DENVER, Colo. – The Colorado Wildlife Commission finalized 2010 big game regulations at its regular meeting Jan. 11.  The Commission approved a variety of changes, some providing expanded opportunities for hunters.

Key revisions include:

Hybrid Draw:
The Colorado Division of Wildlife established a “Hybrid” drawing for select elk and deer licenses for the 2010 hunting seasons.   The purpose of the drawing is to give hunters the additional opportunity to draw a license for some of the state’s premier elk and deer hunting areas.    Hunters with five or more elk or deer preference points that select as their first choice a unit requiring 10 or more resident preference points for that species will be automatically included in the random drawing. Approximately 15 elk and three deer units qualify for the drawing.

Read more…

Hunters still possessing licenses for antlerless white-tailed and mule deer in Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 6 should plan to harvest those animals before the end of November, state wildlife officials said Friday.

That’s because at this point there are no plans to schedule any additional special deer management hunts after the general deer season ends on Nov. 29, said Region 6 Supervisor Pat Gunderson. If no additional deer management seasons take place, unused 2009 licenses will simply expire.

In past years deer management seasons — used to control populations of big game animals that are over objectives — typically took place after the general hunting season was over. This year, however, big-game managers are running two special management seasons in select Region 6 hunting districts at the same time as the general deer season.

Nonresidents participating in these hunts can purchase the special licenses at a reduced rate if they possess a prerequisite license. Montana residents can buy special management licenses for $10 each.

As of Nov. 6, there were 573 of the 699-01 Deer “B” licenses left. These licenses cover the special white-tailed deer management season now taking place in Hunting Districts 630, 640, 641, 650, 651 and 670.

Also as of Nov. 6, there were 78 Deer “B” 640-01 licenses that remained unsold. These licenses cover a special antlerless mule deer management season now underway in Hunting District 640.

In addition, as of Nov. 6 there were 832 other antlerless mule and white-tailed deer surplus and over-the-counter licenses available for sale for use in Region 6. Resident hunters also can purchase one 006-10 regionwide, antlerless, white-tailed Deer “B” license apiece. All of the other Deer “B” licenses are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the general 2009 big game season, each hunter may possess up to seven “Deer B” licenses in any combination via drawing, over-the-counter, or surplus purchase. Because the special management seasons are administratively separate from the general season, hunters may purchase up to four more of the 699-01 or 640-01 licenses — or a combination of these two license types — apiece.

This expanded license possession limit is in addition to the “Deer A” license, which can be used for harvesting a buck deer or either-sex deer in many Montana hunting districts.

Resident and non-resident hunters heading to northeastern Montana during the 2009 big game season will again have many extra opportunities to harvest deer.

In addition to excellent hunting expected during the general rifle season — which runs from Oct. 25 to Nov. 29 — the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks will concurrently run two special management seasons in Region 6 for antlerless white-tailed deer and mule deer during the period. The state’s archery deer season is already underway.

Non-residents participating in the special management hunts, which are taking place in a limited number of hunting districts, can purchase the licenses at reduced prices. The licenses are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Only those hunters holding a 699-00 or a 640-00 prerequisite license are eligible to participate in the special management seasons. The management season licenses cost $10 apiece for Montana residents. Non-resident hunters will need to buy a $75 prerequisite license to be eligible to purchase management season licenses for $20 each.

As of Oct. 14, there were 2,602 of the prerequisite 699-00 licenses left. In Hunting Districts 630, 640, 641, 650, 651 and 670, a total of 2,000 additional 699-01 “B” licenses for antlerless white-tailed deer were authorized this year. As of Oct. 14, there were 1,430 of these licenses remaining.

Also in Hunting District 640, which encompasses the far northeastern corner of the state, 200 additional 640-01 “B” licenses for antlerless mule deer were authorized. As of Oct. 14, there were still 141 of these 640-01 licenses and 153 of the prerequisite 640-00 licenses left.
Read more…

The number of tags available may have increased due to return of unsold outfitter allocated tags.

You can get all the information here!

By Toby Boudreau – Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Deer:

The forecast for mule deer hunting in the Southeast Region is a mixture of good and bad news.

The good news is that a fair number of deer made it into the three-year-old age class, and even some have made it into the four-year-old age class. These bucks should be more than 24 inches; antler growth appears to be better than average due to our wet spring this year that produced abundant forage early. People who are already seeing some of these deer are optimistic for the hunting season.

The bad news is that we again suffered low fawn survival, 32 to 38 percent, despite the relatively mild winter. This lower survival of fawns is because mule deer does came through the harsh winter of 2007-2008 with lower body fat reserves. This lead to lighter fawns being born during spring 2008, fawns which then grew at slower rates because of lower plant production from that summer’s drought. During the summer of 2008, no measurable rainfall fell between early June and Labor Day weekend in much of the Southeast Region. Hard winters combined with dry summers are the conditions that really suppress mule deer populations.

This lower fawn survival translates into fewer two-point bucks on the hill, since most yearling bucks are two points. Our two-year-old age class – small four-points and three-points – will also be weak from the low survival during the 2007-2008 winter.

There is no doubt that people will go out and see harvestable deer this fall and some nice deer will be taken. The overall numbers should be about equal to last year, with a slightly higher number of mature bucks.

Hunters should also be aware that there are a few bucks wearing radio collars in the region. It is legal to take these animals, but we would like to get collars back so we can re-use them in our on-going mule deer research projects.

Anyone who has questions, wants more information, or possibly wants to volunteer, please call Fish and Game at 208-232-4703.

Elk:

Elk hunting should be about what it was last year. Winter does not affect elk populations nearly as much as it does mule deer populations. Elk numbers have grown in areas within the Bannock Zone herd.

Biologists will be surveying the Bear River Zone elk this winter to and will compare that to the 2006 survey results. This population appears to be stable, based on harvest and hunter information. This winters survey will give Fish and Game a better chance to measure any changes.

The Diamond Creek Zone numbers from the January survey showed a decrease of nearly one-third of the population since 2005. Therefore, Fish and Game reduced this fall’s harvest. Cow elk tags were cut by one-third and bull tags by one-fourth, and extra-tag hunt permit numbers were reduced. During this reduction, archery hunter numbers also were reduced by capping the A-Tag at 1,837 permits – or about 350 fewer permits available.

Since the Diamond Creek elk herd is so productive at 33 calves per 100 cows, positive changes in that zone should be seen in the next couple years.

Upland Birds:

Upland bird hunting has started well, with good numbers of forest grouse being reported in some areas. It is still unclear whether the late spring rains were a positive or negative effect on pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, gray partridge (Hungarian), and sage grouse. It appears from observations that populations appear to be good in some places and poor in others. Weather can have a positive or negative effect based on whether it rains when chicks are at the critical stage. Overall, upland bird hunting should be worthwhile throughout the region.

Waterfowl:

Waterfowl production was likely very good this spring. Waterfowl numbers suffered a setback with the recent duck die-off that has been blamed on botulism poisoning.

Biologists picked up 16,000-18,000 waterfowl and shorebirds from September 16 through 25on the north end of American Falls Reservoir. This may cause a reduction in the numbers of regional waterfowl in the early season before migrants from Northern Idaho, Montana and the prairie provinces of Canada show up late in the season.

However, even after that many dead ducks being picked up, large flocks of ducks were still observed in the area. So, it will still be worth heading to the duck blind this fall.

Hunters should not shoot waterfowl that look sick, cannot fly, or are having trouble holding their heads up. These birds might have botulism. They would be safe to eat if properly cooked, but hunting dogs may be at risk if they pick one up and ingest any of the toxin. Please call Fish and Game at 232-4703 to report any waterfowl that may be affected.

Please consult the regulations for current information on seasons and bag limits. And, don’t forget to use Fish and Game’s Hunt Planner when planning your hunting excursions this year. The Hunt Planner can be found online at fishandgame.idaho.gov.

Toby Boudreau is the regional wildlife manager for the Southeast Region.

Here is the updated information on the Nonresident Deer & Elk Tag Availability for Idaho Fish and Game.

Note: The number of tags available may have increased due to return of unsold outfitter allocated tags.

Hunters in FWP’s Region 6 will have additional opportunities to harvest antlerless mule deer and white-tailed deer during the general 2009 big game season, officials said Monday.

That’s because two special deer management seasons in a limited number of hunting districts will take place the same time as the general season, said FWP Region 6 Supervisor Pat Gunderson. Nonresidents participating in the hunts can purchase the licenses at reduced prices.

In Hunting Districts 630, 640, 641, 650, 651 and 670, Gunderson said a total of 2,000 additional 699-01 “B” licenses for antlerless white-tailed deer will be authorized. Also in Hunting District 640, which encompasses the far northeastern corner of the state, a total of 200 additional 640-01 “B” licenses for antlerless mule deer will be authorized. Both of these license types will be available for sale online and at all license providers starting Aug. 17 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Only those hunters holding a 699-00 or a 640-00 prerequisite license will be eligible to participate in the management seasons. The management season licenses will cost $10 apiece for Montana residents. Nonresident hunters will need to buy a $75 prerequisite license to be eligible to purchase management season licenses for $20 each.

For the general 2009 big game season, each hunter may possess up to seven “Deer B” licenses in any combination via drawing, over-the-counter, or surplus purchase. Because the special management seasons are administratively separate from the general season, hunters may purchase up to four more of the 699-01 or 640-01 licenses — or a combination of these two license types — apiece. That means hunters who participate in the special management seasons in Region 6 are allowed to possess up to 11 “Deer B” tags.

In past years deer management seasons — used to control populations of big game animals that are over objectives — typically took place after the general hunting season was over.

But Gunderson said a continuing trend of high deer populations in these districts and a desire to get deer harvested during the general season to take advantage of existing hunters and lessen impacts on private landowners prompted the action earlier this year.

In Hunting District 640, surveys show that mule deer numbers have increased steadily over the past five years. While biologists say mule deer numbers dropped about 39 percent during the severe winter of 2008-09, they are still above 10-year averages. There is very limited winter cover or forage in the district, and agricultural damage has been increasing.

Regarding whitetails, Gunderson said deer numbers in Hunting Districts 630, 640, 641, 650, 651 and 670 have been above long-term averages since 2002.   In Hunting Districts 630, 650 and 651, and 670 west of Highway 24, whitetail numbers have increased up to 54 % above long-term averages.

Rapidly increasing whitetail numbers brought a corresponding increase in depredation on private land.   Gunderson noted that numerous hunters and landowners have expressed concern to FWP regarding very high whitetail numbers and associated agricultural damages, especially along the Milk River corridor. He said damages to standing crops are already occurring in many areas, and damage to stored silage and hay is expected to take place again this winter.

“These measures are one way we can help reduce that damage,” Gunderson said. For more information about the special deer management seasons, call (406) 228-3700.  The rlease can be found here.

Didn’t draw in the first round? It’s not too late to apply for the second controlled hunt drawing for the unclaimed permits.

The application period for the second drawing for deer, elk and pronghorn hunts runs through August 15. The drawing will be August 20. Any left over permits will go on sale August 25.

The application fee is $6.25 for residents, and $14.75 for nonresidents. Any left over permits will go on sale August 25. Residents began buying general season tags August 1.

Hunters can pick up tags at any license vender in the state, online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/licenses/, or by calling 1-800-554-8685.

Wyoming Game and Fish is currently accepting applications for Preference Points for antelope, deer, elk, moose, and sheep.

Generally, the applicants with the most Preference Points are the ones who get drawn on the limited licenses, so you it’s highly recommended to maintain Preference Points in states if they are offered.

If you did not already apply for a Wyoming license and pay the Preference Point fee up front, you can apply for Preference Points now between July 1 and September 30.

Antelope = $30

Deer = $40

Elk = $50

Moose = $75

Sheep = $100

Get all the information needed and apply here.

West Bend, Wis. (AP) — Bowing to pressure from hunters and legislators, Wisconsin wildlife officials finally decided Wednesday to mothball its contentious “earn-a-buck” program and look for other ways to control the state’s deer population.

The Natural Resources Board voted to suspend the program indefinitely everywhere except chronic wasting disease areas. The board also decided to set up a committee to come up with other population management techniques.

Hunters in areas with earn-a-buck must kill an antlerless deer before they can take a buck. Hunters generally despise the program since it was imposed in 1996, saying it forces them to pass up trophy bucks.

Not to be condescending, but is hunting all about trophy animals? What is a trophy? Does it have to make one of the books? To me it challenging myself and enjoying the outdoors. But, I think that it is more important that we keep the sport of hunting going, so our grandkids can enjoy the sport as well. Those numbers are dropping faster than we as hunters can afford.

I personally like the earn-a-buck program as they implemented it last season. The first thing that it taught was me was patience. Second, you definitely need to plan your hunts as it turns into a chess match!

Read the full article here.

Realtree has release their latest website and it is dedicated to all things related to turkey hunting.  There is a plethora of information on their new website located at http://turkey.realtree.com. They even have a turkey podcast that you can download to your iPod and take it with you.

Just in case you are not a turkey hunter and having the whitetail blues, here is Realtree’s whitetail site.

Montana’s annual hunting regulations are available. Finally. The long-awaited, 120-page, deer, elk and antelope regulations arrived Monday, March 30, at Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices. They should also be at license agents throughout the state. Arriving at the same time were the smaller, 40-page, moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat regulations.

The deadline to apply for moose, bighorn sheep, bison and mountain goat licenses is May 1; for deer and elk permits and antelope licenses the deadline is June 1.

A buck that had become a sort of local celebrity due to its phenomenal size and the tree huge drop tines hanging from its rack, has died, falling victim to brutal winter weather.

While the rack on “Triple Drop Tine” or TD as the local Minnesota residents called him was impressive, what made the buck even more unique was that such a widely observed, photographed and filmed deer managed to elude hunters, and one would even think some poachers, during its 8 ½ years of life. This was no high-fence, pen-raised animal, but a free-ranging whitetail.

The deer lived in the Yucatan Valley area and had been filmed by at least a couple of camera crews with outdoor television shows and had hunters traveling from as far away as Florida to try hunting him.

In the summers, the buck could regularly be spotted in Matt Semling’s food plot behind his house, feeding in plain view of the road.

“Any day out of the summer, starting right away in June when I was on my way home from work, I would always know when he was in my food plot because there would be between five and fifteen vehicles pulled over on the road,” Semling told Greg Schieber for the Caledonia Argus.

“He’d show himself all the time when not being hunted,” he said.

But once hunting season opened, the buck would disappear. Semling, a hunter, told Schieber that a week before bow season started each year, he would go in to pull his trail cameras out.

“Me being in there 10 minutes was all it took to turn him nocturnal. He must have known the bowhunting season was close. Time after time I’d see him during the hunting season but the only time was when I was in my truck going down the driveway. He was a super smart buck,” Semling said. Friends of the landowner traveled from all over, but never had any better luck. At least 20 to 25 people hunted Semling’s property or the surrounding properties each year and every year, they returned without TD.

The deer was discovered dead behind a barn Semling was about to burn Feb. 7. The landowner called local DNR Conservation Officer Scott Fritz to report the find and secure a permit for its possession. The two went over the body looking for wounds that would indicate it had been shot by a bullet or hit by an arrow, but found nothing. It also had no broken bones, such as those suffered from being hit by a vehicle.

Fritz reasoned that the buck — which was a single tine buck at 3 ½, a double-tine buck at 5 ½ and grew the third tine at the age of 7 ½ —must have died of natural causes. Since it is not evidence in a poaching case nor can be claimed by another hunter, Semling becomes the owner of the local legend, which gross scored 181 inches. 

To read Schieber’s complete article at the Caledonia Argus, click here.

Wildlife biologists with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) have compiled preliminary figures for bear, deer and turkey harvests for the 2008-09 fall seasons. Wildlife Division Director Robert Ellis commented, “Notable results of the 2008-09 seasons include record black bear and white-tailed deer harvests. While the fall turkey harvest was down, clearly there is good hunting to be had in the Commonwealth.”

Black Bear – A record number of 2,204 bears were harvested during the 2008-09 Virginia bear seasons. The figure represents the combined kill from archery, muzzleloader, and firearms. Bear Project Leader Jaime Sajecki, noted, “This year’s record harvest was 35% higher than the previous record of 1,633 bears set in the 2006-07 bear seasons.” The harvest in 2007-08 was 1,517 bears. West Virginia also had a record bear harvest this year. Read more »

White-tailed Deer — During the 2008-09 deer season, a total of 253,678 deer were harvested by hunters in Virginia. Deer Project Leader Matt Knox, announced, “This new record represents a 4% increase from the 242,792 deer reported killed last year. The harvest is also 16% higher than the last 10 year average of 212,780 deer killed by hunters.” Read more »

Fall Wild Turkey — Fall turkey hunters harvested 3,505 birds in the 2008-09 season. This was 26% below last year’s reported kill (4,759 wild turkeys). Small Game Furbearer Program Manager Gary Norman indicated the harvest decline was a result of several factors including poor reproduction, good mast conditions and fall season regulation changes. Read more »

The Department would like to thank those hunters and game check stations for providing the wing feather samples so reproduction can be monitored. These data help the Department gain a better understanding of turkey population trends and harvests.

For more information about Black Bear, White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkeys, visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website. The website also contains information about wildlife management, hunting regulations and hunting opportunities within the Commonwealth.

• Virginia’s Black Bear Management Plan (PDF) »
• Information about Black Bears in Virginia »
• Virginia’s White-tailed Deer Management Plan »
• Information about White-tailed Deer in Virginia »
• Information about Wild Turkeys in Virginia »