Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary

Snow Cat (Photo credit: clickclique)

After running hot and cold for weeks, teasing and taunting Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts in the process, weather conditions are now prime for winter activities. Ski, snowmobile and ATV trails are increasingly open. Inches have been added to many state waters, and ice anglers are out, but always keep in mind ice conditions vary and are subject to change.

So, when going out, especially on the ice, think safety first. Ice should be at least 4 inches thick before walking out onto it, 5 inches if taking a snowmobile, ATV or other vehicle.

Wear proper clothing and equipment – dress in layers including wool hats, mittens and waterproof boots. Include a float coat to help you stay afloat and slow body heat loss should you go into the water.

And don’t go out alone. Go out fishing or spearing with friends, take a cell phone with you, and make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to return.

For many, the big event of the week is the opening of the 2013 sturgeon spearing season opens Saturday at 6:30 a.m. The season will run for 16 days, or until harvest caps are reached. More information about the upcoming season, including regulations and harvest caps, can be found on the DNR website by doing a keyword search for "sturgeon spearing."

Ice angling success has increased in Marinette County especially crappies on the flowages. Ice depths vary from 12-17 inches of ice pretty much on every lake in Marinette County.

In Milwaukee County anglers have been fishing the harbors at McKinley Marina and South Shore Park, as well as the lagoon at Lakeshore State Park. Success has been mixed for brown trout and steelhead.

In Polk County, anglers have had success catching largemouth bass with tip-ups on smaller lakes.

Snow depths have also improved in many places; for current statewide information on statewide snow conditions, log onto the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). There are still some counties that have snowmobile trails closed, or in poor condition, but many regions report major improvements.

Snowmobile trails in are groomed and in good to excellent condition across the northern tier of counties and through much of central Wisconsin. Trails are good to poor father south.

All of the snow makes for beautiful cross country ski and snowshoe hikes as well. Skiing and snowshoeing opportunities are good at the Northern-Highland, Brule River, Peshtigo River and northern unit Kettle Moraine state forests, and Council Grounds, Potawatomi and Willow River State parks. Eight state park properties are hosting candlelight events this weekend.

Snow has also improved conditions for cottontail and coyote hunting.

Wyalusing State Park bird sightings at park feeders include juncos, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, goldfinches, cardinals, blue jays, red-bellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers, and purple finches.

A western Sauk County resident reported seeing a wolf. Eagles are being seen in good numbers at traditional wintering areas along the Mississippi and Lower Wisconsin River and a golden eagle continues to be seen in the skies over Waupaca County. And as one of our earliest breeding species, some great horned owls have likely begun nesting activities in the south.

Related articles

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for January 17, 2013 (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Indiana Reserved Hunt Information

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers several different reserved hunts each year. Listed below is general information about the hunts and the registration process. Please note: specific information about the hunts are subject to change. Information will be updated on this page as it becomes available and you can subscribe to this page by clicking the "Subscribe for e-mail updates" link at the top of the page and you will receive an email when this page is updated. You can also sign up for Wild Bulletin to receive emails with the latest information regarding reserved hunts, and other important fish and wildlife information.
Register for a Reserved Hunt
View Draw Results

Important information about reserved hunts

• An applicant must possess a valid hunting license for the species they intend hunt in order to apply for the hunt.
• Once you have submitted your application for a hunt, you cannot change your application. If you need to update your contact information, please log back into the reserved hunt system and update your contact information.
• After you have submitted your application, PRINT or SAVE your confirmation page. You should also receive a confirmation email, if you have provided a valid email address. (Check your junk mail folder).
• Once you have applied, you can double check by logging back into the reserved hunt system. If you log back into the reserved hunt system and a hunt choice is still in the drop-down box, which means you did not successfully apply. The system will not allow you to apply for the same hunt more than once. So, if the hunt shows up in your drop-down box, then you need to apply. 
• All reserved hunt draw results will be posted online approximately one week after the deadline has passed.

Having Problems Registering? FAQs about the reserved hunt system

Apply Online for the following Draw Hunts:

2012 Youth Firearm Deer Hunt at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

• This hunt is for youth, 15 or younger on the date of the hunt, at Muscatatuck NWR. The youth hunter must be accompanied by a mentor, defined as a licensed hunter, age 18 or older. The mentor cannot hunt or carry a firearm.
• Two, one-day hunts will be held on November 24 and 25, 2012. Successfully drawn youths will be randomly assigned one of those dates and results will be posted online.
• Youths can apply online from July 14 through August 26, 2012, using a valid youth license to hunt deer. If drawn, a youth can use a valid resident youth hunt/trap, nonres. youth military/refuge, nonres. youth deer license bundle, nonres. youth deer firearms, or lifetime comprehensive hunt/fish. If a youth chooses to use a youth military/refuge license to harvest a deer during this hunt, that deer does not count towards their statewide bag limit. A deer harvested using other license types does count toward their statewide bag limit.
• Youths are allowed to harvest one deer during this hunt.

Dove Draw Hunt

• Applications accepted online July 1 - 29, 2012.
• Don't forget, hunters must possess a Game Bird Habitat Stamp when hunting doves (those that have lifetime comprehensive hunting licenses or resident youth hunt/trap licenses do not need to purchase the stamp, since it's included in those licenses).
• Non-toxic shot is required at all DNR properties, including reservoir properties.
• Properties: Bluegrass, Jasper-Pulaski, J. E. Roush Lake, Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle, Pigeon River, Willow Slough, and Winamac FWAs, and Mississinewa and Salamonie Reservoirs.
• Applicants may choose the property, but dates (typically Sept. 1 or 2, except at Bluegrass FWA) will be assigned to successful applicants.
• Successful applicants may bring one hunting partner.
• Draw results will be posted online one week after the deadline to apply.

Military/Refuge Firearm Deer Draw Hunt

• Applications accepted online July 1 - August 26, 2012.
• Applicants do not have to enter their hunting partner’s information online. Successful applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner.
• Properties: Naval Support Activity (Crane), Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Big Oaks NWR, and Muscatatuck NWR (muzzleloader only)
• Hunters at Naval Support Activity Crane must be 14 years of age or older.
• **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 one week after the deadline to apply.

Military/Refuge Archery Deer Draw Hunt

• Applications accepted online July 1 - August 26, 2012
• Applicants do not have to enter their hunting partner’s information online. Successful applicants are allowed to bring one hunting partner.
• Properties: Big Oaks NWR and Muscatatuck NWR.
• **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 one week after the deadline to apply

State Park Deer Reduction Draw Hunt

• Applications accepted online July 1 - August 26, 2012.
• Detailed state park deer reduction hunt information.
• 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.

Pheasant Draw Hunt

• Applications accepted online July 1 – September 30, 2012
• Applicants do not choose a property, but they do select a date. Properties are assigned to successful applicants.
• **Pheasant draw hunts are held at Game Bird Habitat Areas, which are located in the following counties: Benton, Newton and White.
• If you are selected to hunt at a Game Bird Area, you must fill out and return the survey form supplied, even if you do not show up on the day of the hunt. If you do not return the survey form, you may jeopardize your participation in future hunts.
• Successful applicants may bring up to two hunting partners.
• Draw results will be posted online.

Hunt application registrations not currently underway:

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 area for the hunt.
• Only available areas that match the number of hunters selected will show up in the selection box online. If an area fills up, it will no longer appear as an available selection.
• 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.

Wild Turkey Draw Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online in January
• Turkey hunts typically 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.

Deer Creek FWA 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 FWA Upland (rabbit, quail or woodcock) Game Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online from beginning in late August
• 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 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 FWA Deer Hunt

• Applications typically accepted online beginning in early September.
• Typically, only the opening weekend of the deer firearms season is reserved at Fairbanks Landing FWA

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.

Related articles

• Managed deer hunt applications open July 1, close Aug. 15 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin: Learn to hunt deer at Buckhorn State Park (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Managed deer hunt applications open July 1, close Aug. 15 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Ohio's Controlled Deer and Waterfowl Hunts Coming Soon - Apply Now! (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Ohio's Controlled Deer and Waterfowl Hunts Coming Soon (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

Hunters in SD Help those in Need

Who hasn't needed a little help somewhere along the way?  Well, hunters in SD are enjoying the sport they love, serving as ambassadors for hunting, and helping some families all at the same time.  Read more:

At its recent annual meeting in Custer State Park, the South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) Board of Directors reported that hunters donated 78,735 pounds of game meat to needy individuals and families across the state last year.

Although the total pounds of donated meat dropped 25 percent in 2011, donations in 2010 were record large.

“A reduction of donations in 2011 was not a surprise to us because deer and antelope populations were reduced during severe winters the past few years,” noted Jeff Olson, President of SAH. “It is a double-edged sword for us. One goal of the program is to reduce the number of deer in areas where landowners are having problems, and that part is working well. What we do not like to see is the number of pounds to the needy drop, as demand and need for this meat is high.”

One of the highlights from 2011 was the implementation of a new goose donation program. SAH worked with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow hunters to donate geese harvested in the August Management Take. SAH would like to expand donations from other waterfowl seasons and plans to begin discussions with management agencies this summer.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Those who benefited from the donated meat would like to send a big ‘Thank You’ to all the donors and volunteers for yet another great year for the program,” Olson said.  “Many people contributed to the continuing success of SAH this past year, including sportsmen who donated game animals, game processors who worked with us to process the animals, and food pantries that accepted and distributed the donated meat.”

Olson also thanks hunters, private donors and SAH volunteers for their generosity and help in making the program a big success.

To learn more about South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger, visit its website at www.feedtheneedsd.com

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South Dakota: Antler Auction Featured at Outdoor Expo

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks Department will host its second Antler Auction at the South Dakota Outdoor Expo in Huron on Saturday, June 9.
The auction will take place as part of the 5th Annual South Dakota Outdoor Expo at the State Fairgrounds. The gates open at 9 a.m., and the auction will begin at 10 a.m. in the Fairgrounds Expo Building.
Antlers make up the bulk of auction items, with hundreds of deer antlers and racks offered to bidders. Other items to be auctioned off include mountain lion hides, mountain lion skulls, elk antlers, bighorn sheep racks and more.
“We have an amazing variety of items for auction that should be attractive to taxidermists, hunters, outdoor craft people, and outdoor enthusiasts in general,” said GFP’s Andy Alban.
The auction will be handled by Schuetzle Auction Service.

More information on items that will be offered at the auction will be available prior to the event on the GFP website.

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NRC extends 'one-buck rule' for deer hunting

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission on Tuesday approved an indefinite extension of what’s commonly referred to as the “one-buck rule” for deer hunting.
The decision to extend the rule removes the expiration date on a 10-year-old regulation that limits a hunter to taking no more than one antlered deer during the regular archery, firearms and muzzleloader hunting seasons.
The “one-buck rule” was first applied in 2002 for a five-year period. The Commission approved an extension in 2007 with an expiration date of Sept. 1, 2012.
This year, the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife proposed extending the rule indefinitely, stating that limiting deer hunters to only one buck per year is not needed to manage the deer herd. The DNR considers it a social issue, not a biological issue.
In other actions, the NRC:

–Approved the permanent appointment of three assistant property managers: Mike Miller at Ouabache State Park; Matt Wronowicz at Brookville Lake-Whitewater Memorial State Park Complex; and Lynda Ellington at Shakamak State Park.

–Granted nature preserve status to three properties: Elliott Woods in Vigo County; Section Six Flatwoods Addition in Posey County; and Glacial Esker at Chain O’Lakes State Park in Noble County.

–Authorized the Division of State Parks & Reservoirs and State Park Inns to conduct negotiations with a potential vendor for a restaurant and other operations at the Indiana Dunes State Park pavilion.

The Commission gave final approval to the following:

–Amendments that govern aquatic vegetation control permits (312 IAC 9-10-3).

–Amendments that govern entomology and plant pathology (312 IAC 18).

The Commission gave preliminary approval to:

–Amendments to fish and wildlife rules that include clarifying requirements for chasing wild animals with dogs during the hunting season, removing restrictions and handgun license requirements when chasing raccoons, adding the late season for taking lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese, adding the monk parakeet as an exempted species of bird that can be taken at any time, adding the use of bowfishing equipment and crossbows for taking Asian carp and other specified fish on rivers and streams, adding the rayed bean as an endangered species of mussel, and removing application deadlines and other changes to the special disability permit for hunters.

–Amendments to Indiana Administrative Code 312 IAC 9 governing commercial fishing, fishing guide licenses, and establishment of the new roe harvesters and dealers licenses.

–A rule to provide administrative review of testing results and continuing education credits required of individuals obtaining certain permits administered by the DNR.

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• Indiana Reserved Hunt Information

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• Local organization proposes antler point restrictions in northwest Michigan

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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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• 2012 ReservedIndiana: Youth Turkey Hunt opportunities on DNR properties
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Indiana DNR sets up shop at Indy outdoor shows

Image via Wikipedia

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will have a strong presence at the 58th Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show and the 15th Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo that open Friday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Both shows are presented by Renfro Productions and open at 3 p.m. Friday.

The Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo runs through Sunday (Feb. 19), and the main show continues through Feb. 26. Check www.renfroproductions.com for complete details about show hours, special features, seminars, and ticket prices.

The DNR's main location during the Boat, Sport and Travel Show is Tackle Town in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. The booth is a convenient one-stop shopping opportunity for licenses, state park passes, lake use permits,Outdoor Indiana magazine, and a new promotion from DNR State Parks & Reservoirs – the SPR GO! Trails and Waves package.

The $99 package includes an annual entrance pass to Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs, a 12-month subscription to Outdoor Indiana, a 2012 motorized lake permit, the choice of a DNR campsite rental gift card or a State Park Inn gift certificate, and an SPR GO! signature backpack. Sold separately, the items have a $134 value.

Two DNR divisions – Fish & Wildlife and Law Enforcement – will have a presence at the Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo in the Fairground's Exhibition Hall.

Staff biologists from the Division of Fish & Wildlife will be on hand to answer questions about wildlife habitat development and management, hunting and trapping seasons, and wildlife species information.

Conservation Officers from the Division of Law Enforcement will be at the Hunter Education Booth, where visitors can try the Laser Shot simulated shooting system with images of realistic hunting scenarios. Conservation Officers also will staff the main DNR booth in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, where they will display the Wear It! boat that promotes the use of lifejackets.

Related articles

• Indiana: DNR offers online ATV safety course (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Park hunts in Indiana make inroads on habitat recovery (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Indiana: Get outside or play inside at state parks and reservoirs in February (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Indiana: Hunters asked to complete online state forest survey (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Summer Camping Reservations Open Feb. 18 for SD State Parks (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Park hunts in Indiana make inroads on habitat recovery

Image via Wikipedia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Iowa's First Shotgun Deer Season Begins Saturday (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Second Shotgun Deer Season Opens December 10 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin Hunters can help the hungry through venison donation program during December hunt (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of December 1, 2011 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

WI: Muzzleloader season underway after regular deer season

December antlerless season also ahead

MADISON – The close of the nine-day gun deer hunt also signals the opening of the 10-day, muzzleloader deer hunt that runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 7. The muzzleloader hunt is statewide with the exception of most state parks. There is also an ongoing deer hunting season through Dec. 7 in designated metropolitan, or metro, units due to higher deer populations near some urban areas. Check the current deer hunting regulations for details.

Following the muzzleloader hunt is a four-day antlerless deer hunt running Dec. 8 through 11 statewide except in state parks and in Menominee County.

All hunters are reminded that blaze orange clothing requirements are in place whenever any gun deer season is open.

License sales officials say there are unit-specific antlerless deer tags are still available for some regular units. Permits are $5 for 10 and 11 year olds, $12 for residents and $20 for the nonresidents. Antlerless deer tags for herd control units and earn-a-buck units are available for $2 each.

Visit the deer hunting pages of the DNR Web site for details on license requirements, permit availability, bag limits and harvest rules. For additional questions call the toll free 1-888-WDNR-INFo (888-936-7463) line for answers. The line is staffed 7a.m. to 10 p.m. 7-days per week

More information on a muzzleloader hunting is available on the law enforcement pages of the DNR website.

Related articles

• ND: Muzzleloader Season Opens Nov. 25 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• OK Deer gun season at a glance (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Iowa: LICENSES ON SALE FOR NOVEMBER ANTLERLESS DEER SEASON (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• 2011 Wisconsin gun deer season opens Nov. 19 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Iowa: GREEN VALLEY STATE PARK TO CLOSE DURING SPECIAL DEER HUNT (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

Wisconsin: Antlerless gun deer hunt in CWD zone October 13-16

MADISON – In a return to a more traditional statewide deer season structure, only deer management units in the chronic wasting diseasemanagement zone (CWD-MZ) will have a four-day October antlerless deer only gun hunt in 2011.

The Oct 13-16 antlerless deer only gun hunt will take place in the following CWD deer management units: 54B-CWD, 70-CWD, 70A-CWD, 70B-CWD, 70E-CWD, 70G-CWD, 71-CWD, 73B-CWD, 73E-CWD, 75A-CWD, 75C-CWD, 75D-CWD, 76-CWD, 76A-CWD, 76M-CWD, 77A-CWD, 77B-CWD, and 77C-CWD.

State park CWD management zone units 70C-CWD, 70D-CWD, 70F-CWD, 75B-CWD require special access permits and have different hunting hours. Hunters should contact individual parks for permits, maps and instructions. Additional information on state park CWD management zone hunting seasons can be found on pg. 46 of the 2011 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations.

For complete rules and regulations involving this hunt consult the 2011 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations which is available in hard copy from license sales agents or online.

“Hunters in the CWD management zone and elsewhere are likely noticing billboards, television and print adds with a new slogan,” said Tami Ryan, of the DNR’s wildlife health unit.

“‘Hunt, Harvest, Help’ is something all hunters can participate in but it is especially relevant to the CWD zone. ‘Hunting’ is the fun part; it’s the family and friends and time in nature that brought many of us to this pastime as youngsters. ‘Harvest’ is for yourself and your family and friends but also for others; consider providing additional deer to the needy through the venison donation program. Finally, there is ‘Help’. Helping others by providing high quality food is one way but hunting also is the most effective, efficient and best wildlife management activity available. Consider your role as a hunter and what you can do to help contain CWD and prevent its spread to new areas.”

For more information see the Hunt, Harvest, Help (exit DNR) website.

Related articles

• Wisconsin: Hunt. Harvest. Help. New CWD website launched (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• 2011 Wisconsin archery deer season to be longest in state history (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin: Bonus antlerless deer tags and state park deer hunting permits available August 20 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• North Dakota: Proclamation Signed as a Precaution against Spread of CWD (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)