Michigan's NRC expands deer hunting territory for the fall

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hunters will have a little more territory to hunt for antlerless deer this fall as the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) opened a few more deer management units (DMUs) in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula at its regular monthly meeting Thursday in Lansing.

Newly opened DMUs reflect increased deer populations in those areas, explained Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer and elk program leader Brent Rudolph. The DNR will seek low quotas for the newly opened DMUs, Rudolph said.

A total of 72 DMUs will be open to antlerless deer hunting on public land, and 86 DMUs – plus the two multi-county DMUs in the Lower Peninsula (DMUs 486 and 487) -- will be open on private land. A complete list of open DMUs and their quotas will be published shortly in the 2012 Antlerless Deer Hunting Digest.

Antlerless deer license applications go on sale July 15 at all license agents and online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

In addition, the NRC voted to restrict hunters in DMUs 486 and 487 to a maximum of 10 private land antlerless licenses this season, a decrease from five per day in 2011.

Special statewide hunts for youth and 100 percent disabled veterans will be held Sept. 22-23. The early antlerless season on private land in portions of the Lower Peninsula is being reduced from five days to two, also Sept. 22-23.

“There have been increasing concerns from some members of the hunting public that the recent expansion of September hunting is causing deer to be more wary during the traditional seasons,” Rudolph said. “By reducing and consolidating the September seasons, we’re addressing those concerns while maintaining opportunities for youth and disabled hunters throughout the state and for early harvest of antlerless deer on private land where it is most needed.”

In addition, the NRC changed conditions on special crop-damage permits in accordance with recent legislation. Public Act 65 of 2012 allows up to 15 authorized shooters on Deer Damage Shooting Permits. In the past, special authorization was required to allow more than three shooters to be designated per permit.

In other action, the NRC reaffirmed that naturally shed deer and elk antlers may be legally collected, possessed and sold.

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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for June 14, 2012

The Wisconsin River delta into the Mississippi River taken at Wyalusing State Park in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin flows from the near right to the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River flows from the right to the left. Iowa is visible in the distance on the other side of the Mississippi River. Prairie du Chien is just out of view to the right. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Areas of Wisconsin have received some scattered showers in the last week, but many areas of the state are quite dry, with very little rain reported so far in the month of June. Water levels on lakes and rivers are mostly dropping, with the exception of the Mississippi River, which is still running 3 to 4 feet higher than normal at Prairie du Chien because of heavy rains in northern Minnesota. The lower Wisconsin River is running very low, with numerous sandbars making navigation difficult on some stretches.

Windy and variable weather made for some tough fishing conditions at times this week, though success has continued to be pretty good. Mayfly hatches are subsiding in the north and allowed for a more consistent walleye bite. Musky success continues to be very good, with anglers reporting quite a few catches and some multiple fish days. Panfish have been the highlight of the week, with some good catches of bluegill and pumpkinseed reported. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass action during the northern catch and release season has been very good. Most bass have finished up their spawning activity, and with that, the success on larger fish should begin to improve as the northern bass harvest season opens up on Saturday.

Very good walleye fishing continued to be reported on the east shore Lake Winnebago, but there are still cautions about blue-green algae on Lake Winnebago and on other waters across the state. Exposure to this algae poses a health risk to people and pets. Avoid contact with blue-green scum, and shower or rinse off after swimming in any water body.

High water has slowed Mississippi River fishing, but some good fishing for bass and catfish has been reported in the deeper holes below sandbars and against steep banks on the lower Wisconsin River, while bass and catfish were reported farther north near Wausau.

Along Green Bay, some very good walleye action continues to be reported along both the east and west shores. Smallmouth bass fishing has kicked into high gear along the Door County shoreline, with good catches reported at many locations. Some perch have also finally been reported in some areas. The phenomenal chinook salmon fishing reported out of Lake Michigan harbors has slowed some, but fishing has still been good to very good with coho salmon and brown, rainbow and lake trout now making up more of the bag.

With Father’s Day this Sunday, kids looking for a fun way to get out with dad can download a free Father’s Day Fishing Certificate from the "Fishing Wisconsin" DNR Web page to take dad out for a fun day on the water.

White-tailed deer are wearing their red summer coats and bucks are developing velvet-covered antlers. Black bear breeding season in full swing, and sows have chased off yearling bears, so these young bears are on their own for the first time and they are being sighted at back yard bird feeders. Remove feeders to avoid unwanted black bear encounters.

Snapping turtles are being seen all over right now depositing their eggs in the gravel most often near a roadway that is adjacent to water.

Sandhill crane chicks are growing rapidly and can be viewed feeding with parents in wetlands and agricultural fields. Ruffed grouse broods are being seen in the north. Warblers, tanagers, and orioles are beginning to fledge young in the south.

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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for June 7, 2012

White-tailed deer fawns are continuing to be seen around Wisconsin in good numbers and many calls came in this week of abandoned fawns. Fawns are rarely abandoned. They are intentionally left alone by their mothers. Fawns have no scent and leaving them hidden alone helps protect them from predators. The doe is nearby but out of sight and returns once or twice a day to care for the fawn. If you see a fawn leave it alone and its mother will take care of it. You do not need to report it as abandoned.

Some of the earliest born fawns have begun to move around with their mothers, and vehicle deer collisions are on the increase. June is second to the fall deer mating season – or rut – for vehicle deer collisions. This is because does chase off last year’s fawns before they give birth this year, and the now young emancipated deer are dispersing on their own. Also roadside ditches are often first to green up with grasses that attract deer. Drivers should be extra alert now for deer along roads and remember that if you see a deer crossing a road, watch for another deer or fawn to be following it.

The Mississippi River at Merrick State Park. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Water levels remain quite high on the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. The Mississippi is expected to crest today or tomorrow at about 13 feet at Prairie du Chien. High water levels have closed some campgrounds at Merrick State Park. The lower Wisconsin River, however, is running near record lows for this time of year, which means there are abundant sandbars available.

Warm weather has increased water temperatures and caused some blooms of blue-green algae on Lake Winnebago and Dane County’s Lake Kegonsa. Blue-green algae is not only unsightly and smelly, but sometimes produces toxins. People should avoid swimming, wading, skiing or coming into contact with the water in areas of lakes and ponds where a green to bluish-green scum or mat of algae is present. Also make sure pets do not swim in or drink the water. Pets swimming in water with blue-green algae should be washed off immediately so they don't lick the algae off their fur.

Lake Superior trollers were finding lake trout six plus miles out from the Superior. Excellent salmon and trout fishing continues to be reported on Lake Michigan. Chinook continue to make up most of the bag, but also fair numbers of coho along with rainbow, brown and the occasional lake trout. Fishing was reported good to excellent out of almost all harbors. Walleye fishing remains good along both the east and west shores of Green Bay. Walleye fishing was also good along the east shore of Lake Winnebago.

Inland, bluegills were still being reported as spawning on some waters but have finished up on others and were moving out into deeper water. Bass spawning is now nearing its peak. Musky fishing continues to be good in the north, with some 40-inch plus fish reported.

Turtle nesting appears to be approaching its peak and turtles were being seen crossing roads in large numbers this week. Again, if it can be done safely, please move turtles off roads in the direction that they were headed to help protect turtle populations.

Along with fawns, bear cubs, fox kits, turkey poults, pileated woodpecker chicks and a sandhill crane chicks were seen this week. Hummingbirds are being seen in good numbers. Karner blue butterflies are in their first flight.

Bunchberries, blackberries and wild strawberries are becoming more numerous, and if there are not any more hard frosts this year, it is shaping up to be a good year for blueberries.

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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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Ohio's Controlled Deer and Waterfowl Hunts Coming Soon - Apply Now!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

COLUMBUS, OH - Hunters wanting to participate in Ohio's fall controlled deer and waterfowl hunts have until July 31 to submit permit applications for a random drawing. These special hunts are held on selected public areas to provide additional hunting opportunities for Ohio’s hunting enthusiasts.
All applicants, youth and adult, must possess a current hunting license and meet the age requirements in order to apply for a controlled hunt.

Hunters can apply for the controlled hunts by completing the application process online using the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-5433) and requesting a mail-in application. There is a non-refundable application fee of $3 per hunt.
Hunters will be randomly drawn from submitted applications. Successful applicants will be notified and provided additional hunt information by U.S. mail and email. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com to view the status of their application and if selected, print their controlled hunt permit.
More specific information about hunt dates and locations, including opportunities dedicated to youth, women and mobility-impaired hunters, can be found at www.wildohio.com.

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Ohio's Controlled Deer and Waterfowl Hunts Coming Soon

COLUMBUS, OH - Hunters wanting to participate in Ohio's fall controlled deer and waterfowl hunts have until July 31 to submit permit applications for a random drawing. These special hunts are held on selected public areas to provide additional hunting opportunities for Ohio’s hunting enthusiasts.
All applicants, youth and adult, must possess a current hunting license and meet the age requirements in order to apply for a controlled hunt.
Hunters can apply for the controlled hunts by completing the application process online using the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-5433) and requesting a mail-in application. There is a non-refundable application fee of $3 per hunt.
Hunters will be randomly drawn from submitted applications. Successful applicants will be notified and provided additional hunt information by U.S. mail and email. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Wild Ohio Customer Center at www.wildohio.com to view the status of their application and if selected, print their controlled hunt permit.
More specific information about hunt dates and locations, including opportunities dedicated to youth, women and mobility-impaired hunters, can be found at www.wildohio.com.

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Wisconsin: Deadline for learn to hunt deer program at Sandhill extended

White-tailed deer doe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Program for adult novice hunters who must be accompanied by chaperones

BABCOCK, Wis. -- Adults who have had an interest in hunting but weren’t sure how to give it a try are encouraged to consider a fall Learn-to-Hunt outing at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center – on the stunning 9,150-acre Sandhill Wildlife Area managed by the Department of Natural Resources.
Applicants will need to recruit a chaperone (or mentor) to attend the hunt with them. The chaperone is necessary to ensure novice hunters get the complete hunting experience in a safe environment. Chaperones help hunters with firearm safety, deer identification, scouting, and field dressing, among other things.
Adults have been learning how to hunt at the Wood County-based center, located between Black River Falls and Stevens Point, since 1990. Last year, one novice hunter from Maryland sent this note: “I was intrigued by hunting here, but daunted by all the gear and knowledge that seemed necessary. The Learn the Hunt program was a great crash course that made me feel like I had a chance in the woods. My mentor was a crucial part of that.”
There are two parts to the Learn to Hunt Deer at Sandhill. First, the workshop is held from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on September 22 at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center at Babcock. Attendance by hunters and chaperones is mandatory. Second, the hunt occurs November 3 and 4 on the property. Hunters will have an assigned a hunting area.
This learn to hunt event is for persons ages 16 and over. Applicants must sign an affidavit indicating they have not hunted deer with a gun before. All participants must be enrolled in or have completed a Hunter Education course.

Chaperones also are needed, says DNR Hunting and Shooting Sport Coordinator Keith Warnke.
“If you are a hunter and want to give back to the hunting heritage by getting a new hunter started, your skills are needed!” Warnke said.
The deadline to participate in this annual event has been extended by one month from May 31 to June 30. People interested in participating must complete the Sandhill Learn-to-Hunt application and mail it to the address on the application.
“Learn to Hunt events are a great way to break into hunting. Novice hunters paired up with an experienced hunter will learn about conservation, safety, ethics, deer hunting tactics and firearm safety during a one-day workshop,” Warnke said. “Then, the novice hunters get a chance to experience a two-day November gun deer hunt.”
Sandhill was named for a series of gently rolling sandy ridges crisscrossing the property. The State Wildlife Area lies within the bed of ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin an expansive region of flat, marshy land interspersed with forests covering parts of seven counties in central Wisconsin. The property features low, sandy uplands of oak, aspen and jack pine forests, large marshes, and many flowages.

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