Productive season expected despite lower deer numbers - Indiana

Indiana deer hunters should expect another productive season in 2014, although they may

see fewer deer than in previous years when the firearms season begins Nov. 15. 

“There are several factors contributing to reduced deer numbers in certain areas of the state,” DNR deer management biologist Chad Stewart said. “Some are by design and some are by external forces.” 

The DNR is in the third year of a management effort to reduce deer numbers in targeted areas. Another reason for fewer deer was a serious 2012 outbreak of hemorrhagic disease – an often lethal virus transmitted by small flies known as biting midges. 

“These numbers are more in line with what should be seen on the landscape,” Stewart said. “We recognize these declines and have been responsive in our management by reducing our antlerless quotas in many areas and dropping some counties from the special late antlerless season. In many cases, these are the levels at which we are trying to manage our herd.” 

In addition to basic bag limits, hunters can purchase bonus licenses to take additional antlerless deer based on a county’s assigned quota. Bonus licenses can be used in any season, except the Urban Deer Zone Season, using the equipment that is legal for that season. 

The bonus antlerless quota was reduced this year for 19 counties. As a result of those reductions, six fewer counties are eligible for the special late antlerless season (Dec. 26 through Jan. 4, 2015) than a year ago. 

With no hemorrhagic disease reported in 2014 and few reports of deer being affected by last year’s hard winter, Stewart anticipates a deer harvest similar to 2013 (126,635 deer) but short of the record set in 2012 of 136,248 deer. 

The firearms season runs Nov. 15-30. Hunters with a firearms license make take one antlered deer. Bonus licenses are required to take additional deer with firearms. 

“Hunters in the north are likely to see deer numbers at lower levels than they are accustomed to seeing,” he said. “Historically, deer herds tend to rebound quickly from outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease, but that hasn’t been the case in northern Indiana.” 

Stewart sees a different picture in southern Indiana. 

“Hunters there should continue to see good numbers of deer,” he said. “The balance of deer cover and the absence of lingering effects from any disease outbreak have produced ample opportunities for hunters to be successful.”

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Fall Mule Deer Survey Completed

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s fall mule deer survey indicated production

courtesy muledeer.org

in 2014 bodes well for the future.

Biologists counted 1,969 (1,761 in 2013) mule deer in the aerial survey in October. The buck-to-doe ratio of 0.50 (0.46 in 2013) was slightly above the long-term average of 0.43 bucks per doe, while the fawn-to-doe ratio of 0.95 (0.74 in 2013) was the highest since 1999, and above the long-term average of 0.90 fawns per doe.

“Overall, this year’s fawn production is very encouraging, and with average-to-good survival should result in another increase in the spring,” said Bruce Stillings, big game management supervisor, Dickinson.

While it is encouraging to see mule deer numbers increase for the short-term, Stillings said challenges remain for continued population growth, including changes in habitat quality due to fragmentation and disturbance, predators and weather.

The fall aerial survey, conducted specifically to study demographics, covers 24 study areas and 306.3 square miles in western North Dakota. Biologists survey the same study areas in the spring of each year to determine population abundance.

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Did you buy a single deer license but wanted the chance to harvest two deer? MICHIGAN

Michigan's new license structure requires hunters to choose at the time of purchase if they want the opportunity to harvest one or two antlered deer, and purchase either a single deer license (one kill tag) or a deer combo license (two kill tags).

Because this is the first year of the new structure, some hunters may have bought a single deer license without realizing they couldn't buy another antlered deer license later.

Those who bought a single deer license and haven't used it, and would like the deer combo license instead, may bring the unused license back to the store where they bought it – during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) – and ask the agent to call the DNR. The DNR will void the single deer license, the agent will keep the voided license and send it back to the DNR, and the hunter may then buy a deer combo license. Those who bought the single deer license online should call DNR Licensing at 517-284-6057 during business hours.

Please note that state offices are closed on Nov. 4 and Nov. 11, so DNR staff members will not be available to void licenses on those days.

Learn more about Michigan's new license structure.

Related articles

• DNR offers hunters opportunity to return single unused deer license, buy combo instead (mlive.com)
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Deer Hunters Evading E-Check Law Risk Stiff Penalty

Using the online E-Check system is easy. 

Go to wildlifedepartment.com, and click on 

       the E-Check link that is indicated by the red arrow in this screenshot.

Hunters who take a deer this season in Oklahoma are required by law to check in their harvest using the online E-Check system at wildlifedepartment.com. Those who choose to break the law are risking hefty fines and the loss of their hunting or fishing privileges not only in Oklahoma, but also in most every other state in the nation.

   "The Wildlife Department's law enforcement division is putting special emphasis on enforcing the requirement for hunters to check in their harvest," said Bill Hale, assistant chief of law enforcement. "This is a top priority for the Department.

   "If you get caught not checking your harvest, the fine just for illegally possessing wildlife and the restitution could be in the thousands of dollars," Hale said. "And you would also be in violation of the E-Check requirements, which would add more in fines.

"Also, you could easily have your hunting licenses suspended if you are convicted of failing to use E-Check," Hale said. Oklahoma is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which means that anyone convicted here of a game law violation could lose hunting and fishing privileges in all 44 Compact member states.

   State wildlife law requires anyone who takes a deer, elk, turkey or paddlefish to check in their harvest within 24 hours of leaving the hunting or fishing area, and in all cases prior to processing the carcass. Hunters and anglers, or anyone acting on their behalf, must go online to wildlifedepartment.com and check in their harvest using the E-Check system. Anyone with a computer, smartphone or mobile device with access to the Internet may use the E-Check system. To view a video on how to use the E-Check system, go to youtube.com/OutdoorOklahoma and search for "online checking."

   The Wildlife Department converted to the E-Check system in 2013 because of the many benefits it has for the Department and for the state's hunters and anglers. Those benefits include:

• Harvest information that hunters report via E-Check is important in helping Wildlife Department biologists make the best management decisions to safeguard the state's natural resources for current and future generations.
• E-Check provides 24-hour convenience to sportsmen, saving them money by not having to find an open check station.
• The Department saves money because it no longer must send biologists or technicians to physical check stations to collect data.
• The online database allows for "real time" analysis of harvest numbers.
• Instant searchable information aids efficiency in law enforcement activities.
• Hunters get a confirmation number immediately, which is then used in field-tagging the animal.

   But not only is E-Check beneficial to the sportsman and the Department, it's also the law, said Robert Fleenor, chief of law enforcement for the Wildlife Department.

   "Evading E-Check might appear to be easy, but it's actually harder than ever to get away with it. The E-Check system provides immediate information, and it's searchable by our game wardens.

   "Just don't take that risk of getting caught, having your license suspended, and having to pay what could be several thousand dollars in fines," Fleenor said.

   "Anyone who does not check in their harvest is actually harming the resources that belong to you and me. This person could be jeopardizing the future for all hunters and outdoorsmen," Fleenor said. "If you know of someone who is not abiding by the law, please report it to us."

   Report game law violations by calling Operation Game Thief toll-free at (800) 522-8039. Callers can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a cash reward if the violator is convicted. Reports can also be made to the Wildlife Department's law enforcement division at (405) 521-3719 or your local game warden. 

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

Wisconsin Public Television (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

Deer Hunt Wisconsin 2014 will air on the following stations:

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

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

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

Related articles

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Donate Deer to Sportsmen Against Hunger

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

mind the Sportsmen Against Hunger program this fall.

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

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

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

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

Related articles

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CWD Surveillance Continues

North Dakota (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

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

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

Drop off locations for deer taken from unit 3F2:

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

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

CWD affects the nervous system of members of the deer family and is always fatal. Scientists have found no evidence that CWD can be transmitted naturally to humans or livestock.