Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2014 television program helps set the stage for another exciting nine-day gun deer season in Wisconsin - tune in!

Wisconsin Public Television (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MADISON - With another nine-day gun deer hunting season just around the corner, hunters can be sure they are prepared for another exciting fall hunting experience by tuning in to Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2014.

Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2014 is the 23rd annual hour-long special designed to help hunters prepare for the upcoming firearms deer season. Host Dan Small will interview Wisconsin deer management experts to discuss changes to this year's hunt and offer helpful tips and tricks as you gear up and head out into the woods.

Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2014 will air on the following stations:

• Milwaukee Public Television - Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m.;
• Wisconsin Public Television (digital channel) - Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9 p.m.;
• Fox Sports Wisconsin - Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 10 p.m. (following Milwaukee Bucks coverage), Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 17 at 9 p.m.; and
• Fox Sports North - Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 9 p.m. (following Minnesota Wild coverage), Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 2 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. and Monday, Nov. 17 at 9 p.m.

Stay tuned for additional viewing opportunities. For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "deer show." For more general information regarding this year's deer hunt, search keyword "deer."

Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2014 is a production of Dan Small Outdoors, LLC, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

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Donate Deer to Sportsmen Against Hunger

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is reminding deer hunters to keep in

mind the Sportsmen Against Hunger program this fall.

While this year’s deer proclamation allows only one deer gun license per hunter, families with more than one license might want to consider donating a deer to this worthy cause. In addition, hunters with an archery and muzzleloader license can help as well.

The list of participating processors is available on the Game and Fish Department website atgf.nd.gov, and at the North Dakota Community Action Partnership website, www.capnd.org.

Sportsmen Against Hunger is a charitable program that raises money for processing of donated goose and deer meat, and coordinates distribution of donated meat to food pantries in North Dakota. It is administered by NDCAP, a nonprofit agency that serves low-income families across the state.

For more information, visit the NDCAP website, or contact program coordinator Sarah Hasbargen at 701-232-2452.

Related articles

• Macomb County food pantry seeks donations from hunters (macombdaily.com)
• Changes made to Hunters Sharing the Harvest program (triblive.com)

CWD Surveillance Continues

North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The state Game and Fish Department will continue its Hunter-Harvested Surveillance programduring the 2014 hunting season, by sampling deer for chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis from 10 units in North Dakota. In addition, all moose and elk harvested in the state are eligible for testing.

Samples from hunter-harvested deer taken in the central portion of the state will be tested from units 2H, 2I, 2J1, 2J2, 2K1, 2K2, 3A4, 3B3 and 3C. In addition, deer will be tested from unit 3F2 in the southwest.

Every head sampled must have either the deer tag attached, or a new tag can be filled out with the license number, deer hunting unit and date harvested.

Hunters are encouraged to drop off deer heads at the following locations:

• ·         Ashley – Ashley Super Valu Store
• ·         Bismarck – Game and Fish Department headquarters, Call of the Wild Taxidermy, M&M Sausage and Meats, West Dakota Meats
• ·         Bottineau – Mattern Family Meats
• ·         Carrington – Barton Meats
• ·         Devils Lake – Devils Lake Game and Fish district office, Goldade Processing
• ·         Ellendale – Oxenrider Motel
• ·         Granville – S&E Meats
• ·         Harvey – Lonetree Game and Fish district office
• ·         Heaton – Miller Game Processing
• ·         Jamestown – Jamestown Game and Fish district office
• ·         LaMoure – LaMoure Lockers
• ·         Linton – Bosch’s Meat Market, Schmaltz Meats
• ·         Mandan – Butcher Block Meats
• ·         McClusky – Bentz Supply Store
• ·         Minot – Johnson Taxidermy
• ·         Moffit – Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge office
• ·         Parshall – Myers Custom Meats
• ·         Riverdale – Riverdale Game and Fish district office
• ·         Rolette – Meat Shack
• ·         Rugby – Cenex C Store
• ·         Sheyenne – Brenno Meats, Wild Things Taxidermy
• ·         Streeter – Reister Meats
• ·         Towner – B&L Electric
• ·       Turtle Lake – Main Street Market
• ·       Upham - J. Clark Salyer NWR office
• ·       Washburn – Enerbase
• ·         Wilton – Cenex
• ·         Wing – Terry’s Sales and Service
• ·       Woodworth - Chase Lake NWR office

Drop off locations for deer taken from unit 3F2:

• ·         Elgin – Gunny’s Bait and Tackle, Melvin’s Taxidermy
• ·         Glen Ullin – Kuntz’s Butcher Shop
• ·         Hettinger – Dakota Packing
• ·         New Leipzig – Hertz Hardware

Moose and elk heads should be taken to a Game and Fish office.

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.

Four White-tailed Deer Shot in Emmons County, Warden Seeks Information

North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden Erik Schmidt is searching

for answers in the illegal shooting of four white-tailed deer in Emmons County during opening weekend of pheasant hunting season.

Schmidt said two mature bucks, one a 4x4 and the other a 5x5, were found in a bean field 1.5 miles east of Strasburg. A doe and fawn were found in a stubble field 5 miles southwest of Linton. It is believed all four were shot late evening Oct. 11, or early morning Oct. 12.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Report All Poachers telephone number at 800-472-2121, or contact Schmidt at 701-220-7160. RAP is offering a $1,000 reward.

The RAP line offers rewards for information that leads to conviction of fish and wildlife law violators. Reporting parties can remain anonymous.

Related articles

• 4 deer illegally shot and killed in Emmons County (bismarcktribune.com)

MDC: Risk of encountering stinging caterpillars in Missouri is minimal

Five portions of the firearms deer season remain.

JEFFERSON CITY Mo.–Hunters checked 594 deer during the urban portion of Missouri’s firearms deer season. Officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation attribute the lower-than-average harvest in part to warm, rainy, windy weather.

County harvest totals during the urban portion were: Greene, 122; St. Charles, 88; Boone, 84; Franklin, 55; Jefferson, 54; St. Louis, 47; Cole, 40; Clay, 36; Cass, 33; Jackson, 24; Platte, 11.

Hunters are only allowed to shoot antlerless deer during the urban portion. This focus on harvesting female deer is designed to control deer numbers in urban and suburban areas, where hunting pressure is lighter and the potential for deer-vehicle accidents and property damage is greater.

This year’s harvest was below average for the urban portion, which became part of the firearms deer season in 2003.  Over the past 11 years, the urban portion harvest averaged 961 deer. However, the harvest has been between 500 and 700 deer in four of the past six years.

Warm temperatures have been associated with lower urban portion harvests in the past. Temperature does not appear to have been a factor this year, since daytime highs ranged from the mid-50s to high 60s. Conservation Department Resource Scientist Jason Sumners says gusty wind and rain during the four-day hunt likely played a role in holding down this year’s urban harvest.

“No one likes to hunt in the rain, and windy weather makes it harder to detect deer movement,” says Sumners. “Considering the widespread rains we had during the urban hunt, this harvest is pretty good.”

Sumners said expanded archery hunting opportunities in many of Missouri’s urban communities, plus the hemorrhagic disease outbreak in 2012, have helped reduce deer numbers in some urban areas, and likely played a role in keeping the urban-portion harvest down.

Missouri’s firearms deer season consists of six portions, totaling 42 days. The remaining portions of Missouri’s firearms deer season are: early youth (Nov. 1-2), November (Nov. 15-25), antlerless (Nov. 26-Dec. 7), alternative methods (Dec. 20-30), and late youth (Jan. 3-4).

For more information about Missouri’s 2014-15 deer harvest, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/2613.

Related articles

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Muzzleloader Seasons Open Oct. 25 for Deer, Elk, Bear

This season's first chance for adult hunters to harvest deer with a firearm will arrive Oct. 25. That

Saturday will be opening day of the nine-day deer muzzleloader hunting season in Oklahoma.
   Oct. 25 will also be opening day for muzzleloader elk season (on private lands in open zones only), and opening day for muzzleloader bear season (in open areas only until 20-bear quota is met).
   Hunting with a muzzleloader has gained in popularity in recent years. Many hunters embrace this traditional form of hunting as it hearkens to the early pioneer days in Oklahoma.
   Erik Bartholomew, big-game biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said muzzleloader hunters should find good opportunities to harvest a deer this year.
   "As the weather cools down this time of year, deer will remain moving longer in the mornings and will start moving earlier in the evenings. And there are always fewer hunters in the field for muzzleloader season, compared to regular gun season."
   Last year, about 85,000 hunters participated in Oklahoma's muzzleloader deer season. Muzzleloader hunters checked in 14,981 deer harvested during the nine-day season in 2013.
   This year's muzzleloader season for deer will close Nov. 2. Muzzleloader season for elk will remain open until Nov. 2 only in those elk hunting zones where the seasonal harvest quotas have not yet been reached. Elk hunters must go online to wildlifedepartment.com to check the quota status of the zone they intend to hunt before they go afield.
   Muzzleloader season for bear will run through Nov. 2, or until the 20-bear season quota is reached, in Latimer, Le Flore, McCurtain and Pushmataha counties. Bear hunters must buy their license before the season starts, and they must call (888) 901-3256 before going afield to check the status of the bear harvest quota.
   Bartholomew urged deer hunters to scout areas with good natural food sources. "Look for oak trees that are dropping acorns, or persimmon trees. Those are good places for deer hunters to set up."
   Muzzleloader hunters must wear hunter orange garments, including a head covering, covering the upper body. Each muzzleloader hunter may harvest one antlered and two antlerless deer during the season, provided that one of the antlerless deer is taken from zones 2, 7 or 8.
   To hunt deer with a muzzleloader in Oklahoma, resident hunters must possess either an annual or lifetime hunting or combination license; a senior citizen hunting or combination license; or proof of exemption. Hunters must also possess a deer primitive (antlered or antlerless) license for each deer harvested, or proof of exemption.    Nonresidents must possess a nonresident deer primitive (antlered or antlerless) license. An annual nonresident hunting license is not required to purchase the permits. To order licenses online, go to wildlifedepartment.com/license.htm.
   For more information regarding deer and elk hunting zones, licenses, bag limits, clothing requirements or legal firearms, consult the 2014-15 "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide online at wildlifedepartment.com or in print anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

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Deer License Types - Michigan

http://www.michigan.gov/deer - Hunters must choose at the time of purchase if they want the opportunity to harvest one or two antlered deer. Hunters wishing to harvest only one antlered deer can purchase a single deer license (one kill tag). Hunters wishing to harvest two antlered deer must purchase a deer combo license (two kill tags).

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Youth Deer Gun Season Kicks Off Friday

 Oct. 17 is the day many young hunters are awaiting. That Friday will be opening day for this year's

three-day youth deer gun season for hunters 17 and younger.
   "This year's youth deer gun season has the potential to be a great one," said Erik Bartholomew, big-game biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The fact that this season happens earlier in the year than other seasons is often a benefit for youth hunters.
   "The youth deer gun season is set up so that kids can have a good time in the field. Deer are still in their summer feeding routines and are easy to pattern. And temperatures in October tend to be mild, and that makes for a more comfortable hunt," he said.
   "Since the deer aren't moving as much as they would be during the rut, the kids should have a good chance to set up on a known area and get an opportunity to harvest a deer."
   The youth season is open to hunters 17 and younger who are accompanied in the field by an adult who is 18 or older. The adult is permitted to archery hunt while accompanying the youth hunter, but the adult may not hunt with a firearm.
   Youths have generally had good success during this early season, which is a testament to the mentors who are taking the youths hunting, allowing them be successful.
   Bartholomew urged mentors to take the youth hunters to scout out hunting areas before heading out on opening day.

   "This is a fun way to get your kids outside and to learn about deer hunting. Take them scouting, and make it an experience.
   "Point out the tracks, drop-pings, scrapes and rubs. Let them help you set up a blind, cut brush and conceal it. Make it a chance for them to learn about your passion for deer hunting!"
   As the parent of a young deer hunter, Bartholomew offered some tips from experience. "Make sure that you bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep kids happy. I know snacks are important!
   "Also consider that the kids can move around a lot. Ground blinds are great for kids because they can mask a lot of movement that might otherwise spook the deer.
   "Make sure that you practice scenarios with a young hunter, such as shot placement and shooting from a blind. This will help those young hunters have success. And for them, success means they will want to do it again!
   "Remember, it is about passing on the traditions that we as adults enjoy so that they can do so in the future."
   Youth hunters may harvest two deer during youth deer gun season, and one of those may be antlered. A deer license is required for each deer hunted, which means youth hunters wanting to harvest two deer can buy three deer licenses (one antlered and two antlerless) to maximize their opportunity. Additionally, resident youth hunters who do not harvest a deer during the youth deer gun season may use their unfilled youth deer gun license during the regular deer gun season. Hunters who do harvest a deer during the youth deer gun season may buy another youth deer gun license and harvest a deer during the regular gun season.
   In specified counties, youth hunters may also harvest a turkey during youth deer gun season, provided they have the appropriate fall turkey license. See the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide for details.
   Deer taken by hunters participating in youth deer gun season are included in the hunter's combined season limit (six deer, of which no more than two may be antlered). If a youth harvests a buck during the youth deer gun season, that youth can harvest another buck during either the regular gun season, archery season or muzzleloader season, for an overall total of two.
   Oklahoma youths 15 and younger are exempt from the purchase of a hunting license but must possess a youth deer gun license or apprentice-designated youth deer gun license or proof of exemption.
   Residents who are 16 or 17 years old must possess a hunting license or proof of exemption, plus a youth deer gun license for each deer hunted. A $5 youth hunting license or a $9 youth combination hunting and fishing license is available to 16 and 17-year-old residents, and resident youth deer gun licenses are $10.
   Youths can hunt with an apprentice-designated hunting license as long as they are accompanied by a licensed hunter who is 18 or older and hunter education certified or exempt from certification. For complete details on the apprentice-designated hunting license, consult page 11 of the current "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide.
   For complete information on youth deer gun season regulations, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide online at wildlifedepartment.com, or in print at any hunting or fishing license vendor statewide.

Related articles

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New Bowhunter

I have hunted with a rifle or shotgun my whole life and have always wanted to get into bow hunting.  Did not
know this would be the year when that would begin, but got a nice surprise from my oldest son last weekend.

We were meeting at a wilderness area in the Ozarks of Missouri to do some Fall turkey hunting.  He called me as we were driving down to tell me he had bought me this bow second hand.  I knew once I got one that I would be instantly adicted to shooting it, and indeed this has been the case.  On my way home from work on Monday, I picked up a decent target and some straw bales as a backstop.

I have shot every night as long as light and strength would allow.  At 20-25 yards I am putting arrows in a 5" group. It feels like the draw on the bow is perfectso I guess I am pretty lucky there.

I know I need more practice (a lot more!), but I am headed out in a bit to meet my other son and gonna sit in a ground blind and if by dumb luck a deer or turkey strays within that 20-25 yard threshhold, I am gonna send an arrow flying.

Part of my thrill about getting the bow is that I get to hunt more... a lot more.  I love being in the outdoors and this is just one more way to do it.

I have some pretty awesome kids I have to say, and only a small part of that assessment is that one of them bought me this bow!

Michigan conservation officers share tips for safe bowhunting

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michigan’s bowhunting season opens today, Oct. 1, and Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are sharing tips for a safe bowhunting experience.

“Bowhunting is a popular pastime in Michigan and we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable hunting season,” said Sgt. Tom Wanless, supervisor of the DNR's hunter education program. “There are some common-sense safety tips every hunter should review before heading to the woods.”

The top safety tips for bowhunting are:

• Before you go out, inspect equipment, including your tree stand. If anything is worn, frayed, cracked or peeling, replace it or get it fixed. If using a compound bow or crossbow, make sure the cables and pulleys are in good working order.
• When sharpening broadheads, be careful and take your time.
• Practice tree-stand safety. Nearly every year, a Michigan hunter is killed or seriously injured because he or she fell out of a tree stand. The DNR recommends using a full-body safety harness to get into and out of your tree stand.
• If using a tree stand, always use a haul line to raise and lower your gear.
• Keep arrows in the quiver until you are ready to use them. A common injury is to stab or injure yourself or a hunting companion while carrying arrows in your hand or nocked on your bow.
• Obtain permission from a landowner before hunting on his or her land, or using their land to access public land.
• Never take a shot at a deer that is beyond the maximum effective range at which you are comfortable shooting.
• If you are successful, field dress your deer and cool its meat immediately. Michigan’s unpredictable weather means we sometimes have warm October days. Warm temperatures can cause the meat to spoil quickly.
• When heading out to the woods, make sure you tell someone reliable where you are going and what time to expect you back. This information is valuable in helping conservation officers or sheriff's deputies to find you if you are lost.
• Also, think about carrying a cell phone, a compass, a flashlight and other small safety items when in the woods

EARLY MUZZLELOADER DEER SEASON BEGINS OCTOBER 11

Iowa’s popular early muzzleloader deer season begins Saturday. The season is an

opportunity for hunters to pursue deer using muzzle loading rifles or pistols. The early muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 11 – 19.

Hunters can expect deer behavior to begin changing as the breeding season, or rut, gets closer. Bucks are starting to show signs of preparing for the rut by making scrapes and rubs. Some cool weather may cause an increase in this behavior. 

Deer will have plenty of places to hide as the harvest has been delayed due to cold and wet conditions.  They will likely be seeking out any remaining green browse and acorns, if available.  Stand sites that take advantage of these food resources or trails connecting them to bedding areas are good bets during this season. 

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.

Muzzleloader hunters should remember that well camouflaged bowhunters and others who enjoy the fall countryside will be sharing the woods with them. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset and muzzleloader hunters are required to wear blaze orange

All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered.  Accurately reporting your kill is an important part of the deer management program in Iowa, playing a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities.  Hunters can report their deer online at www.iowadnr.gov, by calling 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.

Last year, early muzzleloader hunters reported harvesting about 2,950 deer.

Related articles

• Archery Deer Hunting Season Opens October 1
• Primitive Weapons Deer Season Opens Oct. 11
• 7 Secrets to Using Deer Decoys Effectively

Indiana Top 5 deer hunting misconceptions

1. I cannot harvest an antlerless deer in firearms season.

• FALSE—An antlerless deer can be harvested in firearms season with the proper license (such as a bonus antlerless license). A deer firearms license is valid for one antlered deer.

2. When hunting in an urban deer zone, I have to follow all urban deer zone regulations.
• TRUE and FALSE—If you're hunting in an urban deer zone, using an urban deer zone license and working towards those bag limits, you must follow those regulations (earn-a-buck). If you're hunting in an urban deer zone and working towards statewide bag limits (archery, firearms, muzzleloader, etc.), you would follow the statewide bag limits and regulations.

3. I need both a hunting and a deer license to hunt for deer.
• FALSE—A hunting license is not required to hunt deer. Only a deer license for the appropriate season is required.

4. There is an acreage requirement to qualify for the farmland license exemption.
• FALSE—There is no acreage requirement. To see if you qualify, check out the Hunting & Trapping Guide.

5. The license vendor is responsible for knowing what license I need.
• FALSE—It's always the hunter’s responsibility to have the right license for the right season.

View the deer hunting FAQs.

Deer Hotline
If you have questions about deer hunting regulations, call
(812) 334-3795, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Clarification on firearm use during archery season

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission recently adopted several changes to the Deer Management Assistance Permit (DMAP) program, in order to provide additional assistance

to landowners on an individual basis.

A DMAP is a permit that allows for the take of an antlerless deer and may only be utilized during an open season for deer. In order for a landowner to receive DMAPs, one of the following four criteria needs to be met:

• Significant agricultural or horticultural damage.
• Documented serious disease outbreak that threatens humans, livestock or deer health.
• Significant safety hazard caused by deer.
• Current antlerless deer regulations insufficient to achieve landowner deer-management objectives.

In the past, individuals possessing a DMAP were able to utilize only the legal equipment for that particular hunting season (e.g., only archery equipment could be utilized during archery season). However, in some cases archery equipment has proven to be ineffective, and damage incurred by deer has continued through the season as a result.

The new change to the DMAP program will allow a DMAP holder, on a case-by-case basis, to seek additional signed permission to harvest deer using a firearm during select time periods of the archery season. DMAP holders will be required to have hunted their property during the archery season for the last two years and be in good standing with the DMAP program, meaning they have reported all DMAPs requested, issued and utilized on an annual basis.

The changes recommended to the Natural Resources Commission were developed collaboratively between Michigan Farm Bureau and special-interest groups, including Michigan United Conservation Club and the Michigan Bow Hunters Association.

“We understand when several special-interest groups come together to come up with a solution, compromise on all sides is important but can be difficult,” said DNR deer biologist Ashley Autenrieth. “These changes to the DMAP program will have a sunset in three years, at which time we will evaluate the changes and determine whether they are having the desired impact.”

Statewide, DMAP holders can seek additional signed permission to harvest deer from Oct. 1-14with a firearm. Within a pilot area of the northern Lower Peninsula (Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties), DMAP holders can seek additional signed permission to harvest deer with a firearm during the majority of the archery season. Firearm use will be prohibited Oct. 1-4 and Nov. 10-14 in the new pilot program area. In all cases, the use of a firearm during archery season will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and DMAP holders must have signed permission in order to utilize firearms during any portion of the archery season.

Related articles

• Nuisance antlerless deer hunting tags will be made available for public use in a select area within Florence County
• Landowners Seek Doe Hunters

Fall Hunting Preview: Opportunity and Regulations Roundtable

---

Are you up to speed on the deer hunting regulations for this season? Curious about the additional hunting opportunities available to you this fall? Ever wonder about the most common hunting violations that conservation officers see? These issues and more are covered in our latest video, Fall Hunting Preview: Opportunity and Regulations Roundtable. So sit back with a warm beverage on a cool fall afternoon to watch the video from beginning to end, or click the times listed in the video description to view individual topics that catch your interest. 

Also, don't forget to tweet your harvest photos this deer season using the hashtag #MiDeerPic, or share your favorite hunting memories and mentoring experiences using the hashtag#MoreToTheHunt, because there is always more to the hunt than the harvest!

Finally, we encourage Michigan hunters to support Sportsmen Against Hunger when you purchase your license this hunting season. Just tell your license vendor you would like to donate to MSAH. Your donation will be used to help process venison donated to the program. Hunters can also support the program by donating a legally taken deer to one of the supporting processors across the state. Each year venison processed through this program helps provide a healthy source of protein in over 100,000 meals. For more information go to www.sportsmenagainsthunger.org. Let’s keep this important tradition of helping others that need a hand going and growing stronger.

PLOTS Regulations

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Out-of-state hunters are reminded that state law does not allow nonresidents to hunt on North Dakota Game and Fish Department owned or managed lands during the first week of the pheasant season.

Private Land Open to Sportsmen acreage and state wildlife management areas are open to hunting by resident hunters only from Oct. 11-17. Nonresidents, however, can still hunt those days on other state-owned and federal lands, or private land.

The law applies to all small game, waterfowl, furbearer and big game hunting on PLOTS and state wildlife management areas during the first seven days of the pheasant season. Starting Oct. 18 this year, nonresidents may hunt on PLOTS and WMAs as long as the appropriate season is open.

In addition, all hunters are reminded that activities such as riding horses for hunting purposes or for pleasure on PLOTS require written permission from the landowner. Permission from the landowner is always required for motorized vehicle access, such as for setting decoys in a field, unless specially designated on the PLOTS sign.

Also, leaving equipment or other provisions in a PLOTS area overnight, for example tree stands or blinds, decoys, firearms and archery equipment, trail cameras, or any type of bait used to attract big game animals, is not allowed without written permission from the landowner.

Pure Michigan Hunt winners hit the woods for fall hunting season

Every year Pure Michigan Hunt winners get to spend their fall hunting season living out a big dream - pursuing elk, bear, antlerless deer, turkey and ducks in Michigan's outdoors. For the most recent group of winners, the hunting adventure has begun.
On Sept. 14, Frank Zrepskey of Algonac successfully harvested a large 6 x 7 bull elk with the help of his guide, Gene Skiba, and sons. Zrepskey used his 30.06, given to him by Michigan Gun Owners as part of his Pure Michigan Hunt prize package, to harvest the elk.
“This elk hunt was great. The weather was perfect, we saw lots of game, and when the right bull came along, we were successful,” said Zrepskey. “The whole Pure Michigan Hunt contest win has been a great experience for me!”

Bruce Shaneour of Osseo also was successful in his elk hunt. He harvested a nice 6 x 6 bull elk on Sept. 27 in the Vanderbilt area with help from his guide, Kevin Johnson of Big Boys Adventures. [Pictured: Bruce Shaneour, left, and guide Kevin Johnson with Shaneour's Pure Michigan Hunt elk.]
“What a hunt! The elk were in full rut and bugling all around us. I’ve hunted elk out west a few times, but I’ve never had an experience like this,” said Shaneour. “Kevin Johnson and his team at Big Boys Adventures were excellent. It was the most phenomenal Michigan elk footage they’ve ever captured.”
Bill Kring of Cadillac is still awaiting his chance to harvest a trophy Michigan bull elk.
Bear season is also under way for the Pure Michigan Hunt winners.

This year, there was a Pure Michigan Hunt license transfer of a bear tag. Kring generously transferred his bear tag to a Michigan veteran from Manton. This veteran had the opportunity to hunt with Rob Nixon, on land southwest of Cadillac, and was able to harvest a 217-pound black bear. The veteran reports having a great time on his hunt and being "extremely happy" with his harvest. [Pictured, a Michigan veteran from Manton (left) with the black bear he harvested and guide Rob Nixon.]
New this year, Pure Michigan Hunt winners can now transfer one or all of their licenses to another eligible hunter of their choice or keep the licenses for themselves. This will allow anyone to buy as many applications as they want for themselves and others instead of needing to know someone else’s driver’s license number, address and birthdate to apply for the other hunter.
All three Pure Michigan Hunt winners have the flexibility to hunt many different times and places, with the ability to pick and choose hunt areas and seasons that fit into their schedules.
For hunters who dream of experiences like this, there's still plenty of time to make 2015 the hunt of a lifetime by applying for the Pure Michigan Hunt. Along with all of the hunting licenses, each winner will receive a hunting prize package valued at more than $4,000. Visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt for more information and to purchase applications.
Waterfowl season is coming up next for the Pure Michigan Hunt winners; look for more about their adventures coming soon.

MDC reminds deer hunters to properly dispose of carcasses

Proper deer-carcass disposal helps prevent the spread of deer-borne diseases.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters throughout the state to properly dispose of carcasses from harvested deer to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in deer, such as the always-fatal chronic wasting disease (CWD).

“Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt deer, and deer hunters are key to keeping it that way,” says MDC Deer Biologist Jason Sumners. “Because many hunters process their own deer, they are key players in slowing the spread of diseases such as CWD. One way that disease can spread is by the transportation and improper disposal of carcass parts.”

Deer can become infected with chronic wasting disease if they come into contact with other infected deer or with surface soil containing carcass parts from diseased deer. Deer carcass parts known to concentrate CWD include brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Chronic wasting disease was first found in Missouri in Macon and Linn counties several years ago. In response, MDC established a CWD Containment Zone covering Adair, Chariton, Linn, Macon, Randolph, and Sullivan counties. The disease remains limited to the local area.

“Hunters who harvest deer in these counties should not take whole deer carcasses out of the containment zone, or carcass parts that contain brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, or lymph nodes,” Sumners adds, along with the following information.

Proper Carcass Disposal

• Avoid cutting through bones, spine, or brain when processing deer carcasses. 
• Remove meat in the field and leave the carcass behind. Bury it if possible.
• If processing harvested deer in camp or at home, place carcass parts in trash bags and properly dispose of them through a trash service or landfill.
• Take harvested deer to a licensed commercial processor to assure proper carcass disposal.
• For taxidermy work, use a licensed taxidermist to assure proper carcass disposal.

Safe Parts to Transport

• Meat that is cut and wrapped, or has been boned out,
• Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spine or head attached,
• Hides or capes from which all excess tissue has been removed,
• Antlers, including antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue, and
• Finished taxidermy products.

The Wildlife Code of Missouri requires hunters who harvest deer, elk, or moose out of state and bring the animal with the spinal column or head attached into Missouri to call toll free, 877-853-5665, and report the animal’s entry within 24 hours. They also must take the carcass to a licensed meat processor or taxidermist within 72 hours of entry. This is designed to prevent introducing CWD into new areas of Missouri from other states. Hunters transporting deer through Missouri en route to other states do not need to call the number.

Donate Tissue Samples

Sumners also encourages hunters who harvest deer within the CWD Containment Zone of Adair, Chariton, Linn, Macon, Randolph, and Sullivan counties to donate tissue samples from their deer to the Conservation Department for its CWD monitoring program. Numerous deer-processing facilities and taxidermists in the area are participating in the effort.

Details about these measures are listed in the 2014 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Informationbooklet, which is available at MDC offices and nature centers, where hunting permits are sold, and online atmdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/03/ftd2014.pdf.