Deadline to sign-up for Wisconsin disabled deer hunt September 1

MADISON – Hunters who plan to participate in the annual gun deer hunt for hunters with

disabilities are reminded to sign up with hunt sponsors no later than Sept. 1.

To participate in the disabled deer hunt, hunters should contact a participating sponsor directly and ask for permission to participate in their hunt. Interested hunters can find a list of sponsors at dnr.wi.gov, and search keywords “disabled deer hunt.”

Hunters must be signed up with the sponsor by Sept. 1 and will have to provide the sponsor their name and contact information.

Hunters must possess a valid Class A, long-term Class B that authorizes shooting from a vehicle, Class C or Class D Disabled Hunting Permit and a current gun deer hunting license to participate in the disabled deer hunt.

This year’s gun hunt for hunters with disabilities will occur Oct. 5 to 13. Hunters are allowed to shoot either antlered or antlerless deer during this hunt with the appropriate permit(s). Please check the 2013 Deer Hunting Regulations for more information.

“To date, 90 sponsors have enrolled over 72,000 acres of property in 50 counties,” Roepke said. “These are private lands offering great opportunities for up to 3,600 hunters to enjoy deer hunting. Many of these properties are in areas of high deer density.”

Sponsors of the hunt range from single individuals with smaller properties to large organized hunts on thousands of acres of hunting land.

“Hunting space is limited on some properties, so hunters are encouraged to contact sponsors as soon as possible,” Roepke said.

Sponsors are encouraged to submit their list of hunters using the new online process which can be found on the DNR web site, keywords “disabled deer hunt.” If sponsors do not have access to the online form, hard copies are available at DNR service centers or by calling Scott Roepke at 608-261-7588.

Sponsors are encouraged to submit a list of participating hunters no later than Sept. 1.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Roepke, DNR assistant big game ecologist, 608-261-7588; Sam Jonas, DNR assistant big game ecologist, 608-264-6023

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Deer Hunting News from Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota

Michigan Deer Hunting News:

If you are applying for a Michigan Antlerless Deer license, time is running out.  The deadline is August 15th.  For information visit here.  Starting Sept 5, you can check the results here.

North Dakota Deer Hunting News:

The archery season starts August 30th, and Game and Fish wants hunters to remember that this year, only available online or through vendors linked via computer to the state system.  To get a license online visit here.

Minnesota Deer Hunting News:

The state is reminding hunters that if they want  either-sex deer or special hunt permit for the coming season must apply by Thursday, Sept. 5.  Information is available here.

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• Deer Drawing Hunts for Indiana

Echeck comes to Oklahoma Hunters

Beginning this fall, all deer, all elk and those turkeys that require checking will be reported through the e-check system available online at wildlifedepartment.com within 24 hours of leaving the hunt area. The e-check system is provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation as a way to check game more conveniently, affordably and accurately. And while many hunters will check in their deer right from the deer woods, some local businesses will still provide a service to sportsmen by offering internet access for checking deer at their locations.

          After a successful hunt, Oklahoma big game game hunters know how inconvenient and sometimes even difficult it can be to get their trophy to the nearest hunter check station. By the time an animal can be recovered, tagged, field-dressed and placed in a vehicle for transport, it may be late in the morning or well after dark, when hunters could be focusing on cooling their trophy or settling in with a cup of hot coffee around the campfire with good friends. Loading their deer into a vehicle and having to go in search of the nearest open hunter check station can be a chore, and now it is no longer necessary. 

          "Any computer or cell phone with internet access can be a check station," said Micah Holmes, information supervisor for the Wildlife Department.

          Hunters do not have to own a computer or have good cellular signal to check in a deer. They can visit a local business that offers sportsmen access to the e-check system, or they can even relay the information by phone to a friend who does have access to a computer within 24 hours of leaving the hunt area. When a harvested game animal is reported through the e-check system, a number is generated on a carcass tag that can be printed or simply written on a field tag and attached to the harvested animal.

          Not only is the online check station more convenient for the hunters, but it also saves the Wildlife Department time and money. Physical check stations require a minimum of five visits by a biologist or technician each year, taking up hours on the road and fuel expenses. In previous years, Department employees spent over 200 man-hours editing check station books by correcting mistakes and illegible handwriting. The instant data provided through the e-check system allows biologist and game wardens to quickly access up-to-date, accurate information. 

          Additionally, the e-check system makes it easier for Wildlife Department game wardens to review online game check information in real-time, and several cases of violations have been made in the last few years. Beginning Nov. 1, the penalties for failing to check game will increase substantially (up to $446 and/or up to 10 days in jail for first offenses) as a result of House Bill 1426, sponsored by State Rep. Scott R. Biggs, R-Chickasha, and Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha. 

          Many hunters have already experienced the convenience of e-check. The online check system was first implemented during the 2009 deer season, when over 17,000 hunters experienced the ease of the new system. That number almost doubled in 2010 with over 30,000 hunters checking in almost 40,000 deer electronically. Last year about 60 percent of the 107,848 deer harvested were reported through e-check. 

          Those without Internet access can still check in their animal by having a friend or relative with Internet access check in the animal for them and provide the confirmation number to be used on the field tag. They can also visit a public library or any business location that offers access to the Department's e-check system. 

          To check in a deer, elk or turkey online, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. As hunting season approaches, a link to the e-check system will be provided on the homepage. 

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Indiana Online reserved hunt applications available

Hunters can apply for a reserved hunt online by visitingIndianaOutdoor.IN.gov and clicking on the "Register for a Reserved Hunt" link.

The online method is the only way to apply.

All applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the hunt for which they apply. All applications must be completed by the application deadline to be eligible for the drawing. Hunters will be selected through a random drawing. All drawing results will be posted at Wildlife.IN.gov within a week after application deadlines.

*   Youth Firearm Deer Hunt at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge: Online application deadline is Aug. 2.

*   Deer Creek Deer Hunt: Online application deadline is Aug. 15.

*   Deer Creek Rabbit and Quail Hunt: Online application deadline isAug. 15.

*   Military/Refuge Firearm and Archery Deer Hunt Draw: Online application deadline is Aug. 25. Hunts on Military/Refuge properties may be cancelled at any time.

*   Pheasant Hunt Draw: Online application deadline is Sept. 29. Adults should not apply for the Nov. 25 hunt, which is reserved for youth (17 and younger) only.

Applications for waterfowl draw hunts begin in late August. Pheasant put-and-take registration will be available Sept. 1. More information

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• Upcoming Hunt Drawings Indiana (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
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• South Dakota and Michigan Deer Hunting Information and Deadlines (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

Michigan Hunters - Don’t forget hunter education course requirements before heading out this fall

Don’t forget hunter education course requirements before heading out this fall
Michigan residents considering hunting in 2013 who need to complete a hunter education

course should enroll in a class prior to Oct. 1, when offerings are plentiful. Classes are held year-round, but April, May, August and September are the traditional times when classes are most available.

“With summer winding down and the focus turning to getting the kids ready for the school year, parents should consider that part of that ‘back to school’ routine should be enrolling in hunter education for any child 10 years old or older who wants to hunt this fall,” said Sgt. Tom Wanless, hunter education program supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources. “Waiting until the last minute before you go deer hunting this fall can often translate into difficulty finding a class or an instructor available for a field day if you are planning to take the home-study or online course.”

Michigan has three types of hunter education courses – a traditional classroom, a home-study and an online version. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1960 is required to complete the course before buying a Michigan hunting license or taking an out-of-state hunting trip. Exceptions are made for youths under the age of 10 hunting under a mentored youth hunting license or hunters older than 10 hunting with an apprentice hunting license. Hunters can hunt under the apprentice program for two years before they are required to take hunter education.

The traditional classroom course is a minimum of 10 hours and includes both classroom and field work with an instructor. The home-study course features a workbook to complete classwork and requires a field/skills day. Michigan also offers two approved online hunter education courses, at www.hunter-ed.com/Michigan and www.huntercourse.com/usa/michigan. Students who opt for the online course complete their classwork online, and then have a field/skills day with an instructor and take a written exam.

Additionally, the DNR is seeking those interested in becoming hunter education instructors. There is a strong need for instructors in southeast Michigan. For more information on becoming an instructor in southeast Michigan, contact Specialist Peggy Ruby at rubyp@michigan.gov or call 586-405-5359.

For more information about hunter education or to find a class in your area, go to www.michigan.gov/huntereducation.

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• Pure Michigan Hunt prize package continues to grow (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Report Wisconsin Deer Observations to help Management

While enjoying the sight of does with fawns, or bucks roaming the landscape, record what you see and submit your observations to DNR!

Your observations between Aug.1 and Sept. 30 will help us monitor and evaluate Wisconsin’s deer herd.

This fun and informative survey plays a big role in conservation.

To get involved in Operation Deer Watch, please visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “deer watch.”

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Oklahoma deadline for youth bonus antlerless deer hunt applications August 16th

Beginning deer hunters have a unique opportunity to participate in four bonus antlerless deer hunts that will take place on private land in Osage County (Oct 4-6, 2013), Ellis County (Oct 11-12, 2013), and two in Love County (Oct 18, 2013, orientation on October 17, 2013).

          This year 53 youth will be drawn to receive one of the bonus private lands antlerless deer gun permits.  To be eligible, youth must have completed their hunter education requirements prior to applying and must be 12-17 years old at the time of their scheduled hunt.
          "These hunts are on private property and should provide young hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a chance to harvest a doe," said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program and we are thankful for the landowners' willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on their property."
          To apply for a hunt, applicants must submit (mail or walk-in only) a 3x5 index card with the following information:

• Hunter's first & last name 
• Date of birth 
• Mailing address 
• Telephone number 
• Hunter education certification number 
• Social security or driver's license number 
• Lifetime License number, if applicable 
• Accompanying Adult* first & last name 
• List of hunts by order of preference**

*Each child participating in this hunt must have an adult (licensed or unlicensed) who is at least 21 years of age accompanying them on the hunt.
 **List of the hunts by order of preference (Please do not list any hunt that you are not interested in or know in advance you cannot attend.)

          The envelope should be addressed to: OK DEPT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, Attn: Wildlife Division: "Private Lands Youth Deer Hunts," PO BOX 53465, Oklahoma City, OK  73152. All applications must be received by Friday, August 16, 2013.
          Antlerless deer taken by selected applicants during these hunts will be considered a "bonus deer" and will not count toward the hunter's season statewide limit.
          Applicants who are successfully drawn will receive a notification letter in the mail that includes specific information about their hunt and the deadline for purchasing required license(s) as listed below:  

Resident Options (Ages 12-15): 

• Lifetime Hunting or Lifetime Combination License; or
• $10 CH Private Lands Youth Deer License**

Resident Options (Age 16-17):

• Lifetime Hunting or Lifetime Combination License; or
• Resident Annual Youth Hunting + $10 CH Private Lands Youth Deer License**; or
• Resident Fiscal Year Youth Hunting + $10 CH Private Lands Youth Deer License** 

Non-Resident Options (Ages 12-17):

• CH Nonresident Private Lands Youth Deer License**  

**NOTE: The $10 resident or the $201 non-resident CH Private Lands Youth Deer Hunt Permits will be issued in lieu of the open season license and must be purchased through our Central Office. No Apprentice Licenses will be allowed due to the Hunter Education requirement. For additional information, please contact Doug Schoeling at(405) 590-2584.

-30-

Four bonus antlerless deer hunts will take place on private lands across the state this year for more than 50 lucky beginning deer hunters age 12-17 years old through a program. Applications must be received by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation by Aug. 16.

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