Service Proposes Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced as part of
Great Outdoors Month the agency is proposing to expand fishing and hunting
opportunities on 21 refuges throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System.
The proposed rule also modifies existing refuge-specific regulations for
more than 100 additional refuges and wetland management districts.

“The Service is committed to strengthening and expanding hunting and
fishing opportunities,” said Ashe.  “By expanding hunting and fishing
programs across the Refuge System we are furthering a rich tradition of
providing quality recreational opportunities to the American people. These
programs support local economies, help people connect with the outdoors,
and encourage people to value nature.”

National wildlife refuges provide premier outdoor recreational
opportunities across the Nation. There are more than 560 national wildlife
refuges and 38 wetland management districts, including one within an hour’s
drive from most major metropolitan areas. The Service manages refuge
hunting and fishing programs to ensure sustainable wildlife populations,
while offering traditional wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands.

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the
Service permits hunting and fishing along with four other types of
wildlife-dependent recreation when they are compatible with an individual
refuge’s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is
permitted on 335 wildlife refuges. Fishing is permitted on 271 wildlife
refuges.

Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities on refuges help stimulate the
economy and generate funding for wildlife conservation. The Service’s
report *Banking on Nature* <http://www.fws.gov/refuges/about/RefugeReports/>
shows that refuges pump $2.4 billion into the economy and support more than
35,000 jobs. More than 47 million people visit refuges every year.

Other wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife refuges includes
wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation and
interpretation.

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Service Announces 2014 Expansion of Hunting, Fishing Opportunities in National Wildlife Refuge System

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe yesterday announced the agency will expand hunting and fishing opportunities throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System, opening up new hunting programs on six refuges and expanding

existing hunting and fishing programs on another 20 refuges. The rule also modifies existing refuge-specific regulations for more than 75 additional refuges and wetland management districts.

The Service manages its hunting and fishing programs on refuges to ensure sustainable wildlife populations, while offering traditional wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands.

“For more than a century, hunters and anglers have been the backbone of conservation in this country and a driving force behind the expansion of the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “By providing more hunting and fishing opportunities on refuges, we are supporting a great recreational heritage passed down from generation to generation, creating economic growth in local communities and helping to ensure that conservation stays strong in America.”

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service can permit hunting and fishing where they are compatible with the refuge’s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is permitted on more than 335 wildlife refuges. Fishing is permitted on more than 271 wildlife refuges.

“Hunting and fishing are time-honored ways to enjoy the outdoors and teach people to value nature,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “Our National Wildlife Refuge System has millions of acres of public land and water to provide quality hunting and fishing experiences. We hope these expanded hunting and fishing programs will allow more Americans to experience this connection with nature.”

Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities on national wildlife refuges help stimulate the economy and generate funding for wildlife conservation. Banking on Nature, a Service report released in November, showed refuges pumped $2.4 billion into the economy. Across the country, refuges returned an average $4.87 in total economic output for every $1 appropriated in Fiscal Year 2011.

Other wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife refuges includes wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation and interpretation.

In addition, the Service expands hunting and sport fishing on the following Midwest refuges:

Illinois

• Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is also already open to sport fishing.
• Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is also already open to sport fishing.

Indiana

• Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is also already open to sport fishing.

Iowa

• Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.
• Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.
• Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting and sport fishing.

Missouri

• Mingo National Wildlife Refuge: Expand migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting. The refuge is also already open to sport fishing.

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Time to get Managed Deer Hunt Application in for Missouri Hunters - July 1

Nearly 6,000 deer hunters will have a chance to participate in more than 100 managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) from mid-September through January. Hunters can apply online for these managed deer

hunts beginning July 1 through Aug. 15.

MDC holds an electronic drawing to determine who gets to participate in managed deer hunts at conservation areas, state parks, national wildlife refuges and urban parks. The hunts are open to Missouri residents and nonresidents, and help achieve MDC’s deer-management goals for the state while also providing additional hunting opportunities.

Types of hunts include archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, historic methods and modern firearms, plus youth hunts and hunts for people with disabilities.

Hunt dates, locations and other details will be listed on the managed hunt application page on the MDC website starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/node/8712. Details about managed hunts will also soon be available in the 2013 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations & Information booklet available at MDC offices, online at mdc.mo.gov, and from permit vendors around the state.

Hunters may apply individually or as groups of up to six, except for youth hunts. Youths 11 years of age or older who are hunter education certified may apply singly or with one other youth for youth hunts and must be accompanied on the hunt by a qualified adult mentor.

Applicants will need a nine-digit Conservation ID number for each hunter to complete the application process. Conservation ID numbers are listed on all hunting and fishing permits, and on Missouri Conservation Heritage Cards.

MDC will post drawing results at the same website address from Sept. 14 to Dec. 31. Successful applicants will receive area maps and other information regarding their hunts by mail.

Resident or nonresident managed deer hunting permits are required to participate in managed hunts. These permits will be available to successful applicants after Sept. 14 from any permit vendor statewide, or through MDC’s e-Permits at mdc.mo.gov.

MDC implemented a weighted preference point system in 2007 to give unsuccessful applicants for managed deer hunts an advantage in future drawings. Hunters who apply for the first time or who were drawn for hunts the previous year are statistically less likely to be drawn than those who entered but were not drawn in previous years.

Beginning in 2014, the managed deer hunt application timeframe will be shortened, and run July 1-31. This change is being made to allow more time for hunters to be notified of their selection for early-season managed hunts.

For more information on MDC managed deer hunts, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3867.

Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, and who are 16 or older, must successfully complete an approved hunter education course to qualify to buy firearms hunting permits and participate in managed hunts. Youth 6 through 15 may hunt without hunter education certification when accompanied by a qualified adult mentor during managed hunts open to all. Mentors also are required to be hunter-education certified, unless exempt by age.

Hunter education classes fill up quickly as hunting seasons approach. Enrolling early will ensure against the disappointment of not getting into a class and not getting to hunt.

The MDC hunter education curriculum has been recently revised to enhance student convenience and emphasize mentorship and hands-on training. The new, more flexible version is divided into two parts. The first part provides necessary knowledge about hunting equipment, safety, and ethics through either an online course, a self-paced student manual, or through a four-hour classroom session. The second part consists of a mandatory four-hour hands-on skills session and a 35-question multiple-choice exam. For more information on hunter education, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3095.

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Indiana Reserved Hunt Information

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5834.htm for details on this information 


2012 Wild Turkey Draw Hunt 

• Applications will be accepted online from January 20 to March 25, 2012.
• Turkey hunts will be offered at DNR properties and two National Wildlife Refuges.
• Applicants are allowed to apply for one property, and choose from the available dates for that property.
• Reserved Hunt Dates Available by Property:
  • 4/25 - 4/27, 4/28 - 4/30: Big Oaks NWR and Atterbury, Chinook, Crosley, Fairbanks Landing, Minnehaha, and Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Areas.
  • 4/25 - 4/27, 4/28 - 4/29, 4/30 - 5/2 , 5/3 - 5/5, 5/6 - 5/8, 5/9 - 5/11, 5/12 - 5/13: Deer Creek, Glendale, J. E. Roush Lake, Jasper-Pulaski, Kingsbury, LaSalle, Pigeon River, Tri-County, Willow Slough, Winamac Fish and Wildlife Areas, and Mississinewa and Salamonie Reservoirs.
  • 4/25 - 4/27, 4/28 - 4/30: Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area
  • 4/25 - 4/26, 4/27 - 4/28, 4/29 - 4/30, 5/1 - 5/2, 5/3 - 5/4, 5/5 - 5/6, 5/7 - 5/8, 5/9 - 5/10: Muscatatuck NWR
• Draw results will be posted online.

Draws not currently underway: Dove Draw Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning July 1.
• Don't forget, hunters must possess a Game Bird Habitat Stamp when hunting doves (those that have lifetime licenses or youth hunt/trap licenses do not need to purchase the stamp since it's included in the license).
• Non-toxic shot is required at all DNR properties, including reservoir properties.
• Applicants may choose the property but dates will be assigned to successful applicants.
• Successful applicants may bring one hunting partner.
• Draw results will be posted online.

Military/Refuge Firearm Deer Draw Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning July 1.
• Applicants do not have to enter their hunting partner’s information online.
• Successful applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner.
• Any military area deer hunt may be cancelled or rescheduled upon short notice. No hunt fee refunds will be given if a hunt is cancelled or rescheduled.
• Handguns are not permitted on any military area.
• Successful applicants will receive more information regarding their hunt once the draw results are posted. There will be a link to a document with the information. 
• Draw results will be posted online

Military/Refuge Archery Deer Draw Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning July 1.
• Applicants do not have to enter their hunting partner’s information online.
  Properties: Big Oaks NWR, Muscatatuck, Newport. 
• Successful applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner.
• Any military area deer hunt may be cancelled or rescheduled upon short notice. No hunt fee refunds will be given if a hunt is cancelled or rescheduled.
• Handguns are not permitted on any military area.
• Successful applicants will receive more information regarding their hunt once the draw results are posted. There will be a link to a document with the information. 
• Draw results will be posted online

Pheasant Draw Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning July 1
• Applicants do not choose a property, but they do select a date. Properties are assigned to successful applicants.
• Successful applicants may bring up to two hunting partners.
• Draw results will be posted online up to one week after the drawing.
• Put-and-take Pheasant Hunts
• Hunts are available online beginning September 1 and they are first-come, first-served.
• Hunters can select the date, property, and property location for the hunt. 
• PRINT your confirmation page once you submit your reservation(s). You will also receive a confirmation email once your reservation(s) have been successfully submitted.  No refunds will be given.

State Park Deer Reduction Draw Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning July 1 
• If applicants wish to apply with a hunting partner(s), the primary applicant must have their partner’s hunting license number and date-of-birth when applying.  Applicants must be 18 years of age by the date of the hunt, and must possess the proper licenses to hunt deer in order to apply. Once you have submitted your application online, you cannot change your information.
• Applicants are allowed to apply for themselves, and up to two hunting partners. 
• Each applicant may only appear on one application per hunt (i.e., you cannot be listed as a primary applicant AND a buddy for the same hunt).
• Preference will be given to those who have successfully completed a Hunter Education course.
• Draw results will be posted online.
• For successful applicants, deer harvested at a State Park Reduction Hunts are in addition to regular deer season bag limits. You do not need to purchase additional licenses to harvest deer if participating in the reduction hunt. 
  For questions regarding State Park Deer Reduction Hunts, please contact please contact State Parks and Reservoirs at (317) 232-4200.

Deer Creek Deer Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning in late August.
• Successfully drawn applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner. 
• Results will be posted online up to one week after the deadline to apply.
• Deer Creek Upland (rabbit, quail or woodcock) Game Hunt
• Applications typically accepted online from beginning in late August 2
• Applicants must possess a license to hunt small game in order to apply. 
• Successfully drawn applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner. 
• Results will be posted online up to one week after the deadline to apply

Waterfowl Draw Hunt

• Applications are typically accepted online beginning in September.
• Applicants may choose up to five property and date combinations. Successful applicants will be chosen for one (or more) of their five property and date choices.
• Draw results will be posted online

Fairbanks Landing Deer Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning in early September.

State Park Goose Reduction Draw Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning in September/October.
• Applicants, buddies, and stand-by hunters must be Indiana Residents and be 18 by the date of the first annual state park reduction hunt.
• Participants may bring up to three buddies to hunt with; they are not required to be on the application.
• Hunters need to enter their valid hunting license number to apply.
• Apprentice licenses are not applicable.
• Hunters can select which parks and dates to be drawn for.
• A stand-by drawing will be conducted each day. Any spots remaining unfilled by drawn hunters 90 minutes before local sunrise will be open for public stand-by drawing.
• PRINT your confirmation page once you submit your application. You will also receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.
• Draw results will be posted online up to a week after the deadline to apply.
  Successful applicants will receive more information regarding their hunt once the draw results are posted. There will be a link to a document with the information.

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New Midwest Hunting Opportunities

Image via WikipediaThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the opening of Crane
Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota to big game hunting of deer
and upland game hunting of turkey for the first time, while expanding
hunting and fishing activities at nine other refuges. Notice of the final
2011-2012 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations published
in the Federal Register on September 9, 2011.

More than 250 comments were received during the 30-day public comment
period on the proposed expansion. Only 18 comments opposed the amended
regulations.

“The National Wildlife Refuge System, a vital part of our shared natural
heritage, offers Americans more than 320 hunting programs across the
country. The Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to these programs –
especially for youth and those with disabilities – wherever they are
compatible with refuge purposes,” said Service Director Dan Ashe.

Among the changes are:
       Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, CO, increases big game hunting
by offering elk hunting for the first time. The refuge also allows
migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and fishing.
       Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, LA, adds waterfowl and
coot hunting to its list of migratory bird hunting activities. The refuge
also allows fishing.
       Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge, MS, adds duck and geese
hunting to its migratory bird hunting activities; squirrel, rabbit and
raccoon hunting to its upland game hunting activities; and deer and hog
hunting to its big game hunting activities.             The refuge also
permits fishing.
       Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, NC, opens to big game hunting
of deer and hogs.
       Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, MN, increases acreage
for migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting.
       Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, MN/IA,
increases acreage for migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big
game hunting, and expands the species for migratory bird and upland game
hunting.
       Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, UT, allows upland game hunting of
turkey and big game hunting of elk for the first time. The refuge also
allows migratory bird hunting and fishing.
       Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, MN, opens new areas to
migratory bird hunting. It allows big game hunting of turkey and deer for
the first time. The refuge is also open to fishing.
       Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, TX, opens three new units
to upland game hunting of squirrels and rabbits, and big game hunting of
feral hogs and white-tailed deer. The refuge is also open for migratory
bird hunting and fishing.

While definitions of hunting categories vary by refuge and state,
migratory bird hunting generally includes ducks and geese. Upland game
hunting may cover such animals as game birds, rabbit, squirrel, opossum
and coyote. Big game hunting may include such animals as wild turkey, deer
and feral hogs.

The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 directs the
Service to permit hunting and fishing along with four other types of
wildlife-dependent recreation where they are compatible with refuge
purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is offered on more
than 300 national wildlife refuges. Fishing is offered on more than 270
national wildlife refuges. Other wildlife-dependent recreation on national
wildlife refuges includes wildlife photography, environmental education,
wildlife observation and interpretation.

To find hunting programs offered in the National Wildlife Refuge System,
please visit:  http://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/.

To find the final regulations, please visit:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-09-09/pdf/2011-22752.pdf.