Midwest Deer Hunting: 2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013

IOWA DNR TO CONTINUE SURVEILLANCE FOR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE

Distribution of Chronic Wasting Disease April, 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

DNR wildlife staff will again be in the field during Iowa’s shotgun deer seasons, collecting samples to test for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Iowa’s wild deer herd. The effort will concentrate on portions of Northeast Iowa near Wisconsin and Illinois as well as in Wapello, Davis, Pottawattamie and Cerro Gordo counties, following positive tests from captive facilities in or near those counties last year.

Many of the samples will be collected during the first half of December, as more than 120,000 hunters take part in Iowa’s shotgun deer seasons and deer harvested during those seasons are major sources of samples. Sampling—which involves removing and testing the brain stem and lymph nodes--has been done on free ranging deer across Iowa for years. Many hunters voluntarily contribute samples of their harvested deer for these testing efforts. Most samples are obtained by wildlife staff, checking with hunters in the field or at home processing points.

DNR has historically focused its sampling efforts heaviest in northeast Iowa, after Wisconsin and Illinois yielded positive cases in recent years. After the positive findings in captive herds in 2012, DNR focused additional testing in those counties identified above. Sampling in northeast Iowa for the 2013-2014 seasons will continue at a slightly lower intensity in order to accommodate the additional testing in Davis, Wapello, Pottawattamie and Cerro Gordo Counties.

Since 2002, more than 47 thousand wild deer in Iowa have been tested, with no positive CWD result in the wild herd detected to date. “We are hopeful CWD has not spread into Iowa’s deer herd. The only way to know this is to continue to collect samples and do the testing. We will work through all hunting seasons, with the peak being the shotgun seasons in December,” said Dr. Dale Garner, Wildlife Bureau Chief.

Iowa DNR’s website provides information about CWD and other information on infectious disease at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/DeerHunting/CWDEHDInformation.aspx

Friday, December 20, 2013

Michigan DNR finds 2013 firearm deer hunters faced challenges, but persistence pays off

Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michigan’s 2013 firearm deer season wrapped up last weekend, and challenging conditions and lower deer numbers in some areas have likely led to fewer deer being taken this year, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. Firearm season deer check-station activity declined in all regions of the state compared to 2012.
Each year the DNR generates preliminary estimates of the firearm deer harvest shortly after the season closes on Nov. 30. Those estimates are replaced by a rigorous assessment of harvest and participation over all deer seasons using an annual hunter mail survey.
The 2013 firearm deer season harvest appears to have decreased in all regions this year, but particularly in the Upper Peninsula and southern Lower Peninsula. Experiences can differ widely within regions; DNR biologists estimate the harvest (compared to 2012) was down perhaps 15 to 20 percent across the Upper Peninsula, decreased only slightly in the northern Lower Peninsula, and declined perhaps 10 percent in the southern Lower Peninsula.
“Deer populations in the Upper Peninsula are feeling the effects of late and heavy snowfall last winter, and in some areas of southern Michigan are still recovering from an extensive outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease two summers ago,” said Brent Rudolph, DNR Wildlife Division Deer and Elk Program leader.
“A new antler point restriction in 12 counties of the northern Lower Peninsula has added protection for young bucks,” noted Ashley Autenrieth, Wildlife Division deer biologist for the northern regions, “so we expected buck harvest in that region to be lower for at least a year.”
Severe weather conditions, warmer-than-average temperatures and concentrations of standing corn that provide secure cover for deer also contributed to adverse hunting conditions in some locations. A recent national survey highlighted that persistence pays off, particularly when conditions are not ideal. Successful deer hunters hunted an average of 18 days, which is longer than the entire duration of Michigan’s firearm season.
Rudolph stressed the importance of cooperation with Michigan’s hunter harvest survey, which he called “a vital tool for Michigan’s deer program, and an important way in which data provided by hunters contributes to our information base.”
Hunters that do not receive a survey in the mail but wish to provide their hunting and harvest information may visitwww.michigan.gov/deer and select the Deer Harvest Reporting Form link. Hunters should only provide this information once they have completed all of their 2013 hunting activities, including seasons open through as late as Jan. 1, 2014.
For more information about hunting opportunities or deer management in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/hunting orwww.michigan.gov/deer..

Thursday, December 19, 2013

North Dakota Mule Deer from 3F2 Tests Positive for CWD

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A mule deer taken from unit 3F2 during the deer gun season has tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

Dr. Dan Grove, North Dakota Game and Fish Department wildlife veterinarian, said a hunter shot the adult buck in western Grant County and submitted the head for testing as part of the hunter-harvested surveillance program. Testing was performed at Michigan State University. Game and Fish is awaiting verification of initial tests results from a national lab in Ames, Iowa. The MSU lab still has some 3F2 samples to test, as well as all samples from the eastern third of the state.

Grove said according to the hunter, the animal looked healthy, with no visible signs of having any health issues.

This is the fourth deer, and first buck, to test positive for CWD since 2009, and all were from taken from unit 3F2 in southwestern North Dakota. All four were within the same general area.

The hunter-harvested surveillance program annually collects samples taken from hunter-harvested deer in specific regions of the state. In addition to unit 3F2, samples during the 2013 deer gun season were collected from units in the eastern third of the state.

CWD affects the nervous system of members of the deer family and is always fatal. Scientists have found no evidence that CWD can be transmitted naturally to humans or livestock.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Ohio's deer-gun season opens with 22,620 deer harvested

Hunters checked 22,620 white-tailed deer on Monday, the opening day of Ohio’s deer-gun hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The deer-gun season remains open through Sunday, Dec. 8. Hunters are encouraged to take to the field to enjoy the six days remaining in the deer-gun season. Hunting is the best and most effective management tool for maintaining Ohio’s healthy deer population. About 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season. Find more information about deer hunting in the Ohio 2013-2014 Hunting and Trapping Regulations or at wildohio.com.

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Sunday, December 1, 2013

Ohio Deer-Gun Season Opens Monday, Dec. 2, with More Hunting Time after Sunset

COLUMBUS, OH - Deer-gun season, one of Ohio’s most revered hunting traditions, begins Monday, Dec. 2, with 30 more minutes of prime hunting time each day, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Ohio’s deer-gun season is open through Sunday, Dec. 8.

Hunting time is extended 30 minutes for all deer-gun seasons. Hunters were already allowed to hunt deer 30 minutes before sunrise, and this year an additional 30 minutes has been added after sunset for gun seasons.

“We are eager to increase opportunities for Ohio’s sportsmen and women,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “Ohio is a top 10 whitetail hunting destination, and the extra half-hour after sunset will give hunters more opportunities to bag a deer.”

Deer hunting in Ohio continues to be a popular activity for many who enjoy the outdoors. The ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 80,000-90,000 deer will be harvested during the weeklong hunt. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year's season, including many out-of-state hunters. Hunters checked 86,964 deer in the 2012 weeklong deer-gun season.

Deer can be hunted with a plugged shotgun capable of holding no more than three slugs, a muzzleloader .38 caliber or larger, a handgun .357 caliber or larger and bows during deer-gun week.

“Hunters are reminded to use safety precautions while hunting, including wearing required hunter orange clothing, using a safety harness while in a tree stand and safe handling of firearms,” said Scott Zody, chief of the ODNR Division of Wildlife.

Deer bag limits are now determined by county. The statewide bag limit is nine deer, but a hunter cannot exceed an individual county bag limit. Hunters may harvest only one antlered deer, regardless of hunting method or season. A valid deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license. Hunters must purchase an additional deer permit to hunt more than one deer. Antlerless deer permits will not be sold after Sunday, Dec. 1, and these permits are not valid after that date unless used for an ODNR Division of

Wildlife authorized controlled hunt.

A new tagging procedure administered by the ODNR Division of Wildlife requires hunters to make their own game tag to attach to a deer. Game tags can be made of any material (cardboard, plastic, paper, etc.) as long as it contains the hunter’s name, date, time and county of kill. Go to the Deer Hunting Resources page at wildohio.com for more information on changes to the game check process.

More deer hunting information can be found in the 2013-14 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations and at wildohio.com. Hunters can share photos by clicking on the Photo Gallery tab online.

Hunters are encouraged to harvest more antlerless deer in some areas of Ohio this season to help the needy in their area and also manage deer populations. The ODNR Division of Wildlife is working with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate a deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort is available. More information about this program can be found online at fhfh.org. Hunters can also donate venison through Safari Club International’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program by learning more at safariclubfoundation.org. Whitetails Unlimited chapters also use local funds for programs such as venison donation. Go to whitetailsunlimited.com to find a local chapter and make a donation.

Ohio ranks fifth nationally in resident hunters and 11th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has a more than $853 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation publication.

Young Ohio Hunters Harvest more than 6,000 Deer during Youth-Gun Season

Young hunters checked 6,645 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s two-day youth gun season, Nov. 23-24, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Young hunters were challenged by below-average temperatures and windy conditions during the two-day season.

“Congratulations to all the young hunters who participated and enjoyed Ohio’s youth deer hunting weekend,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “I want to thank the parents and adults who took the time to make the weekend a memorable one for the next generation of hunters.”

The Ohio counties that reported the most checked deer during the 2013 youth gun season: Coshocton (248), Tuscarawas (220), Muskingum (212), Holmes (196), Knox (189), Licking (189), Guernsey (183), Belmont (165), Harrison (165) and Carroll (161).

Youth hunters could pursue deer with a legal shotgun, muzzleloader or handgun and were required to be accompanied by a non-hunting adult during the two-day season. The youth deer-gun season is one of four special youth-only hunting seasons designed to offer a safe and early hunting experience for young hunters. Youth hunting seasons are also set aside for small game, wild turkey and waterfowl.

Youth hunters can commemorate their hunt with a First Harvest certificate, available at wildohio.com. Participants can upload a photo and type in their information to personalize the certificate. Hunters can also share photos by clicking on the Photo Gallery tab online.

Ohio offers many more opportunities for young hunters to pursue deer. The deer-gun season is Monday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 8. Deer-muzzleloader season is Saturday, Jan. 4, through Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. Deer-archery season is open now through Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. Find complete details in the 2013-2014 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations or online at wildohio.com.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

South Dakota GFP Reminds Hunters to Register for Winter Depredation Hunts

As winter approaches in South Dakota, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) reminds resident hunters of a unique opportunity that may exist later this

winter.

The GFP has a Wildlife Damage Management Program that assists landowners with various wildlife depredation abatement techniques. However, when other methods are ineffective, GFP may utilize willing hunters to help reduce damage caused by wildlife.

“Winter depredation hunts are a valuable management tool that GFP uses in some situations to alleviate wildlife damage to landowners’ stored-feed supplies,” said Wildlife Damage Program Administrator Keith Fisk. “Depredation hunts are largely dependent upon the severity of the winter, snowfall accumulations and the number of animals involved. During mild winters, few hunts are conducted; however, when extreme conditions cause wildlife to congregate near farmsteads and livestock feeds, depredation hunts are more common.”

South Dakota residents may register for potential depredation hunts for deer, antelope and turkey starting Dec. 1, 2013. Hunters can register for depredation hunts (free of charge) at http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/depredation-hunts.aspx and are encouraged to register for counties near their home or within close driving distance.

“New for 2013, hunters may register for a maximum of 10 counties,” said Fisk. “Depredation hunts are often time-sensitive and winter weather can sometimes make travel difficult for participating hunters. For a successful hunt, GFP needs participating hunters to be available at the hunt location almost immediately.”

Once registered, hunters are then put into a random drawing to determine eligibility once a depredation hunt is authorized.

Winter depredation hunts focus on assisting landowners with wildlife damage, but also can provide hunters with another hunting opportunity after tradition hunting seasons are closed. For more information, please visit the GFP website or contact GFP at (605)223-7660.

Friday, November 29, 2013

BASIC FIREARM RULES ARE IMPORTANT FOR A SAFE HUNT

The first of Iowa’s two shotgun deer seasons opens on Dec. 7, and while optimism for a successful hunt is the primary focus, hunters are encouraged to brush up on safe hunting practices.

Basic firearm rules are pretty straight forward: always point the muzzle in a safe direction; treat every firearm as though it were loaded; unload the firearm and open the action, especially when crossing obstacles, until you are ready to shoot; keep the barrel clear and choose the proper ammunition.

“Our deer hunting tradition is shared with our friends and our family,” said Megan Wisecup, hunter education administrator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Practicing safe hunting techniques is important to make sure we all get home at the end of the day.”

An estimated 140,000 hunters are expected to take to the timber during Iowa’s two shotgun deer seasons and Wisecup said self inflicted injuries and property damage continue to be prominent.

“Those incidents could be avoided by simply following the basic rules of firearm safety and ensuring there is a safe backdrop prior to taking a shot,” she said.

“Hunters tend to get fixated on their target and when a deer is running, they forget about their surroundings. Look beyond your target and clearly identify the target before taking the shot,” Wisecup said. “You must be certain you have a clear, safe shot. Never point your firearm at anything you do not want to shoot.”

That advice can help to prevent self inflicted wounds as well.

Wisecup encouraged hunters to wear plenty of blaze orange and to discuss the hunting plan with everyone in the group.

“You want to be seen from all sides in the woods,” she said. “It is also important to discuss the hunting plan that will outline the role for each person and where they will be during the hunt. Plan your hunt and hunt your plan. It is critical to communicate with your hunting partners to ensure everyone knows where each other is at all times.”

In 2012, there were nine deer hunting related incidents in Iowa: five personal injuries and four property damage. There were no deer hunting fatalities in 2012.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

DEER DONATION PROGRAM BENEFITS IOWANS IN NEED

Iowa’s popular deer donation program Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) is entering into its second decade as a tool connecting hunters, lockers and hungry Iowans.

The program is pretty simple – hunters contact a participating locker before bringing in a whole, field-dressed deer, and once at the locker, they fill out a donation card. The locker processes the deer into two pound packages of ground meat. The Food Bank of Iowa then coordinates collecting the valuable protein and distributes it to local food pantries.

“Iowa deer hunters do an excellent job of using available doe tags to reduce the deer herd which simultaneously provides a needed high protein product to the Food Bank of Iowa,” said Jim Coffey, who coordinates the HUSH program for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Bureau.

Iowa’s HUSH program is considered a major success nationally and Coffey is often contacted by other states looking to replicate it.

Since its inception, Iowa hunters have donated more than 56,000 deer to the program. Donations peaked at about 8,000 deer in 2007. The 5,281 deer donated by hunters in 2012 resulted in 800,000 meals being provided to needy Iowa families.

“The steady decline in donations parallels the decline in the size of the deer herd,” Coffey said. “As the herd size is reduced, hunters should work with their local landowners to harvest the number of deer that is acceptable and if they are not seeing the number of deer that they expect, it may be time to pass up on taking the extra doe.”

Iowa’s bow season is open until Dec. 6, and then reopens Dec. 23 to Jan. 10, 2014. Shotgun season one is Dec. 7-11. Shotgun season two is Dec. 14-22.

To find one of the 89 lockers participating in HUSH go to www.iowahush.com or see the list on page 34 of the2013-14 Iowa Hunting and Trapping Regulations.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wisconsin - Preliminary opening weekend results show enthusiasm is high, though temperatures as well as harvest numbers came in low

MADISON – Though opening weekend temperatures were cold, more than 615,000 people bought deer licenses to go out hunting, nearly 27,000 of them buying

licenses to go out hunting for the first time. Many hunters went out with hopes of getting a deer, knowing that despite extremely cold temperatures, they would likely all be guaranteed the making of warm memories.

Though hunters define success in different ways, 110,797 deer were successfully harvested and registered in Wisconsin during the opening weekend of the nine-day deer season. The tally is based on preliminary call-in numbers collected from registration stations by Department of Natural Resources staff.

“Congratulations to all hunters who endured the cold and were able to harvest a deer opening weekend of the nine-day. Though getting a deer is often the ultimate goal, it’s the whole experience of spending time with friends and family, engaging in the traditions, and getting outdoors that makes the hunt so fun, even if a deer is not brought home,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. “I hope those that weren’t able to get a deer during the season opener will get back out there and enjoy the rest of the days of the season.”

“We saw quite a few new hunters taking part in the traditions this year, with females representing 33 percent of resident First Time Gun Deer licenses sold,” Stepp said. “With the extremely cold temperatures opening weekend, many of these new hunters had quite the initiation. This makes me even more proud of the stories and the photos being shared with us, showing them having fun whether they got a deer or not. If people haven’t checked out our Facebook photo album of pictures collected over the weekend, they really should. It’s a great reminder of what the season is all about!”

To view some of the photos and stories shared, please visit DNR’s Facebook page.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Wisconsin Outdoors: White-tailed deer rut continues in full swing

The white-tailed deer rut is continuing in full swing across much of the state, with bucks chasing does during the daytime and lots of scrapes and rubs still being found, but some areas report deer activity is beginning to slow, with bucks locked down with does.

Archers have been out in very strong numbers and continue to report some very good success. Good numbers of pheasant hunters have also been out and are also reporting success on stocked wildlife areas. Although blaze orange clothing isn’t required when gun deer seasons are not open, conservation wardens say with the large numbers of hunters in the field, wearing blaze orange while pheasant hunting greatly increases hunter safety.

Leaf drop is now progressing rapidly in southern Wisconsin, with oaks beginning to drop leaves in the last week. With leaves off the trees, grouse hunters are reporting improved success.

Visitors to Wisconsin state park properties are reminded that many properties will open to hunting and trapping on November 15. Maps showing areas open and closed to hunting are available on the DNR website and posted at all properties. All park visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing during the hunting seasons, which remain open in parks through December 15 for firearms and through January 5 for archery. For a list of open properties, maps and more information search the DNR website for "hunting state parks."

The cold weather of the last week has caused a lot of puddle ducks to move south, while bringing in increasing numbers of diving ducks. Strong north winds in the last week increased Canada goose and tundra swan migrations.

With all the hunting activity and colder temperatures, fishing activity has slowed and the open water fishing season is coming to an end in the Northwoods, with ice beginning to form along shorelines of larger lakes, but it will still be at least a couple of weeks before there is any safe ice for ice fishing. A few musky anglers are still out, but without much success. Some crappies and perch were being caught on the Oconto River. In the south, walleye continue to be caught on Lake Wisconsin and the Rock River. Coho and chinook salmon and some rainbow and brown trout continue to be caught on Lake Michigan tributaries, especially the Sheboygan, Milwaukee and Root rivers.

With the opening of the nine-day gun deer season rapidly approaching, hunters should make sure firearms are properly sighted in and that hunting gear is order. Search the DNR website for “shooting ranges” to find a map of public ranges. Hunters can also get pre-season questions answered by joining any of three live online chats. They all begin at noon: on Tuesday, Nov. 19, what to expect for the season; on Wednesday, Nov. 20, on hunting land accessible to the public; and on Thursday, Nov. 21 on safety and regulations. To join: search “ask the experts” on the DNR website.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Minnesota Firearms deer harvest down 8 percent from 2012

Minnesota hunters harvested 77,008 deer during the first three days of the firearms season, down 8 percent from 2012, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader, said a slightly smaller harvest over the first three days is not surprising.

“Last year, opening weekend weather was almost ideal and the state’s corn harvest was virtually complete, she said. “So given Saturday’s roaring winds of up to 30 miles per hour, which tends to restrict deer movement, and more available deer refuge areas due to pockets of standing corn, the harvest is about what you’d expect.” In some areas, she said, about a quarter of the corn crop was not yet harvested.

The DNR had sold 445,385 firearms deer licenses as of Monday, about 1,000 fewer than last year but roughly 10,000 more than 2011.

Around the state, opening day hunting conditions included snow in the north and gusty winds and overcast skies most everywhere, turning nicer on Sunday. The harvest was down 19 percent in the northeast, 4 percent in the southeast and 6 percent for the remainder of the state. Because hunters have 48 hours to register a harvested deer, final opening weekend numbers for 2013 will be greater than those reported today.

With improving weather conditions this week, the DNR still expects the final 2013 harvest to be similar to last year when about 185,000 deer were taken.

The firearms season continues through Sunday for all but northeast Minnesota, which extends until Nov. 24. There is also a late southeast firearms season that runs Nov. 23-Dec. 1.

The DNR reminds hunters who harvest a deer to tag it at the kill site. Also, new this year, hunters are required to register their deer within 48 hours after harvest and before processing.

Hunters can report violations 24/7 by calling the Turn In Poachers hotline at800-652-9093.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Wisconsin DNR offers five ways to find a place to hunt

If you are still looking for a place to hunt this fall, or if you have questions about public

land you frequent, check out the following links for information on public lands and private lands open to public hunting. Additionally, Department of Natural Resources experts will host a live online chat to answer your questions about accessing these hunting lands, including state parks, and using DNR’s open lands mapping tools, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, starting at noon.

To join the Nov. 20 chat, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “ask the experts.”

In the meantime, click on the links below to learn more about some of the public hunting access opportunities in Wisconsin.

The DNR’s Explore Outdoors Web page allows people to search millions of acres of public lands by county, by proximity to a city, by type of property or by one of 22 listed outdoor activities, including hunting. Search results allow you to read about and view detailed maps of DNR properties, including:

State Wildlife Areas are managed primarily for hunting.

Most State Parks are open to certain types of hunting for two months of the year, with new guidelines coming soon.

Most DNR-owned State Natural Areas are open to hunting.

The department’s Managed Lands website at allows you to interactively map most public lands in the state.

Voluntary Public Access (VPA) is a DNR program that provides incentives to private landowners who open their property to public hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife observation. Maps are available on the DNR website.

Through the Managed Forest Law (MFL) and Forest Crop Law (FCL) programs, some private forest lands are open to the public for recreational purposes. A new DNR Private Forest Lands Open to Public Recreation Web mapping application allows people to use an interactive tool for mapping these private forest lands that are open to public hunting and other forms of outdoor recreation.

Agricultural properties enrolled in the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program (WDACP) are another option to consider when looking for properties to hunt. More information on WDACP as well as a list of properties enrolled in the program that are open to the public for hunting the species causing damage can be found on the DNR website. Hunters must contact the producer before they hunt.

Other resources for information on public lands open to hunting outside of DNR include the following (all links exit DNR).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service owns several large and small properties in Wisconsin that are open to public hunting. Seewww.fws.gov/midwest/news/wisconsin.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service owns and manage waterfowl production areas in Wisconsin. These properties are typically open to hunting. You can find out more about these sites including an interactive map.

The U.S. Forest Service manages the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, 1.5 million acres open for hunting in northern Wisconsin.

“Wisconsin has a wealth of lands, both public and private, that are open to the public for hunting,” said Doug Haag, DNR Realty Operations chief. “These links are not an exhaustive representation of the opportunities, rather a snapshot of DNR programs that may help people locate places to hunt. Other resources not specifically linked here include County GIS sites, County plat books, and several printed mapping products available in local sporting goods stores.”

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Michigan Firearm deer season starts soon – helpful reminders

On Friday, Nov. 15, tens of thousands of Michigan residents and nonresidents will take to the field to

enjoy deer hunting. The firearm season runs from Nov. 15-30. Once a deer has been harvested, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages hunters to get their deer “checked” at a local DNR office. Check station hours vary, so hunters should review the list of locations, times and hours atwww.michigan.gov/deercheck.

At DNR check stations, DNR staff members record the harvest location and date, gender and antler measurements. Deer heads may be collected for bovine TB surveillance in select counties, on a voluntary basis. This year, the DNR encourages hunters to submit samples for TB if they harvested a deer in the following 19 counties: Alcona, Alpena, Bay, Cheboygan, Crawford, Genesee, Gratiot, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Tuscola. Data and TB samples collected at check stations help to assess the biological health of the herd and assist with future population management recommendations.

Other reminders:

Still looking for places to hunt on public land? Visit www.michigan.gov/mihunt to search by county.
Antlerless licenses are still available. Visit www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings for a listing of licenses available for public and private land.
Antler point restrictions are in place for certain areas in the state. Visit www.michigan.gov/deerunder License Information to find a chart that can help you determine the restrictions for your area.
Archery equipment, including crossbows, can be used during the firearm season.
Don’t forget to wear hunter orange.
There are limits on the amount of bait that can be placed around the state. Visitwww.michigan.gov/dnrlaws and click on Baiting and Feeding on the left navigation bar to learn more.
Deer hunting hours are available in the 2013-14 Hunting and Trapping Digest, which can be found at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests.

Lastly, don’t forget to apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt! Only $4 for each application, and hunters may apply as many times as they would like from now until Dec. 31. Win elk and bear licenses and a prize package worth more than $4,000. Check out www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt to purchase.

IOWA DEER HUNTERS HAVING ANOTHER GOOD SEASON

This week is the heart of the rut and deer hunters are having good results, although they are reporting seeing many fewer deer. The number of licenses sold and the number of

deer taken are similar to last year, but lower than its peak in 2006.

However, there is still time to take advantage of the 2013 bow season. Iowa’s deer are among the most sought after big game in the country and the season runs through Jan. 10, 2014.

“The reported harvest for the early muzzleloader season and the deer season for youth and disabled hunters were very similar to last year,” said Willie Suchy, wildlife research supervisor for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 20,000 deer have been reported through the harvest reporting system which is nearly identical to this time last year. Hunters are required to report any deer taken with 24 hours after the deer is recovered.

“Harvest information is a very important management tool for Iowa’s deer herd,” said Suchy.

The DNR uses the harvest and deer population trend surveys to evaluate the results after all seasons end in January. Iowa’s upcoming shotgun seasons in December are when most deer are taken.

Hunters can report the harvest on line at www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/DeerHunting/ReportYourHarvest.aspx or by phone at 1-800-771-4692.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has been reported in Iowa again this fall but at a lower level than in 2012. If hunters find dead or decomposing deer near water, they should report the finding to either their local conservation officer or wildlife biologist.

Hunters who are seeing fewer deer may want to refrain from shooting does even if there are antlerless licenses available in their county.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

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