Hunters Harvest Nearly 219,000 White-Tailed Deer in Ohio in 2012-2013

COLUMBUS, OH – Deer-archery season ended Feb. 3, bringing the white-tailed deer season to a close. Hunters harvested 218,910 white-tailed deer during Ohio’s 2012-2013 hunting seasons for all implements, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Hunters checked 219,748 deer in 2011-2012, a difference of less than 1,000 deer this season.

“Ohio has become one of the nation’s top destinations for hunting white-tailed deer,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “We would like to thank the nearly 500,000 outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen that participated during this hunting season. It is their efforts in the field that help us provide some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the country.”

The Ohio counties that reported the most checked deer for all implements during the 2012-2013 season: Coshocton (7,413), Licking (6,928), Tuscarawas (6,813), Muskingum (6,457), Guernsey (6,151), Harrison (5,365), Knox (5,288), Ashtabula (4,974), Carroll (4,825) and Belmont (4,731). The top seven counties remained unchanged from last season.

Hunters continue to support alternate methods to report deer kills. Since the deer season began on Sept. 29, 2012, 44 percent of hunters phoned in their report, 40 percent reported online and 16 percent traveled to a license agent’s location.

Ohio's first modern day deer-gun season opened in 1943 in three counties, and hunters checked 168 deer. Deer hunting was allowed in all 88 counties in 1956, and hunters harvested 3,911 deer during the one-week season.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio and is frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks eighth nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has an $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more. For more information on deer and deer hunting, visit wildohio.com.

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

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Public Invited to Comment on 2013-2014 Hunting Season Proposals

Input also accepted online at wildohio.com 

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will seek public comments regarding the 2013-2014 hunting seasons. During these sessions, which will be held Saturday, March 2, from 12-3 p.m., input concerning proposed hunting season dates, bag limits and rule changes will be accepted. Comments dealing with white-tailed deer and wild turkey seasons will also be welcomed.

These events are open to the public. Anyone interested in providing input and participating in Ohio’s professional wildlife management process is welcome. ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists and law enforcement officers will be available to answer questions and receive comments.

People who are not able to attend an open house at one of the seven locations can provide input online. Comments are accepted through March 2 at wildohio.com. Click on Open House Comments to submit a response.

Public input gathered at these open houses and through the online form will be considered during the formulation of regulations. For more information or directions to the open houses, visit wildohio.com or call 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Open house location information for March 2:
• Central Ohio: Wildlife District One office, 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus 43215; 614-644-3925;
• Northwest Ohio: Wildlife District Two office, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay 45840; 419-424-5000;
• Northeast Ohio: Wildlife District Three office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron 44319; 330-644-2293;
• Southeast Ohio: Wildlife District Four office, 360 E. State Street, Athens 45701; 740-589-9930;
• Southwest Ohio: Greene County Fish and Game, 1538 Union Road, Xenia 45385; 937-372-9261;
• Lake Erie (east): Fairport Fisheries office, 1190 High Street, Fairport Harbor 44077; 440-352-4199; and
• Lake Erie (west): Old Woman Creek office, 2514 Cleveland Road E., Huron 44839; 419-433-7599.

A statewide hearing on proposed rules will be held on Thursday, March 7, at 9 a.m. at the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s District One office. This hearing is open to the public, and comments on the proposed rules will be accepted.

After considering public input, the Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on the proposed rules during its April 17 meeting. Council meetings are open to the public, but there is no opportunity on the agenda for public comment. Questions will be allowed and responded to once the meeting adjourns.

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

Minnesota deer harvest declines 4 percent in 2012

Minnesota hunters harvested 184,649 deer during the 2012 season, down 4 percent from 2011, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The decline reflects the fact that hunters had fewer chances to harvest antlerless deer because the 2012 season was designed to help stabilize and increase populations, said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader. “We expected the reduction,” she said.

Firearms hunters harvested 155,599 deer while archery and muzzleloader hunters harvested 21,556 and 7,494 deer, respectively. The statewide archery harvest was up 5 percent, muzzleloader harvest increased 1 percent and firearm harvest was down 5 percent from last year.

The DNR will conduct aerial surveys over portions of the state later this winter. Population modeling, coupled with select aerial surveys, will be used to determine deer density. Management designations for 2013 deer permit areas will be determined once the new density estimates are compared to established population goals.

“Hunters should pay close attention to the hunting synopsis, which comes out in mid-July, to see if they need to apply for a lottery either-sex permit,” McInenly said.

The final deer harvest number is calculated using information provided by hunters when they register their deer. A final report, which includes more detailed harvest information, will be available online in the coming weeks atwww.mndnr.gov/deer.

For the 2013 season, the deadline for the either-sex permit application is Thursday, Sept. 5. Archery deer hunting begins Saturday, Sept. 14. Firearms deer season opens Saturday, Nov. 9. Muzzleloader season opens Saturday, Nov. 30.

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Study continues to monitor cause of mortality among Wisconsin deer

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MADISON – Hunting continues to account for the largest number of adult white-tailed deer mortalities in Wisconsin, while predation accounts for the highest death of fawns, according to recent results from an ongoing deer mortality study.

“Hunter harvest continues to be the greatest cause of death of both adult and yearling bucks,” said Jared Duquette, research scientist and lead researcher for the study, “while predation was the leading cause of fawn mortality, with most predations occurring within the first four to six weeks following birth.”

The Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Science Services has compiled data collected during 2011-12 on the causes of death in white-tailed deer into a new report, “Wisconsin Deer Research Studies, Annual Report 2011-2012.” The report is available on the DNR website by searching for “deer research” (click on the tab for resources).

Prompted by questions asked by hunters, two groundbreaking studies are currently underway in Wisconsin. A five-year study of causes of adult deer mortality is quantifying, for the first the various causes of deer death and overall survival rates in deer in a northern forest environment and in an eastern farmland environment. A similar three-year study looks at causes of mortality in fawns.

Duquette said the data will play a role in future deer management decisions and addresses recommendations forwarded by study groups reviewing Wisconsin’s deer population estimating process.

A brief summary of the 2011-12 report shows:

Buck and doe mortality

• 16 adult males (deer greater than 1.6 years old) and 25 male fawns (deer 8-10 months of age) were radio-collared and ear tagged in the northern study area.
• 15 adult males and 40 male fawns were radio-collared and ear tagged in the eastern farmland study area.
• Adult male survival (10-12 months post capture) was 31 percent in the north and 27 percent in the eastern study area; hunter harvest was the greatest source of mortality in both areas.
• Yearling male survival (10-12 months post capture) was 52 percent in the north and 58 percent in the eastern farmland; hunter harvest was the greatest source of mortality in both areas.
• 30 adult does were radio-collared in the northern and seven in the eastern study areas.
• Adult female survival (10-12 months post-capture) was 73 percent in the north and 86 percent in the east.
• Predation (44 percent) was the leading cause of adult female mortality followed by hunter harvest (33 percent).

Fawn recruitment

• 30 fawns (16 males; 14 females) were radio-collared and ear tagged in the northern study area; 46 fawns (26 males; 20 females) were radio-collared and ear tagged in the eastern farmland study area.
• Fawn survival at 6-7 months post capture was 47 percent in the north and 63 percent in the east.
• Predation was the leading cause of mortality for both study areas, followed by road kill.
• Most fawn mortality occurred shortly after birth in May and June mainly due to predation.

Capture of adults will continue through the 2012-13 and 2013-14 winters. Fawns were live-captured in May and June in 2011 and 2012 and will be captured again in 2013. A number of captured adults and fawns are fitted with radio collars. All are fitted with ear tags. Additional metrics are collected including body weight and size, blood samples, sex, presence of external parasites and age. Does are also examined for pregnancy. Deer are followed by radio signal until death, at which time researchers study the mortality to determine cause.

Radio collars emit a special signal when a collar doesn’t move for a specified period of time indicating the animal possibly has died. Researchers and volunteers zero in on the radio signal and attempt to determine cause of death. Information on deer harvested by hunters is collected when the hunter registers a collared or ear tagged deer.

Radio-collared and ear tagged deer are legal for harvest during the hunting seasons. Essential information is collected on these deer when they are registered. Hunters or others finding a dead deer with an ear tag are asked to report the find by phone, calling the number on the ear tag, so that researchers can gather any available mortality information the caller may be able to provide.

Volunteers contribute to success

“Hundreds of citizen volunteers and partner groups have participated in this effort,” said Mike Watt, DNR research scientist and volunteer coordinator, “without them, I doubt we could pull this off. The participation and enthusiasm of these individuals and groups has been fantastic. Their contributions have been invaluable.” Participants included University of Wisconsin-Madison, Safari Club International, UW-Stevens Point, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Whitetails Unlimited, AFL-CIO, U.S. Department of Agriculture-APHIS, and Applied Population Laboratory

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Michigan Northern Lower Deer Advisory Team to meet for third time Feb. 16 in Cadillac

The Department of Natural Resources' Northern Lower Deer Advisory Team (NLDAT) will meet on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McGuire's Resort in Cadillac (7880 Mackinaw Trail).

With the approval of the Michigan Deer Management Plan in 2010, the Department of Natural Resources committed to establishing Regional Deer Advisory Teams (DAT) for each area of the state. Each DAT corresponds to the boundaries of the DNR hunting and trapping zones - Zone 1 being the Upper Peninsula, Zone 2 the northern Lower Peninsula, and Zone 3 the southern Lower Peninsula.

The NLDAT serves as an advisory team to the DNR Wildlife Division on deer management in the northern Lower Peninsula. The goal of the team is to serve as a conduit between the public and the DNR to better understand the major concerns surrounding white-tailed deer.

The Feb. 16 meeting will focus on:

• the 2012 deer season
• the antler point restriction proposal process

"Understanding what is most important to the public is a major part of wildlife management, and this group offers an excellent way for us to gain that," said DNR deer program biologist Ashley Autenrieth. "We hope to accomplish a lot with the NLDAT in the future."

The NLDAT is made up entirely of volunteers who have been appointed by the Natural Resources Commission and the DNR, for either two or three years. Team members will attend local open houses, which will be public meetings for sharing information and gathering public input in their region.

"The Deer Advisory Teams are a critical connection between the public and the DNR," said Russ Mason, DNR Wildlife Division chief. "Understanding the public's views on deer management is the only way we can have successful deer management in Michigan."

Members of the public are welcome to attend as observers, although the meeting is not open for public comment. If time permits, the NLDAT will take questions and comments from the public.

Anyone who would like to suggest topics for NLDAT discussion is asked to email Ashley Autenrieth atautenrietha@michigan.gov or to share comments at http://deer.fw.msu.edu/involved/nlteam.php.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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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.

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Iowa HUNTERS REPORTED 5,800 FEWER DEER HARVESTED IN 2012

Iowa’s deer harvest declined for the seventh straight year as hunters adjust to the smaller herd, and to fewer antlerless tags. Hunters reported 115,606 deer to the harvest reporting system for the 2012 season, a decline of nearly 5 percent. The harvest is down 23 percent from its high in 2006.

Deer hunters purchased 378,447 licenses, nearly 14,500 fewer than in 2011, due to the elimination of the three-day November antlerless season, a shortening of the January antlerless season, and reduced antlerless license quotas in some counties.

“Hunters are doing their part to help us manage the deer herd by judiciously using available antlerless tags in counties were we would like to reduce the population, and by working with landowners to be more selective in other areas,” said Dr. Dale Garner, chief of Wildlife for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Deer hunting seasons stretch from September to middle January providing different types of hunting opportunities to Iowa hunters.

Deer hunting is also big business in Iowa, providing an economic impact of nearly $214 million, paying more than $15 million in federal taxes and nearly $15 million in state taxes. It supports more than 2,800 jobs, and provides more than $67 million in earnings.

The harvest data will be used as a consideration when the DNR begins the process of discussing hunting seasons later this winter.

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