volunteers who donated their time and energy,” he says. “Capture season has already started and anyone from hunters to wildlife students to folks interested in wildlife management and research are welcome. We also hope to hear from landowners in the study areas who would consider giving us access to their property to set up traps.”
People can learn more about the projects and sign up online through the DNR website or by contacting Jacques at (608) 221-6358.
Deer will be captured using box traps, net traps and drop nets.
“Last season we also used a helicopter to capture deer from the air,” said Jacques. “This is a proven technique in many parts of the country. We found it to be difficult and stressful to the animals here in Wisconsin leading to higher than normal mortality for this technique. People we’ve talked to and worked with on this project are concerned with these deaths so we’ve decided to not use the helicopters this year and use ground capture techniques only in 2011-12. If ground capture is not successful we may need to consider helicopter capture in the future.”
Volunteers will work with researchers to remove deer from the traps, record basic information on sex and age, in some cases take blood and parasite samples, fit radio collars and ear tags and release them. If captured does are found to be pregnant, they will be fitted with implant transmitters that will signal when fawns are born in the spring. New born fawns will be located at the time of birth and fitted with radio collars.
Collars emit a mortality signal at the time of death so researchers can locate and attempt to determine the animal’s cause of death whether it’s from hunters, environment, disease, vehicles, predators or other causes. The information will be used to fine tune population estimating techniques.
There are two study areas. One in northwest Wisconsin in the vicinity of Winter in Sawyer County and an east central area mostly in Shawano County.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

IOWA LATE MUZZLELOADER DEER SEASON PREVIEW

Deer buck shot during Free Youth Weekend of Ke...
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No sooner do Iowa’s shotgun season deer hunters hang up their gear, the late muzzleloader hunters head into the woods.
About 32,000 late season muzzleloader hunters don’t have to compete with the crowds of shotgun season, but they do face the prospect of colder weather and more snow during their December 19-January 10 season.
“With fewer hunters, the deer calm down. They key into food sources again; especially in colder weather,” outlines Tom Litchfield, deer research biologist with the Department of Natural Resources. “Hunters can have real good success setting up ‘on stand’ to monitor feeding areas or trails leading to and from them.”
For many with a muzzleloader, that means being obscure and in place before dawn or well ahead of sunset; as nocturnal whitetails travel between bedding areas and food sources. Most muzzleloaders have better range than a slug-firing shotgun. However, the downside is the single shot afforded. That is where stealth and location become prime considerations for the cold-weather crowd; who usually hunt alone…and who must tag the deer they shoot, rather than working with multiple hunters with ‘party' tags to step in.
Late season muzzleloader hunters harvested 9,465 deer last year; 36 percent of them antlered bucks. The prospect of patterning a nice buck, intent on regaining body weight after the rut, is one of the attractions of the late season.
Plenty of antlerless tags are still available in northeastern and most southern Iowa counties. Unlike in past years, though, most of them are at or very close to target deer population levels.
“If hunting where deer numbers are noticeably lower--and the landowner feels numbers are down--hunters should be a little more judicious; backing off a bit on harvest of does,” suggests Litchfield. “However, if you hunt in an area with lots of deer yet, then you might still continue harvesting does, as you have the last two or three years.”

Ohio's Coshocton County Leads State in Weekend Deer-Gun Harvest Numbers

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80 percent of Ohio’s Deer Hunters Choose the Phone or Internet for Checking Game
COLUMBUS, OH- Hunters harvested an additional 16,766 deer during the extra weekend of gun hunting, December 17-18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The extra weekend was first offered in 2006 in response to hunters' request for an increase in the amount of weekend days to pursue white-tailed deer, the state's number one big game animal. In 2010, hunters took 20,916 deer during the additional two days.
 Counties leading the state in deer killed over the weekend included: Coshocton – 593; Tuscarawas – 541; Muskingum – 499;  Licking – 483; Harrison – 477; Guernsey – 446; Carroll – 442; Belmont - 416; Ashtabula – 387; and Knox – 373.
 Hunters must still report their deer harvest, but are no longer required to take their deer to a check station for physical inspection. Instead, hunters have three options to complete the new automated game check:
  • On the Internet at wildohio.com.
  • By telephone at 1-877-TAG-ITOH (1-877-824-4864). This option is only available to those who are required to have a deer permit to hunt deer.
  • At all license agents. A list of these agents can be found at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Hunters are showing support for all three game-check methods. Since the beginning of deer season, 44 percent of hunters have used the phone method, another 36 percent are reporting their harvests over the Internet, and the final 20 percent are traveling to a license agent’s location to check their game.
The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay the processing fees of donated venison. Donations of extra deer will be accepted throughout the entire deer season. Hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and while funding for the effort is available. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they killed this year to wildohio.com.

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 an $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules is contained in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available where licenses are sold. It may also be viewed online at wildohio.com

Monday, December 19, 2011

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for December 15, 2011

State Seal of Wisconsin.
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After last week’s colder temperatures and snowfall built up the anticipation of ice anglers, snowmobilers and skiers, warmer temperatures and rain this week dampened that excitement considerably. Conservation wardens across the state are reporting that ice conditions have deteriorated considerably. Lakes that had 2 to 3 inches of ice now have areas of open water and ice just an inch or two thick along shorelines. Lakes in the far north are in the best condition, with some near shore areas having a solid 5 to 6 inches of ice, but areas out over deeper water and just a short distance away may only have 2 to 3 inches of ice.

Only far north central Wisconsin has any remaining snow cover, with the most being reported in northern Iron County at about 5 inches. Most areas are reporting only 1 to 3 inches of snow remain.

Prior to the warm-up anglers were reporting fair to good action on early ice for bluegills and some northern pike. Initial walleye success on northern lakes has been generally slow for the tip-up anglers, but a few nicer fish have shown up, including a couple of 25-inch walleye have been reported.

Ice had begun to form on both Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay and on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, but with warmer temperatures and wind, most of that ice has broken up. Some anglers have returned to open water fishing, with reports of walleye being caught from boats on the Fox River and some good sauger action on the Mississippi River.

Reports were mixed from the statewide antlerless deer hunt, with some areas mostly in the southern part of the state reporting participation and deer registrations were up, while activity was limited in much of northern Wisconsin. Bow hunters are now taking advantage of this recent mild weather to spend more time on tree stands.

Large flocks of Canada geese are still being reported across much of the state. The exterior goose season is now closed, but the Mississippi River subzone remains open through Dec. 29. Turkeys are reporting to be forming into their larger winter flocks with as many as 40 to 50 being seen feeding on many agricultural fields in the mild weather.

With the mild weather, some late season hunters are reporting still seeing black bear out and about, and wildlife biologists confirmed a black bear denning up in Sauk County this week, the first time this has been confirmed in quite a few years.

There has been an abundance of divers ducks, especially golden-eyes and mallards, stil being seen because of the open water. Large numbers of migrating waterfowl has been seen along the shores of Green Bay, including one report of an estimated 12,000 mergansers.

And for people looking for last minute holiday gifts for the outdoors lovers on their lists, 2012 Wisconsin State Park admission stickers and State Trail passes are on sale now at all state park and forest offices and DNR Service Centers.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Deer Hunters Helping Ohioans in Need

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Venison donations will be accepted through February 5, 2012

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio deer hunters have donated more than 79,750 pounds of venison to local food banks since opening day of deer season on September 24, according to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The 1,595 donated deer equal approximately 319,000 meals for needy Ohioans. Last year at this time, 2,082 deer had been donated representing 104,100 pounds of venison. The Division of Wildlife reminds hunter that there are plenty of opportunities to pursue deer in the 2011-12 season.

“I’m proud of Ohio’s deer hunters who continue to show their generosity despite overall lower harvest numbers this year as compared to last,” said Scott Zody, chief ODNR Division of Wildlife. “I encourage hunters to get out in the field, enjoy the rest of the season and to consider donating any extra deer they are fortunate enough to harvest.”

FHFH collected 125,150 pounds of venison from 2,503 deer during all of last year’s season, which ran from September 25, 2010 to February 6, 2011.

The Division of Wildlife collaborated with FHFH to assist with the processing costs associated with donating venison to a food bank. The program allows for subsidy grants to be provided in allotments that are matched with funds generated or collected by local Ohio FHFH chapters. The division subsidized this year's FHFH operation as an additional deer management tool, helping wildlife managers encourage hunters to harvest more does.

Venison that is donated to participating food banks must be processed by a federal, state or locally inspected and insured meat processor. Hunters wishing to donate their deer are not required to pay for the processing of the venison as long as the program has funds available to cover the cost.

Currently, there are 78 participating meat processors across the state and 34 FHFH local chapters. Anyone interested in becoming a local program coordinator or a participating meat processor should visit the "Local FHFH" page at www.fhfh.org. The Web page includes a list of coordinators, program names and the counties they serve.

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.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Park hunts in Indiana make inroads on habitat recovery

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Controlled deer hunts at state park properties are achieving the intended result of habitat recovery, but analysis of information collected this year indicates deer numbers remain above desired levels at many locations.

Volunteer hunters harvested 1,546 deer during four days of controlled hunts at 21 state parks in November. That’s only the 10th highest total in 18 years of state park hunts, but resource biologists say harvest numbers alone have limited value in determining success.

Instead, their research shows a better indicator is harvest-to-hunter effort (H/E). When the H/E ratio nears .22 to .20, vegetation and habitat begin to recover from deer overbrowsing. Another reliable target is a harvest of 12 to 16 deer per square mile.  

The mean H/E ratio for all participating parks this year was 0.27—the second most successful on record. Seventeen parks experienced H/E ratios above target levels, and most parks also were above the harvest per square mile target.

“Although some parks are more successful than others at achieving a maintenance phase, data continue to indicate habitat recovery as well as sustained deer populations,” said Mike Mycroft, chief of natural resources for the DNR Division of State Parks & Reservoirs.

“It’s worth reiterating that park reductions are not intended to manage deer populations for optimal recreational hunting,” he said. “The goal is to reduce the impact of browsing to a level that allows some of Indiana’s rarest and most unique natural communities to thrive.”

Mycroft noted that although abrupt browse lines and emaciated deer are a thing of the past at state parks, less obvious damage persists throughout the park system, and deer continue to impact rare and endangered flora, as well as valuable habitat such as oak forests.

Mycroft’s full report on the 2011 controlled hunts is available at StateParks.IN.gov. Look for the 2011 Deer Reduction Report link below the photographs.

The first two-day hunt was Nov. 14-15, and the second was Nov. 28-29. State parks included were Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Fort Harrison, Harmonie, Indiana Dunes, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe, Turkey Run, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial. Cave River Valley, a satellite site at Spring Mill, also was included.

Weather was marginal statewide for both sessions. Temperatures were warm on the first two-day session with high winds, rain and thunderstorms scattered across much of the state. Second-round weather was cooler with gusty winds and a mix of rain and snow.

Another influencing factor was no-shows, meaning hunters who were drawn for participation but did not participate at all, or participated only one day. Just over 6,000 hunters were selected in the initial draw. Standby drawings were conducted at four parks on a trial basis to fill spots left vacant by originally drawn hunters. The standby drawings reduced what would have been a combined 59 percent four-day average of no-shows at those four parks to 49 percent.

Parks requiring reductions in 2012 will be listed and made available along with online applications in July 2012 atdnr.IN.gov/fishwild/5834.htm.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Holiday antlerless deer season brings Christmas cheer to hunters in Oklahoma

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          Christmas family traditions range from eating out and attending services on Christmas Eve to giving out gifts and stockings filled with treats. But in Oklahoma, families can even go deer hunting over the Christmas holidays.

            This year the holiday antlerless deer gun season will be open for 10 days starting Dec. 16 and running through Dec. 25 in open areas.

            Most of the state will be open to antlerless hunting those days, except for the majority of the Panhandle and portions of southeast Oklahoma. All public hunting areas and private lands in southeast Oklahoma’s zone 10 are closed to the holiday antlerless deer gun season. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide season dates. For a map of Oklahoma’s antlerless deer hunt zones and to see which counties will be open for the holiday antlerless deer gun season, consult page 25 of the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide,” as well as the “Public Hunting Lands” section on page 48 of the guide for seasons on specific public areas.

            Last year almost 40,000 hunters participated in the holiday antlerless deer season.

            “A good number of those hunters were successful with 4,377 deer being checked during that season,” said Jerry Shaw, big game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

            According to Shaw, high doe harvests help accomplish several important management benefits such as preventing localized overpopulations, improving buck:doe ratios for a more healthy herd, reducing competition for forage to promote greater antler growth in bucks, reducing the potential for deer/vehicle collisions, and lessening the extent of potential crop depredation.

            To participate in the holiday antlerless deer gun season, resident hunters must possess a valid hunting license and a holiday antlerless deer gun license, unless exempt. Resident youth hunters 16 or 17 years old must purchase a hunting license and a $10 youth holiday antlerless deer gun license, unless exempt. Youth under 16 are not required to purchase a hunting license but they must possess a $10 youth holiday antlerless deer gun license.

            Although nonresident deer hunters are exempt from a hunting license while hunting deer, they must possess a nonresident deer gun license.

            Hunters age 8-30 who have not completed the Wildlife Department’s hunter education class may still hunt during the holiday antlerless deer gun season, but their licenses will have an apprentice designation, and the hunter must be accompanied by a qualified adult hunter who remains within arms reach of the apprentice hunter while hunting. For details, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” online at wildlifedepartment.com.
           
           In addition, hunters participating in the holiday antlerless deer season must comply with the hunter orange requirements for the regular deer gun season. Archery hunters and those hunting most other species in open holiday antlerless zones must wear either a hunter orange hat or upper garment while hunting.
           
   To learn more about this year’s antlerless deer season, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.