Youth deer hunt Oct. 11-12 will provide great opportunity to introduce young hunters to the outdoors

Youth hunters and those interested in mentoring young hunters are reminded to mark their calendars for this year's youth deer hunt. This special hunt takes place Oct. 11-12 and state wildlife officials say it provides a valuable learning experience and great opportunity to introduce young hunters to one of the many outdoor opportunities Wisconsin has to offer.

The youth hunt allows boys and girls ages 10-15 to hunt with a gun or other legal weapon prior to the regular firearm seasons. The youth hunt is open to all resident and non-resident youth hunters with a gun deer license and appropriate tags.

"Deer hunting in Wisconsin is an exciting time of year, and the youth hunt is a perfect way to get young folks interested in the outdoors with an adult close by," said Keith Warnke, hunting and shooting sports coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "Experienced hunters provide important guidance, advice, and instruction to help build a framework for constant safety improvement."

It is important to note that buck and antlerless deer permit tags included with a junior gun deer license are valid statewide for youth hunters.

All youth hunters must be accompanied by a mentor 18 years of age or older. Youth ages 12-15 with a hunter education certificate may hunt within visual and voice range of a mentor. When accompanying one or two youth ages 12-15 that have successfully completed hunter education, a mentor is not required to possess a hunter education certificate or a current hunting license.

Hunters ages 10 and 11, as well as those ages 12-15 that have not completed hunter education, may gain hunting experience under the Hunting Mentorship Program. This program requires youth to hunt within arm's reach of a qualified mentor who has completed hunter education and holds a current hunting license. Only one weapon may be possessed jointly between youth and mentor. Mentors may not hunt using a firearm during the youth deer hunt weekend, and must possess a valid Wisconsin hunting license for the current hunting season. License type does not matter, unless the mentor will be hunting other game.

Hunters of all ages are reminded to follow the four rules of firearm safety:

• Treat every gun as if it were loaded;
• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction;
• Be sure of your target and beyond; and
• Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

First-time hunters and those that have not purchased a license in at least 10 years are eligible for a discounted first-time buyer license. Visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword "license" for more information.

As in previous years, those new to hunting can celebrate their first harvest with the official first deer certificate. Simply follow the instructions on the page to upload a photo of your first deer and describe your experience. For more information, and to create your own first deer certificate, search keywords "first deer."

To learn more about youth hunting and general deer season regulations, search keywords "youth hunt" and "deer" respectively.

All deer hunters are encouraged to check out the frequently asked questions page for more information regarding several rule changes for 2014. The FAQ feature provides brief responses to a wide variety of deer hunting questions, ranging from deer management unit boundaries to antlerless permits.

TREESTAND SAFETY

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bow hunters preparing for the upcoming season should check all their gear to make sure it is in proper working order, especially treestands and safety harnesses, before heading to the timber.

“Falls associated with tree stand use are the most common hunting incidents during the bow season,” said Megan Wisecup, hunter education administrator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Hunters should always wear a safety harness and use caution when climbing.”

Wisecup said there are a number of tips hunters can use to prevent injury when using a treestand.

“Make sure to select a tree that fits the tree stand recommended limits and follow the three point rule of tree stand safety – always have three points of contact to the steps or ladder before moving,” she said.

“That could be two arms and one leg holding and stepping on the ladder or one arm and two legs in contact with the ladder before moving. And remember the elements – the rain, frost, ice or snow can cause steps to become slippery so check the security of the step before placing your weight on it.”

Other safety tips include using a haul line to pull gear and the unloaded firearm or bow to the stand and hunters should never climb with anything in their hands or on their back.  When exiting the stand, use the haul line to lower the gear on the opposite side of the tree.

“Get familiar with the safety harness. Read the instructions for it and for the tree stand itself so you know how to use it properly and know its limitations,” Wisecup said. 

Falls from tree stands are required to be reported to the DNR if a person seeks medical attention for an injury received while entering, exiting or sitting in a stand.

“The basic rules of tree stand safety don’t apply to just bow hunters, but to firearm hunters using an elevated device or stand,” she said.  “We want everyone to be safe out there. The goal at the end of every hunt is to arrive home safely.”

ARCHERY DEER HUNTING SEASON OPENS OCTOBER 1

Iowa’s popular archery deer season begins Oct. 1, with nearly 60,000 hunters expected to head to the timber.

Hunters can expect to find similar or slightly fewer deer versus last year.

“When we have good weather during the growing season like we did this year, there is a lot of available food for wildlife, including deer, so I suspect hunters could have a good year,” said Willie Suchy, wildlife research supervisor for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Early in the season, the deer herd will have plenty of places to hide as the corn harvest is just getting underway. In these conditions, hunting food sources initially, and then preparing for the rut in late October through mid November is a common strategy.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) that impacted the deer herd in certain local areas was not reported in 2014. Deer will begin moving in to those areas where a void was created by the disease in 2012 and 2013.

The archery season closes on Dec. 5 for the shotgun deer hunting seasons, and then opens again on Dec. 22 until Jan. 10, 2015. Deer regulations are similar to last year with no changes other than fewer paid antlerless deer license in many counties.

There is a listing online of special deer hunts often associated with state parks or urban areas that bow hunters can participate. These hunts, at www.iowadnr.gov/deerhunting, often have extra requirements and the local host organization should be contacted for more information.

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

Hunters can report their deer on the DNR website www.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number 1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor.  For hunters with Internet access, the online reporting of your harvest is the easiest way to register your deer.

Hunters reported harvesting 20,278 deer during the 2013 archery season.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR SPECIAL HUNTS SEPT. 29- Kansas

Outstanding hunting grounds exist throughout the state, but for the average hunter, gaining access to private land ksoutdoors.com by clicking “Hunting/Special Hunts Information.” The deadline for Nov.-Jan special hunts is Sept. 29 at 9 a.m. 

areas may be difficult. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism designed the Special Hunts Program to ensure hunters have quality outdoor experiences. Special hunts provide hunters with temporary access to lands not normally open to unrestricted hunting. Hunters interested in experiencing a special hunt for this fall or winter can apply online at

Approximately 650 hunts are currently available for the fall and winter months, and a random computer drawing will be conducted within one week of the application deadline to determine who will be awarded special hunts. Lucky hunters can draw hunts that provide access to specific areas for just a day or up to the entire season.

During the application process, hunters will select what species they want to hunt as well as what type of hunt they prefer, be that an open hunt, a youth hunt, or a mentored hunt. Open hunts are available to all successful applicants, regardless of age or hunting experience. Youth hunts require parties to include at least one youth 18 or younger, accompanied by an adult 21 or older who will not hunt. And mentored hunts are open to both youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor 21 or older who may also hunt.

Hunters are reminded that special hunt permits only provide access to the properties and do not include any licenses or permits.

For more information on the Special Hunts Program, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Special Hunts Information,” or contact KDWPT public land supervisor Mike Nyhoff at (785) 628-8614 or by email atmike.nyhoff@ksoutdoors.com.

Ready for deer season? Tune in this fall and make sure you’re up to speed!

With the 2014 gun deer season quickly approaching, be sure to tune in to your favorite radio and TV programs to learn more about some changes that will affect your deer hunt! Whether you’re listening to your favorite outdoor radio show or watching the Brewers or

Packers, be on the lookout for helpful messages from the department that will help you prepare for another exciting fall deer hunt! View a quick message from Secretary Stepp HERE.

Also, be sure to catch Dan Small’s annual Deer Show – you’ll find a preview below. Dan’s program can be found on Milwaukee Public Television, Wisconsin Public Television, Fox Sports Wisconsin, Fox Sports North and other channels in your area. View a message from Dan HERE.

Deer hunters are encouraged to check out the frequently asked questions page for more information regarding several rule changes for 2014. The FAQ feature provides brief responses to a wide variety of deer hunting questions, ranging from deer management unit boundaries to antlerless permits. To view the FAQ page and learn more, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword "deer."

The rules have changed, but the tradition remains – are you ready?

First-Come, First-Served Deer Gun Licenses Available Oct. 1

More than 700 licenses for antlerless deer are still available after the North Dakota Game and Fish Department recently completed its second lottery drawing. Individual results are

available online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

These remaining licenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Oct. 1. These licenses are only available to individuals who have not already received a lottery or landowner license, and are valid only during the regular deer gun season, Nov. 7-23.

Hunters can apply online starting Oct. 1, and paper applications received prior to that will also be processed Oct. 1. Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply.

Paper applications will be available approximately Sept. 24 by visiting the department’s website, and later in the week at Game and Fish offices and county auditors. Paper applications will not be available at retail license vendor locations.

Applications hand-delivered to the department’s Bismarck office will not be processed while the applicant waits.

(B = Any Antlerless D = Antlerless Whitetail)

Unit	Type	Available
3F1	D	204
3F2	B	18
3F2	D	445
4F	D	61

Landowners Seek Doe Hunters

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is currently working with 18 landowners

in 14 hunting units across the state who would like to host hunters with antlerless deer licenses in 2014.

Participating landowners are located in hunting units 2C, 2G2, 2I, 2J2, 2K2, 3A4, 3B3, 3C, 3D2, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 4B and 4E.

The program is not intended for buck hunters, but designed to direct hunters with antlerless licenses to specific areas to reduce deer populations.

Interested hunters can get their name on a list of possible participants by accessing the Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov. Hunters who do not have Internet access can call the department’s main office in Bismarck at 701-328-6300.

Hunters will provide their address, hunting unit(s) where they hold valid antlerless licenses, and if using rifle, muzzleloader or bow. From this list the department will select the number of hunters landowners have agreed to host. These hunters will be sent the landowner’s name, phone number and any information relating to the landowner’s specific situation.

Hunters must have a valid 2014 deer gun license – the Game and Fish Department does not provide a hunting license with this program.

Not everyone who signs up will end up with a new place to hunt, because not everyone’s schedule will match up with a landowner’s, and more people will likely put their name on the list than there are openings. Currently, participating landowners have openings for about 200 doe hunters.

North Dakota’s 2014 regular deer gun season runs from Nov. 7-23. In addition, the archery season extends through Jan. 4, 2015; the youth season is Sept. 19-28; and muzzleloader runs from Nov. 28 – Dec. 14

North Dakota - Deer Season for Young Hunters Opens Sept. 19

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Friday, Sept. 19 at noon signals the start of a nine-and-a-half-day deer hunting season for youth ages 12-15.

Licensed residents ages 12 and 13, and 11-year-olds who turn age 12 in 2014, are allowed to hunt statewide, but only for antlerless white-tailed deer. Resident deer gun hunters age 14 or 15, and 13-year-olds who turn age 14 in 2014, with a “youth season” license, can hunt statewide for any deer, except antlerless mule deer in units 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F. In addition, a special license is required to hunt antlered mule deer in those same units.

After opening day, hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Solid daylight fluorescent orange vests or coats, and hats are required for all young hunters and their adult mentors.

Each youth deer hunter must be under direct supervision of an adult while in the field.

In addition to the deer license, hunters must possess a general game and habitat license and hunting certificate.

The youth deer season closes Sunday, Sept. 28.

DNR conservation officers emphasize tree-stand safety as hunters gear up for fall

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hunting from a tree stand is a popular way for hunters to enjoy their season, but nearly every year a Michigan hunter is seriously injured or killed falling out of a tree stand. Conservation officers at the Department of Natural Resources remind hunters of the top safety tips when it comes to tree stands.

Before a hunt, know your equipment:

• Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before using a tree stand and harness.
• Check the stand, straps and chains before you go out for signs of wear and tear or missing parts.
• Practice at ground level with your tree stand and harness with a friend or family member.
• Learn how to properly use your harness. The DNR recommends a full-body harness.
• Waist belts or upper body-only harnesses can cause serious injuries or death in a fall. 

When scouting for a tree:

• Choose a healthy, straight tree that is the right size to hold you and your stand.
• Check the tree beforehand for insect nests or animal dens.
• Avoid using climbing stands on smooth-barked trees, especially during icy or wet weather.
• Clear debris from the base of the tree to minimize injury from a fall and to ensure a sturdy base if using a ladder stand. 

During your hunt:

• Tell a reliable person where you are hunting and when you can be expected to return.
• Wear a full-body harness and make sure it is connected to the tree at all times. If using a ladder stand or climbing sticks, attach the harness before securing the platform to the tree or stepping onto it.
• Climb higher than your stand and always step down onto your platform.
• Wear boots with non-slip soles.
• Never carry equipment when climbing – use a haul line to raise and lower equipment, unloaded firearm or bow. Do not attach the line near the trigger or trigger guard of your firearm.
• Have emergency equipment – a knife, cellphone, flashlight and/or whistle. 

"DNR conservation officers responding to tree-stand falls see the same mistakes over and over – not using a harness or a haul line,” said Sgt. Tom Wanless, supervisor of the DNR hunter education program. “Nationally, 82 percent of hunters who fall from a tree stand are wearing a harness, but it’s not connected. And 86 percent of tree-stand falls take place during the climb up or down. Harnesses and haul lines save lives.”

For more information about tree stand safety, go to the Treestand Manufacturers Association website at www.tmastands.com. For more information about hunting in Michigan, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/hunting.  

DEER SEASON IS HERE

Kansas deer season is upon us and with a variety of seasons to choose from, it’s important hunters stay informed and organized. The 2014 deer season kicks off with the youth and Sept. 14, 2014, followed by the muzzleloader season, Sept. 15 - 28, 2014, and the archery season, Sept. 15 - Dec. 31, 2014. Resident hunters can obtain deer permits over the counter from any license vendor, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism office, and online at ksoutdoors.com. A resident hunter who purchases an Any-season White-tailed Deer permit can hunt during any season with equipment legal for that season. Other permits may be equipment and season specific, as listed on the permit.

disabled season going on now through

New this year, hunters can reference color-coded calendars found in the2014 Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summaryand online at ksoutdoors.com to keep track of season dates.

All hunters hunting deer during a firearm deer season and persons assisting, are required to wear blaze orange while in the field. A minimum of 100 square inches on the front and 100 square inches on the back must be visible. A blaze orange hat must also be worn.

Last year, more than 120,000 hunters pursued deer in Kansas, harvesting nearly 90,000 deer and spending 1.4 million hunting days afield. Overall success rate for active hunters was 51 percent.

For more information on the 2014 Kansas deer season, consult the2014 Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summaryor visit ksoutdoors.com

2014 Wisconsin Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast is now available!

With a number of 2014 fall hunting and trapping seasons just around the corner, the

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will once again offer a Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast. The fall forecast provides a great deal of information and helpful tips for all types of hunting and trapping.

To view this year’s hunting and trapping forecast, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “forecast.”

Highlights for the 2014 fall season include the FFLIGHT Program and new early teal season. Deer hunters will find everything they need to know for the 2014 season in this year’s forecast, from updated deer management units to helpful hunting forecasts.

DNR Customer Service staff is available to assist the public online and via phone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Spanish and Hmong bilingual customer service representatives are also available. Customers may reach customer service at 1-888-WDNR INFo (1-888-936-7463) or by e-mail at csweb@wisconsin.gov.