HUNTING CHRISTMAS BREAK IN KANSAS

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Many seasons open during Christmas, New Year’s break
PRATT — Most people take some time off work during the Christmas and New Year holidays, and this is a perfect time to take advantage of cool-weather hunting with family and friends. It can be an excellent time to hunt because colder weather may hold game birds tight, bring mallards into the state, and fatten up squirrels and 

cottontails.

January antlerless deer seasons are especially popular for hunters who have not filled a permit or who want to put more deer in the freezer. Unfilled permits purchased in the fall of 2011 are valid for these seasons. All unfilled permits revert to Whitetail Antlerless Only and retain unit restrictions listed on the permit. All hunters should remember that a 2012 Kansas hunting license is also required beginning Jan. 1.

Cool weather not only makes game easier to locate, but competition for places to hunt is lighter than in the fall. For those looking for a good holiday hunt, the following season dates remain or will be open in late 2011 and into 2012:

• fall turkey — Dec. 12-31 and Jan. 9-31, 2012;
• archery deer — Sept. 19-Dec. 31;
• extended firearm season (whitetail antlerless only, open statewide) — Jan.1-8, 2012;
• special extended firearm season (whitetail antlerless only, units 7, 8, and 15 only) — Jan. 9-15, 2012;
• extended archery season (whitetail antlerless only, Unit 19 only) — Jan. 9-31, 2012;
• exotic dove (Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves only) — Nov. 20-Feb. 28, 2012;
• ducks, Early Zone — Dec. 17-Jan. 1, 2012;
• ducks, High Plains Zone — Oct. 8-Jan. 2, 2012 and Jan. 21-29, 2012;
• ducks, Low Plains Late Zone — Nov. 1-Jan. 8, 2012 and Jan. 21-29, 2012;
• ducks, Low Plains Southeast Zone — Oct. 29-Jan. 1, 2012 and Jan. 21-29, 2012;
• Canada geese (including Brant) — Nov. 9-Feb. 12, 2012;
• white-fronted geese — Oct. 29-Jan. 1, 2012 and Feb. 4-12, 2012;
• light geese — Nov. 9-Feb. 12, 2012 and by special conservation order from Feb. 13-April 30, 2012;
• pheasant — Nov. 12-Jan. 31, 2012;
• quail — Nov. 12-Jan. 31, 2011;
• prairie chicken — East and Northwest zones, Nov. 19-Jan. 31, 2012 and Southwest Zone, Nov. 19-Dec. 31;
• squirrel — June 1-Feb. 29, 2012; and
• rabbit — open year round.

For detailed information on hunting units, bag and possession limits, and other information, consult the 2011 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary, available wherever licenses are sold or on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism website,www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

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Michigan 2011 Firearm Deer Season Started Slow, Picked up Speed

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The Department of Natural Resources has indicated the 2011 firearm deer season harvest appears to have increased slightly compared to the 2010 season. Southern Michigan is the only region where final firearm harvest figures are expected to decrease. Preliminary estimates are based on cumulative reports from the field, license sales figures, and check station activity, and are later replaced by the final harvest figures generated using the annual mail survey.

Experiences can differ widely even within regions, but DNR biologists estimate the harvest compared to 2010 was unchanged to up perhaps 10 percent across the Upper Peninsula, likely increased in the Northern Lower Peninsula by as much as 10 percent, and the southern Lower Peninsula appeared down 5 to 10 percent.

License sales through opening day of the firearm season showed a 2 to 3 percent decrease compared to 2010. "That typically reflects expected final license sales figures and hunting activity through the end of the full hunting season," said DNR Deer Program Leader Brent Rudolph, "but we saw more than the usual number of hunters purchasing a license after opening day. Perhaps a somewhat slow start to the season encouraged more hunters to try their hand later on."

Check station activity was also initially less than last year, but increased traffic saw some locations meet or exceed their marks from 2010 as the season progressed.

As expected, with the mild conditions experienced in the previous two winters, deer numbers in both the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula look to be slowly increasing following prior declines. Ashley Hippler, DNR Deer Program biologist for the northern regions, noted, "deer in these regions are not as abundant as they were in the 1990s, but deer sightings were generally up even though hunter numbers appeared down compared to 2010."

Deer from throughout the state were reported to be in good condition, as indicated by overall observations and measurements of antler development collected at check stations.

"We greatly appreciate the efforts our hunters make to bring deer to our check stations located throughout the state," said Russ Mason, chief of the DNR Wildlife Division. "These data are important to our deer program, but check station visits also provide valuable opportunities to gather hunter impressions and feedback and even celebrate the annual traditions built around Michigan deer hunting."

Rudolph emphasized the annual mail survey completed once all deer seasons are concluded provides the final estimates of harvest and participation over all deer seasons, including the firearm season. Preliminary estimates last year projected the firearm harvest ranged from a 15 percent decrease to 10 percent increase by region, while the final mail survey indicated a slightly less than 6 percent drop in deer taken during firearm season statewide.

For more information about hunting opportunities in Michigan, to fill out your 2011 deer hunting survey, or for additional information about deer, go online to www.michigan.gov/deer.

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 towww.michigan.gov/dnr.

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IOWA JANUARY ANTLERLESS DEER LICENSES ON SALE SOON

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DES MOINES―Licenses for the January antlerless deer season may be purchased beginning Dec. 15 for select counties. The season is open to all hunters regardless of any other deer licenses they have obtained.

The season is open Jan. 11-29. Hunters may use shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders and bows, and center-fire rifles are also allowed in the southern two tiers of counties.

Hunters who are concerned about low deer numbers in the areas where they hunt should refrain from taking does in this season. Hunters should work with landowners to find areas where deer numbers are still higher than desired.

Licenses for the nonresident holiday season may also be purchased beginning Dec. 15. This season begins Dec. 24 and runs through Jan. 2. Hunters may use muzzleloaders, handguns or bows. Only antlerless deer may be taken.

These licenses may be purchased by nonresidents who did not obtain any other deer license this year as long as the nonresident antlerless quota for the county is not filled. This season is designed to allow nonresidents to come back and hunt with friends and family over the holidays.

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Ohio Deer Hunters are Reminded to Use the Correct Deer Permit

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Antlerless deer permits are no longer valid 

FINDLAY, OH – Hunters who wish to continue to hunt deer in northwest Ohio are reminded the only the valid Deer permit has “Either Sex” printed on it.  The Deer permit is valid for the remainder of the archery season (through February 5, 2012), the deer gun weekend (December 17 and 18, 2011), and the statewide muzzleloader deer season (January 7 through January 10, 2012), according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.  Antlerless deer permits ceased to be valid in Zones A and B on November 27, 2011, and Zone C on December 4, 2011.  Hunters who still possess an Antlerless Deer permit may only use it in an Urban Deer Unit or at an Ohio Division of Wildlife controlled deer hunt. 

Hunters may use 1 “Either Sex” Deer permit each year in Zone A.  In northwest Ohio counties in Zone A include: Erie, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Wood.

Hunters may use 2 “Either Sex” Deer permits each year in Zone B.  In northwest Ohio, counties in Zone B include: Allen, Crawford, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, and Wyandot. 

Hunters may use 3 “Either Sex” Deer permits each year in Zone C.  In northwest Ohio, only Richland County is in Zone C. 

According to the ODNR- Division of Wildlife, wildlife officers continue to report checking hunters in the field with antlerless deer permits.  “In the end, hunters are ultimately responsible for purchasing and using the proper permit.   Hunters who are unsure on the correct use of the permits should contact the Division of Wildlife.” according to Paul Kurfis, District 2 Law Enforcement Supervisor. 

For more information, hunters can refer to the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations, pages 6 through 8.  In addition hunters who wish to contact the ODNR-Division of Wildlife may call the District 2 office at 419-424-5000 Monday through Friday 8 am – 5 pm, or toll free at 1-800-WILDLIFE.

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Oklahoma OUTDOOR CALENDAR

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR
 
DECEMBER
 
1-Jan. 31, 2012: Pheasant Season. Only in open counties. For complete details and regulations, consult the “2011-2012 Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
 
10: Hackberry Flat: A Photographic Year-in-Review. Guest photographer Larry Hancock will be highlighting his year at Hackberry Flat with an exhibit of images. The exhibit will be held at the Hackberry Flat Center in Frederick.
 
10-January 22: Waterfowl days for Zone 1. For complete details and regulations, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
 
10-January 29: Waterfowl days for Zone 2. For complete details and regulations, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”
 
15: Deadline to apply for the Oklahoma Furbearers Alliance trapper’s camp. Camp will be held Dec. 28-31 near Chickasha. Youth 12-18 years old are eligible; youth younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This will be an excellent opportunity for youth interested in trapping to gain hands-on experience from seasoned trappers in Oklahoma. The cost per youth is $25, which covers all meals for the event and includes a one-year membership in the OFBA and a one-year subscription to Trapper and Predator Caller Magazine. Adults can attend with their youngster as well at a cost of $20 to cover meals. Camping areas will be available on site. Call John Weygandt at (918) 645-5667 for more information. The event is limited to the first 35 participants.
 
16-25: Holiday Antlerless Season. Only in open zones Consult the 2011-2012 Hunting Regulations.
 
17: Byron Hatchery Watchable Wildlife Area Nature Center will be open from 9 am – 3 pm. The biologist on duty will be happy to visit with visitors about wildlife in the area or take a walk with you on the nature trail. For more information about these events email mhickman@zoo.odwc.state.ok.us or 405-990-4977.
 
26 & 27: State Offices Closed.

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North Dakota Hunter Education Classes in 2012

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Individuals interested in taking a hunter education class in 2012 should know that most courses are offered early in the calendar year.

To register for a hunter education course, students need to sign up online at the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. Many classes will be added over the next several weeks, and the rest will be added throughout the year as they are finalized.

To register, click on the online services tab, and “online course enrollment” under the hunter education heading. Classes are listed by city, and can also be sorted by start date. To register for a class, click on “enroll” next to the specific class, and follow the simple instructions. Personal information is required.

If circumstances dictate the registrant cannot attend the course, it is important to access the website to delete the enrollment. This will allow others to enroll because space is limited. In addition, an individual cannot register for another course until the initial registration is deleted.

In addition to enrolling for classes, the website also provides a free hunter education study guide and a tree stand safety course. Students are encouraged to use these resources to study course material.

Those who do not have access to the Internet and want to sign up for a class can call the hunter education program in Bismarck at (701) 328-6615.

State law requires anyone born after December 31, 1961 to pass a certified hunter education course to hunt in the state. Hunter education is mandatory for youth who are turning 12 years old, and children can take the class at age 11.

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Deer-gun Hunting Continues December 17-18

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COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio's popular deer-gun season will run an additional weekend, Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The extra weekend days were added in 2006 in response to requests from hunters for more weekend time to hunt. Hunters can use a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise until sunset on December 17-18. Ohio’s pre-hunting season population was estimated to be 750,000 white-tailed deer.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th 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.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. After November 27, a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (12 counties) and two deer in Zone B (38 counties). Beginning December 5, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid. Anytime a hunter takes more than one deer, an additional permit must be purchased.

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, those deer will not count against the hunter's zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits may be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits must have been purchased prior to November 27 and are no longer available. Antlerless tags are not valid in Zones A and B after November 27.
 
Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license and hunter orange is required to be worn except for waterfowl hunters.

Donations of extra deer will be accepted through the entire deer season which ends on February 5, 2012. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state's deer zones are listed in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Ohio hunters and birdwatchers are reminded that they should be aware of one another as they pursue deer and birds on this shared weekend. Hunters need to remember that there may be other people—both hunters and non-hunters— in the woods. Birders are also reminded that hunters are allowed to hunt wherever they have written permission. While hunters are required to wear hunter orange in the field, birders should consider wearing a hunter orange vest or hat during the deer-gun weekend.

The 2011-2012 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

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