Possible Record Nebraska Buck - Pic: NEBRASKAland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Richardson County, Nebraska --(AmmoLand.com)- Practically every deer hunter walking into Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium this week wants to see the picture.

They’ve already heard about the buck through online hunting forums, text messages or word-of-mouth. They know it was checked in at the aquarium.

So far, no one has been disappointed, said Tony

Korth, aquarium director at Schramm Park near Gretna.

“Everybody’s saying ’state record’ right now,” Korth said Wednesday. “It’s hard to say.”

The 38-point whitetail generating the buzz was shot Saturday by a 24-year-old Texan hunting on private land in Richardson County. On Wednesday, Wes O’Brien told the Journal Star his trophy has received a preliminary score of 281.

The rack’s official score won’t be determined for 60 days. During the so-called drying period, antlers will shrink a little.

So it remains to be seen if the O’Brien buck will top a famous set of antlers from a deer killed 47 years ago in Hall County by bowhunter Del Austin of Hastings. Commonly called “Old Mossy Horns,” the Austin buck scored 279 7/8 , ranking it not only first in Nebraska, but a world record for a whitetail taken by archery.

“I don’t care if he doesn’t get any records. He’s amazing to me,” O’Brien said of his deer.

Read full story….

Hat Tip: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Deer Hunters Abuzz About Possible Record Nebraska Buck

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission counts on hunters to provide information on the deer they harvest.

And, to make reporting a deer harvest easier, the Game Commission reminds hunters that they can now file their harvest reports through the agency’s new online system.

To report a deer harvest online, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the blue box in the upper right-hand corner of the website, select “Harvest Reporting,” then click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of the page, choose the method of validating license information, and click on the checkbox for the harvest tag being reported.

A series of options will appear for a hunter to report a harvest. After filling in the harvest information, click on the “Continue” button to review the report and then hit the “Submit” button to complete the report. Failing to hit the “Submit” button will result in a harvest report not being completed.

“Hunters may report one or more harvests in a single session,” Roe said. “Responses to all harvest questions are required.”

Roe noted that hunters still have the option to file a harvest report postcard, which are included as tear-out sheets in the annual digest they received when they purchased their licenses.

“We certainly are encouraging hunters to use the online reporting system, which will ensure that their harvest is recorded and save the Game Commission money on postage and data entry costs,” Roe said. “Either way, the more important point is that all hunters who harvest a deer report it to the agency.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Don’t Forget To Report Deer Harvest

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The state’s biggest draw for hunters is set to begin the Monday after Thanksgiving, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe, when the two-week firearms deer season opens.

“Fluorescent orange and camouflage clothing soon will be in fashion across the Commonwealth, and cars parked on the shoulders of roads that cut through forested areas or farming communities will be a common sight,” Roe said. “Deer season has a dramatic effect on the Pennsylvania; it provides hundreds of thousands of hunters a chance to put venison in the freezer, as well as stimulates a multi-million dollar economic surge that local businesses rely on.

“Deer season is the most important method that the Game Commission has been using for more than a century to manage Pennsylvania’s whitetails. The efforts of hunters are far-reaching, and they help to keep deer populations in check and enable the agency to meet deer management goals that benefit almost everyone who resides, visits or travels through this state.”

The Game Commission manages deer for a healthy and productive deer herd that provides recreational opportunities within acceptable ecological impacts and human conflicts. It’s a never-ending job, and one that will always be influenced by Pennsylvania’s changing landscape and the varying viewpoints of its residents. But, the agency is committed to providing sound deer management.

Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission Deer Management Section supervisor, noted that hunters will need to make sure that they have done their pre-season scouting, as fall food conditions will impact deer movements.

“Deer will respond to food availability and hunter pressure, both of which can vary from year to year, and from one area to another,” Rosenberry said. “Our fall food survey suggests that almost all hard and soft mast species produced well this year. As a result, wildlife may be more widespread in forested areas. As always, pre-season scouting can improve a hunter’s chance for success this year.”

For the second year, deer season will open with a five-day, antlered deer-only season in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B, from Nov. 30-Dec. 4. It is followed immediately in these four WMUs by seven days of concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer hunting beginning Dec. 5 and continuing through Dec.12. The rest of the state follows the two-week concurrent, antlered and antlerless season – Nov. 30-Dec. 12 – that has been in place since 2001.

The changes to these four WMUs are being studied by Game Commission biologists and the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State University to learn more about the relationship between antlerless allocations and season length.

The Game Commission will use a four-year study to determine the impact and effectiveness of the five-day antlered/seven-day concurrent season before additional WMUs may be considered for this season configuration. It also will assess hunter satisfaction with the modified season structure in the four WMUs.

Hunters must wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined at all times while afield during the seasons. They also are advised that it’s illegal to hunt, chase or disturb deer within 150 yards of any occupied building without the occupant’s permission if they are using a firearm, or 50 yards if they are using a bow or crossbow.

All hunters who take a deer must fill out their harvest tag and attach it to the deer’s ear before moving the carcass. The tag can be secured to the base of the ear with a string drawn very tightly, if the hunter plans to have the deer mounted. Cutting a slit in the ear to attach the tag will require additional work by a taxidermist.

Deer hunters in certain Wildlife Management Units with an unused bear license also are reminded they may take a bear in the state’s extended black bear season. Bear licenses must be purchased prior to Nov. 30 to participate in these hunts. For more information, including hours and locations for bear check stations during the extended season, please see the bear section of the 2009-10 Digest on pages 34-36.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Countdown To Pennsylvania Deer Season Has Begun

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Deer hunters encountered decent weather overall but were challenged by a large percentage of corn standing in fields during the opening weekend of the firearm season Nov. 14-15, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Expect hunting to improve as the corn harvest, which was set far behind schedule by a wet October, progresses. The state has an ample deer population, including many older bucks.

“We are seeing an older age class of deer being taken in the south-central district,” said Jerry Pecha, District VI law enforcement supervisor. “It appears the 2½-year-old-class buck numbers have been growing in numbers for the past few years. Many of our hunters realize that with the ample numbers of deer we have, they don’t need to shoot the first buck they see and are becoming more selective.”

The most common complaints received by conservation officers over the weekend were hunting without permission and shooting from the road. Officers wrote citations for those violations, as well as others, including: hunting without a permit, spotlighting, hunting in the wrong unit, failure to cancel a permit, harassment of game, taking game in a closed season, no Nebraska Habitat Stamp, no hunter orange, borrowing a permit, and taking antlered deer with an antlerless-only permit.

No hunting accidents were reported.

The firearm deer season closes Nov. 22. The electronic checking system is not available during this season, but the Deer Exchange is available for all deer seasons.

Here is a region-by-region roundup of the opening weekend:

Northwest
The season opened Saturday with normal hunting pressure. Hunters had good success, with some good bucks taken. Light snow fell periodically throughout the region over the weekend.

Conservation officers in District I seized about a dozen deer. Two Californians were arrested for falsifying permit applications to obtain deer and turkey permits.

There were 262 deer checked at the District I office in Alliance over the weekend and 310 as of midday Monday.

Northeast
Some officers reported a good number of does taken with season choice permits. Hunters reported seeing good numbers of deer, with most of them passing up deer so they could have a chance to shoot a bigger one.

Hunters are making good use of the Open Fields and Waters lands. Officers reported high activity on most of the areas checked. One area had 11 vehicles parked on it opening morning and another had eight.

There were 19 citations and 13 warnings issued in District III.

There were 470 deer checked at the District III office in Norfolk over the weekend and 544 as of midday Monday. There were 242 deer checked at the District II office in Bassett over the weekend and 296 as of midday Monday.

Southwest
Several officers indicated there was a large harvest of mule deer and whitetails still were in the corn. One District IV conservation officer checked 16 deer but seized five.

Hunting without a permit was an issue. A person shot a deer without a permit, then said he intended to purchase a permit if he could hit a deer. Another person shot a buck and dumped it in a ravine, stating the deer was not as large as he thought it was when he shot it.

There were 275 deer checked at the District IV office in North Platte over the weekend and 317 as of midday Monday.

Southeast
Open Fields and Waters Program lands were busy Saturday, with some complaints of hunters driving onto these walk-in-only sites.

There were 149 deer checked at the District V office in Lincoln over the weekend and 182 as of midday Monday.

South-central
Hunter success in District VI was down somewhat from last year. Out of 310 hunters checked by mid-afternoon Sunday, officers observed 70 deer in the bag.

The weekend was a memorable for one young hunter, who was checked with his first deer, a 7-by-7 whitetail.

There were 390 deer checked at the District VI office in Kearney over the weekend and 450 as of midday Monday.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Firearm Deer Season Opens in Nebraska

• The West Virginia firearm buck gun season is Nov. 23 – Dec. 5. It is open in all counties except Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming.
• Approximately 280,000 licensed hunters will be in West Virginia’s woods during this season.
• Hunters should review the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for detailed instructions concerning bag limits and season dates. The regulations are online at www.wvdnr.gov
• A list of deer checking stations in West Virginia can be found online at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/check_stations.asp
• The firearm antlered deer bag limit during the two-week buck season is two (one on the base license and one on an RG [resident] or RRG [nonresident] stamp). A hunter may take no more than three antlered deer per calendar year in all archery and firearms seasons combined.
• The last day to purchase an additional deer gun tag (Class RG/RRG Stamp) is November 22. Class RG and Class RRG additional buck stamps can only be used to take an additional antlered deer in firearm buck season. Unused Class RG and Class RRG stamps may not be used in antlerless or muzzleloader seasons.
• All private land in counties having a firearms antlerless deer gun season (Class N for residents and Class NN for nonresidents) will be open Nov. 23 – Dec. 12 and Dec. 29 – 31. All public lands having an antlerless deer season will be open Nov. 25 – Dec. 12 and Dec. 29 – 31. Bag limits vary among counties and will be one, two or four antlerless deer. Hunters may take only one deer per day; therefore, a buck and an antlerless deer may not be taken on the same day. Class N and Class NN antlerless stamps are no longer county specific. See the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for county and public lands specific regulations.
• All deer must be field tagged and checked in within 72 hours of the time of kill or within 24 hours of the close of the season, whichever comes first. Additional deer may not be taken until all previously taken deer have been checked. Only one deer may be taken per day during the buck season.
• Deer hunting in West Virginia generates a total annual economic impact of $233 million, much of it in the rural areas of the state that depend upon the deer seasons for a large portion of their annual income.
• In 2008, deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 67,365 bucks during the two-week buck season, an increase of less than one percent from the 2007 harvest. The 2008 antlerless season deer harvest increased by 29 percent from 2007 with a total of 56,221.
• Based upon scouting reports and mast production, DNR is looking for the buck kill to be slightly higher than last year. Poor weather conditions last year during the first week of buck season resulted in a large number of antlered deer carrying over to this hunting period, meaning more and bigger bucks will be harvested. Poor mast production this year means deer will be more accessible in field areas where food is more likely to be found. Hunters who have done their pre-season scouting and have located food sources for deer will have the best chance of success.
• Sunday hunting is legal in the following 14 counties on private land only: Boone, Brooke, Clay, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Marshall, Mingo, Ohio, Wayne, Wetzel and Wyoming. The only Sunday that is open in these counties during the buck season is November 29. Hunters are reminded that deer gun seasons are closed in Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming counties.
• Hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange (about the size of a vest) as an outer garment for visibility and safety. Blaze orange camouflage patterns are legal as long as 400 square inches of blaze orange are displayed on the garment. A blaze orange hat is not required, but the hunter must have blaze orange visible from both the front and the back.
• Hunting licenses may be purchased online at any time and printed out on a home computer printer. Go to the goWILD! Web site at www.wvhunt.com, fill out the application, and purchase it over a secure server with a credit card.
• Hunters who wish to donate deer meat or dollars to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program, which distributes deer meat through the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Huntington Food Bank, should call (304) 558-2771 or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

2009 West Virginia Deer Gun Seasons Fact Sheet

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s popular deer-gun season opens statewide on Monday, November 30, offering hunters a full week to harvest a whitetail. The upcoming season will again include an extra weekend of gun hunting on December 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Deer can be hunted with a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset through December 6 and December 19-20. With a pre-hunting season population estimate of 650,000 white-tailed deer, the ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 115,000 to 125,000 deer will be killed during the nine-day season. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season, including many out-of-state hunters.

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 a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. Beginning on the opening day of gun season and continuing through December 6 a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (20 counties) and two deer in Zone B (30 counties). A total of six deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio’s Zone C (38 counties) through the week long gun season. The antlerless deer permit will be valid for deer-gun week only in Zone C.

Beginning on December 7, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid. Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit.

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits can be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits must be purchased by November 29.

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.

Hunters are encouraged to kill more does this season using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit and donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The Division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. Counties being served by this program can be found online at fhfh.org.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state’s deer zones are contained in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The 2009-2010 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.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Ohio’s Popular Deer-Gun Season Opens November 30

Bass Pro Shops

SPRINGFIELD, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- It’s hard for most people to overcome the notion that Camping is just a spring, summer or fall activity.

Cold weather and snow can add a few challenges but when properly prepared, winter campers can stay warm and comfy.

Summer tents can be winterized by adding a nylon fly that fits over the roof and sides to help keep heat in and protect against rain and snow. You can even put a smaller tent inside a bigger one for double-walled protection.

Outdoor World Radio's Larry Whiteley

Place a non-porous ground sheet on the tent floor, then add individual foam sleeping pads under sleeping bags rated to minus 20 degrees.

Sources of added heat can be in the form of catalytic heaters or small, folding wood burning stoves.

Pick places close to home and the main road for your initial cold Camping experience.

For more tips, log onto basspro.com

About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 10,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Cold Weather Camping

Outdoors Magazine

Sidney, Maine --(AmmoLand.com)- Vinnie Trask of Sidney, Maine celebrated Veteran’s Day a few hours late in the North Maine Woods. He did it in style though with a trophy that carried 8 points and 250-plus pounds.

Trask was staying at Pine Grove Lodge in Pleasant Ridge, Maine, and was a guest of the Pine Grove Program, which gives free hunting, fishing, and outdoor-related trips to people with disabilities – primarily those received as the result of a man-made or natural disaster. In Trask’s case he is a Vietnam-era veteran who lost both of his knees while working on aircraft. These days he gets around on prosthetics with the use of a cane.

Veteran Deer Hunter's Big Maine Buck

Early this morning Trask was working his way into a “hot spot” when he caught the flag of a deer in the distance. As he waited for it to get lighter he slowly worked up a logging trail for a better vantage point.

As Trask topped a small hill he spotted the heavy-racked buck in the distance and fired. The deer disappeared and Trask continued to slowly make his way along. In a short time he caught the deer standing about 150 yards away looking back at him. This would be the big buck’s last mistake. As Trask’s gun again disrupted the quiet morning air the deer dropped out of sight.

Due to the roughness of the terrain Trask waited for reinforcements before going to see if his shot had hit home like he suspected. In no time guides Heath and Steve Howe arrived on the scene.

“It took them about an hour to find the deer,” said Trask. “”It was about 50 yards from where I thought I shot him.” After examining the buck it was clear Trask’s long shot had broken the deer’s back.

“I’ve been lucky to shoot seven deer over 200 pounds,” said Trask, who also wanted to thank Bob and Andrea Howe and the Pine Grove Program for all they do to help people with disabilities.

For more information visit www.pinegroveprogram.com.

About:
Each month Outdoors Magazine shines its spotlight on different areas of the outdoors world. Features and sub-features are multiple page spreads written by select experts in their fields. In addition to features and sub-features, each month Outdoors Magazine has over 40 columns written by real guides, industry experts, and the best in their fields. Our staff are die-hards who take the time out of their lives hunting and fishing to write.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Veteran Deer Hunter Celebrates With Big Maine Buck

Wisconsin DNR

Wisconsin - -(AmmoLand.com)- The white-tailed deer rut, or mating season, continues to be going on strong across the state with many reports of bucks being active throughout the day.

Archers are reporting seeing some very nice buck deer, and there have been several recent reports of record or near record bucks being taken. Leaf drop is now nearly complete statewide, so visibility has increased greatly.

An albino deer that escaped from a game farm in Winnebago County was recently shot with state approval, because it was an escaped captive deer. Wild albino deer are protected species in Wisconsin.

Albino deer
An albino deer that escaped from a game farm in Winnebago County was recently shot with state approval, because it was an escaped captive deer. Wild albino deer are protected species in Wisconsin.

An albino buck that escaped from a Winnebago County game farm has been shot with state approval because it had escaped from a game farm and needed to be tested for chronic wasting disease, but there are other reports of albino deer in that area and hunters are reminded that wild albino deer are protected species. Game farm deer are marked either by ear tags or bands.

Hunting has pretty much replaced fishing as the main form of outdoor recreation in the Northwoods. Inland water temperatures have been near the low 40s on northern lakes with the temperatures slowly decreasing and ponds and bays continuing their trend toward ice up; however, warmer temperatures this past week are slowing this process considerably.

Die-hard musky anglers have mostly been dragging suckers around and action has been fair. This is generally known as trophy time for musky, but there have been no recent reports of any exceptionally large fish. Walleye fishing has become very slow and most anglers have winterized their boats and just waiting for first ice to begin trying their luck again. There has been a large influx of whitefish into the Lower Menominee River at Marinette.

Fishing on Lake Winnebago has been slow, and there have been some large numbers of dead gizzard shad in the bays due to falling water temperatures. The Winnebago system is at the northern most range of their habitat, so many of the fish become stressed and die off in colder temperatures.

Lake Michigan anglers have been catching rainbow and brown trout and coho salmon on both spawn and crank baits in harbors. Fair numbers of coho, browns, and steelhead are also still being caught on the Sheboygan River and Sauk Creek. Some coho have also been caught in the Milwaukee River and steelhead have been holding in the deeper pools on the Root River.

Waterfowl reports improved this past week with greater numbers of migrating birds now in the state. This week’s warm temperatures will more than likely keep these birds here for a while.

Grouse have been receiving some attention but with the deer about in full rut right now, a lot of bow hunters have really been targeting the woods. Turkeys are not yet exhibiting winter flocking behavior and there are good numbers being observed.

There have been reports of ducks and coots dying again this year in sizable numbers along the Mississippi River. The die-offs are due to infestation by large numbers of flukes they acquired by eating exotic snails. Dogs, eagles, people and other animals are in no danger from the flukes. Tundra swan numbers have increased greatly along the Mississippi and will continue to increase until the river freezes over. Bald eagles are now also abundant along the river. Snow buntings have been reported in numerous areas across the state.

Following a fairly dry summer in the north, measurable rain over the last couple months have some northern rivers in better condition for paddling than they have been most of the summer, but paddlers should be prepared for cold water conditions if they venture out. Waterfall viewing should also continue to be great, with the rivers running high.

A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of November 12, 2009

Whitetails Unlimited’s Deer Hunters Guidelines

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- One of the most popular educational publications produced by Whitetails Unlimited is the Deer Hunters Guidelines booklet, which has just been updated and reprinted in time for the 2009 deer season.

This 8-page booklet includes basic information about the white-tailed deer, hunting tips and techniques, and firearms safety.

“It is a great resource for beginning hunters,” said Jeff Davis, Whitetails Unlimited’s manager of communications, “but it is also useful for refreshing the memories of experienced hunters.” Davis points out that just because you are an experienced hunter, does not mean you should quit learning, or paying attention to the basics of hunting and firearms safety.

The booklet was printed in a recent edition of Whitetails Unlimited Magazine, which is delivered to every member of Whitetails Unlimited. Individual copies of the booklet are available at no charge by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

The booklet is also available on the Whitetails Unlimited website www.whitetailsunlimited.com as a PDF file that can be downloaded.

“This is one of our most popular publications, and in the past has been distributed in all 50 states,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “Nahan Printing in St. Cloud, Minnesota, was very generous in sponsoring this publication, which includes updated text and new photos.”

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Whitetails Unlimited’s Deer Hunters Guidelines Booklet Released

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- Special memories will be made across the state as young hunters take to fields and forests with parents and mentors on New Jersey’s youth firearm deer hunt day on November 21.

The youth firearm deer hunt is the most popular of New Jersey’s eight special youth hunt days provided each year through the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Take a Kid Hunting Program. Youth hunt days are designated for upland game, waterfowl and turkey in addition to a youth archery deer hunt day and the youth firearm deer hunt day on November 21.

Youth hunt days are meant to provide high quality hunting experiences and fond memories for both the youth hunter and the adult hunter who must accompany and supervise them. Although valid hunting licenses are required for both the youth hunter and the supervising adult, only the youth hunter is allowed to hunt on the youth hunt day. This allows adult hunters to focus solely on the safety, learning and hunting experience of their young hunting partner. Another contribution to the quality of youth deer hunts is holding the youth hunt prior to the regular firearm deer season when there are more deer for youth hunters to pursue and less hunters to compete with for prime hunting locations.

The youth firearm hunt is an extension of the Six-day Firearm Season so no special season deer permit is required. The hunter must have a valid youth hunting license and be under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 21 years old and who has a valid firearm license. Direct supervision is defined as the youth hunter and parent / guardian set up together at the same location and hunting as a unit – not hunting independently.

Youth hunters may use a shotgun or muzzleloader on this day, but if a muzzleloader is used, both the youth hunter and adult mentor must possess a valid rifle permit. The adult cannot hunt or possess a firearm, but may grunt, call or rattle for the youth hunter.

One deer of either sex may be taken by youth hunters on November 21. Antler point restrictions do not apply on this day for the youth hunter. Successful hunters must tag their deer with a homemade transportation tag or cut out the deer transportation tag provided in the August 2009 Issue of the NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest (page 33.) No supplemental tags are issued when youth hunt deer are checked.

For more information on the Take a Kid Hunting program visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/takekidhunting.htm .

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Youth Firearm Deer Hunt Set for Nov. 21

Bass Pro Shops

SPRINGFIELD, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- If your deer season is winding down and you still haven’t taken that big buck, don’t give up.

Here are some things you can try to take that buck of a lifetime at the end of the season.

• Don’t hunt where anybody else has hunted.
• Don’t hunt at times when everyone else has or is hunting.
• Use strategies no one else has tried.
• Move your stand to places neither you or anyone else has ever hunted.
• Now is also the time to get right into that bedding area you’ve been avoiding all season.

It still won’t be easy but trying these tactics could result in the buck you’ve always dreamed about.

RedHead Pro Hunting Team's Jim Ryan

About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 10,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

Jim Ryan is a member of the RedHead® Pro Hunting Team

For more tips, log onto basspro.com

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunting End Of Season Bucks

American Deer & Wildlife Alliance

AUSTIN, Texas – -(AmmoLand.com)- Education is key in getting today’s youth motivated to turn off their electronics and venture into the outdoors. The American Deer and Wildlife Alliance (ADWA) supports the mission of getting kids motivated and interested in the outdoors and is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Deer in School educational program, a joint venture that brings live whitetail deer to more than 20,000 public school children in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Founded by Steve Porter from Lake Bronson, Minn., the Deer in School program features live trophy whitetail to educate students about deer behavior, antler development, life cycles of the whitetail deer and hunting techniques. By turning kids onto the deer and wildlife industry, he firmly believes that it will keep kids out of trouble by giving them positive things to do in their free time. Porter believes that young adults who participate in outdoor activities are less apt to get into trouble and is willing to take his vacation time to motivate kids to get outdoors.

The Porter family and their trophy bucks are on the road for four weeks visiting schools in the three states during the months of September and October. The Porter project gives a presentation about the deer industry and provided an antler collection that was impressive even to the most cynical of 16-year-olds. Porter’s presentations touches on a wide range of deer and hunting topics, including deer behavior, antler development and the family bonds formed when families hunt and farm together

The Deer in School program provides students with a rare chance of seeing a whitetail buck up-close, ask questions and touch the vast antler collection. The live bucks provided an excellent learning experience for the students and left them memories they will not soon forget.

“This was the coolest presentation I’ve ever seen done at a school,” says Tracy Hudin, a high school teacher in Eden Valley, Minn. Hudin noted that many teachers were simply amazed by Porter’s ability to hold the attention of high school students for the full 50-minute presentation since they know all too well how difficult a task it really is.

The Deer in School program visits 20 schools which receive grant money from the Cervid Livestock Foundation, Whitetails of Wisconsin, Minnesota Deer Breeders Association, North Dakota Ranchers Association, the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance and several other deer farming associations. Even some of the local sportsmen’s clubs donated money for the project to come to their nearby schools! These groups focus on and realize the importance of introducing kids to the outdoors at a young age.

The Porter project helps facilitate the missions’ of ADWA and the Cervid Livestock Foundation of educating the general public and youth about the deer and wildlife industries. The Cervid Livestock Foundation (CLF) is the research and education foundation of the North American Deer Farmers Association (NADeFA). For more information on the CLF visit www.nadefa.org.

For more information on the American Deer & Wildlife Foundation and/or the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance and/or to become a member, please call 877.331.8607 or visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org.

About:
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of the deer and wildlife industry, and to help educate consumers and the youth on the conservation issues which effect deer and wildlife as well as the industry. For more information on the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance, call 877.331.8607 or visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Whitetail Deer Excite Youth About the Outdoors

Bass Pro Shops

SPRINGFIELD, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- Most hunters quit hunting after the peak of the rut because they think they no longer have a chance for a big buck.

What they don’t know is bucks still seek ready-to-breed does for weeks after the peak rut.

Does that weren’t bred during the peak will come into estrus about a month later and bucks will be looking for them.

RedHead Pro Hunting Team's Jerry Martin

During the post rut, focus on food because that’s where the does will be.

Dominant bucks are extremely wary and often nocturnal so get in your stand an hour before first light. In the afternoon, stay in your stand until the last second of shooting hours.

Remember that post rut bucks will be jumpy, very cautious and alert to every smell and sound but they aren’t invincible.

For more tips, log onto Basspro.com

About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 10,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Deer Hunting The Post Rut

Frigid Forage

Onamia, MN --(AmmoLand.com)- Frigid Forage, the premier food plot provider for wildlife, has developed a Facebook account to share their passion for healthy deer and other wildlife with enthusiasts and hunters worldwide!

“Frigid Forage is extremely excited to share the latest information on how to provide larger, healthier game using their food plots and dispense information about our new “live trail cameras” from Buckeye in a fun and friendly atmosphere” says John Barsody, owner of Frigid Forage “We invited everyone looking for a passionate food plot provider that’s dedicated to healthy wildlife to become fans on Facebook.”

Frigid Forage is dedicated to the growth of hunting opportunities in America and knows that having feeds able to withstand cold forbidding climates of the northern latitudes is crucial to that growth.

This is why Frigid Forage chooses to produce their feed in the northern region of Minnesota. Frigid Forage provides seeds for both the Northern and Southern States, and the feed is proven to withstand both cold winters and hot summers.

Look to Frigid Forage for an extensive product line helping to produce larger bucks and a healthier deer herd. The food plots are frost resistant and allows for hunting opportunities even in the dead of winter!

Facebook is proud to house the Frigid Forage page at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frigid-Forage/83612279390

About:
Frigid Forage is headquartered in Onamia, Minnesota where food plots have to bear “real winter” conditions. To see how Frigid Forage can help to provide larger, healthier game, and to learn more about food plots and the Buckeye camera, see www.frigidforage.com or call 320-532-5020 for extensive ‘how-to’ information and to learn more about their extensive product line.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Frigid Forage Launches Facebook Account

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio bow hunters killed 53,959 deer during the first six weeks of the state’s archery season. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, this year’s early archery season harvest is 4 percent higher than last year’s kill of 51,976 deer.

Pursuing deer with a bow continues to grow in popularity among Ohio hunters. The season started September 26 and will carry on through February 7, 2010.

Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer brought to check stations were: Licking – 2,334, Holmes – 1,969, Tuscarawas – 1,770, Coshocton – 1,451, Ashtabula – 1,348, Harrison – 1,278, Trumbull – 1,251, Stark – 1,204, Knox – 1,175 and Fairfield – 1,142.

The statewide deer population was estimated to be 650,000 in early October. Approximately 345,000 bow hunters are expected to participate in the statewide deer-archery hunting season.

Bow hunters harvested a total of 85,856 deer during last year’s four-month Ohio archery season.

Hunters can share photos of their success in the field online by visiting wildohio.com and clicking on Photo Gallery. The photo submission process is easy and posted photos may be e-mailed to a friend.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules can be found in the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest that is available wherever licenses are sold, and online at wildohio.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

NOTE: Following is a list of deer checked and tagged by hunters during the first six weeks of the current deer-archery hunting season. The number taken during the 2008 season is marked in ( ): 2009 (2008)

Adams –785 (727); Allen –463 (356); Ashland -1,139 (1,235); Ashtabula –1,348 (1,434); Athens –845 (915); Auglaize –243 (235); Belmont –619 (606); Brown –614 (668); Butler –623 (460); Carroll –570 (452); Champaign –526 (529); Clark –434 (406); Clermont –1,007 (1,019); Clinton –283 (296); Columbiana –975 (1,010); Coshocton –1,451 (1,391) ; Crawford –490 (375); Cuyahoga –362 (346); Darke –165 (148); Defiance –383 (299); Delaware –509 (586); Erie – 359 (394); Fairfield –1,142 (1,037); Fayette –90 (111); Franklin –451 (310); Fulton –208 (228); Gallia –362 (432); Geauga –767 (890); Greene –232 (210); Guernsey –1,134 (1,145); Hamilton –802 (709); Hancock –294 (205); Hardin –197 (112); Harrison –1,278 (1,286); Henry –124 (114); Highland –802 (734); Hocking –731 (795); Holmes –1,969 (1,593); Huron –598 (550); Jackson –848 (855); Jefferson –682 (808); Knox –1,175 (1,047); Lake –504 (430); Lawrence –389 (527); Licking –2,334 (2,046); Logan –552 (396); Lorain –774 (770); Lucas –412 (400); Madison –116 (80); Mahoning –601 (622); Marion –196 (170); Medina –666 (562); Meigs –585 (656); Mercer –191 (154); Miami –126 (116); Monroe –330 (487); Montgomery –354 (297); Morgan –393 (495); Morrow –554 (464); Muskingum –1,052 (847); Noble –621 (573); Ottawa-60 (47); Paulding –223 (222); Perry –584 (551); Pickaway –285 (229 ); Pike –322 (371); Portage –767 (691); Preble –258 (235); Putnam –386 (338); Richland –814 (735); Ross –857 (876); Sandusky –216 (206); Scioto –491 (587); Seneca –547 (393); Shelby –415 (355); Stark –1,204 (1,082); Summit –774 (723); Trumbull –1,251 (1,302); Tuscarawas –1,770 (1,991); Union –374 (359); Van Wert –158 (153); Vinton –449 (471); Warren –687 (637); Washington –760 (786); Wayne –410 (473); Williams –492 (476); Wood –311 (272); Wyandot –265 (265); Total –53,959 (51,976)

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Ohio’s Licking County Archers Lead in Number of Deer Killed

Outdoors Magazine

Colchester, VT --(AmmoLand.com)- The biggest-bodied deer we have heard of to date was taken below the Forks near Bingham, Maine and tipped the scales at 279 pounds. Bob Howe, the owner of Pine Grove Lodge in Bingham, knows the deer population in that area better than anyone.

“It is funny,” said Howe. “It snowed this weekend and we heard a number of hunters say how many deer there are in the area. On dry ground it is harder to see the sign, but when the snow comes it is a blank page everybody can read.”

Howes’ hunters had a few strong days last week, tagging a handful of good bucks; the largest being a 239-pound 8-pointer with a tall rack.

Further to the south in New Hampshire, Roscoe Blaisdell, the president of the New Hampshire Antler and Skull Trophy Club, capitalized on the state’s early blackpowder season with a massive 10-pointer that boasts 2 stickers.

“The blood trail was good at first but petered out after 200 yards,” said Blaisdell. “I searched the rest of the day with no luck. I went back in the morning and crawled along the ground finding specks of blood leading down to a pond. I noticed a brown rock near the other shore that didn’t look right and checked it out. It was him.”

We will be bringing you the complete story of this buck in the January issue of Outdoors Magazine.

As the rut intensifies this week, we will be bringing you breaking news about what is happening in the woods.

For more information and to find out how to win a Suzuki ATV, visit www.outdoorsmagazine.net

About:
Each month Outdoors Magazine shines its spotlight on different areas of the outdoors world. Features and sub-features are multiple page spreads written by select experts in their fields. In addition to features and sub-features, each month Outdoors Magazine has over 40 columns written by real guides, industry experts, and the best in their fields. Our staff are die-hards who take the time out of their lives hunting and fishing to write.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Big Whitetails Starting To Fall

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON Wi – -(AmmoLand.com)- Wisconsin wildlife biologists anticipate the statewide deer harvest will be lower than last year.

“There are a number of factors coming together in 2009 that will most likely lead to a lower total deer harvest,” said Keith Warnke, big game ecologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “There are fewer herd control units and no earn-a-buck requirement except in the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone, below average fawn production in the past two years, a reduced number of antlerless permits in northern Wisconsin due to lower deer populations in that region and a delayed corn harvest. All these will contribute to a lower antlerless deer harvest and a lower total harvest.”

Herd control and earn-a-buck hunts encourage or require the harvest of antlerless deer and without their broad application, the antlerless harvest and therefore the total harvest are almost certain to drop, say wildlife managers.

“Hunters told us they wished to return to a more historically traditional hunt,” said Warnke. “They will see that traditional hunt in many deer management units in the north and central forest where deer populations are at or close to a healthy goal, and where there will be no earn a buck and few or no antlerless permits issued. Herd control and earn-a-buck are accomplishing what they were intended to do, bringing deer numbers down to healthy population goals in parts of the state.”

A byproduct of the 2009 season structure may be an increase in the proportion of bucks harvested in some units. Biologists note that local populations are the most important factor to the hunters and that can vary widely. Scouting, patterning and lining up alternative hunting spots could make the difference.

“As every year, hunters will need to do their homework and scouting and find areas deer are using,” said Warnke. “Hunters who spend time getting prepared are most likely to be in the ranks of successful hunters. Annually, fewer than 40 percent of hunters bag a deer.

“But deer hunting is a whole lot more than just killing a deer,” Warnke added. “For most deer hunters, it’s about spending time with family and friends getting outside in the autumn air, observing wildlife and enjoying the various traditions associated with the deer season. Some hunters will bag a deer and some won’t. It’s always been that way.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Deer Harvest Expected To Be Smaller In 2009

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. – -(AmmoLand.com)- Safety should be uppermost on the minds of hunters when the firearm deer season opens Nov. 14, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

A new regulation allows turkey hunting during that deer season. Like the deer hunters, however, those turkey hunters must wear hunter orange.

Hunter Education Coordinator Mike Streeter has the following tips for safely handling firearms during the firearm deer season.

Hunting Tips:

• Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun.
• Control the direction of the muzzle at all times.
• Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
• Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Unload guns when not in use. Have the action open and the chamber empty, except when actually hunting. Transport guns in cases, or secure storage racks in vehicles. Handle a gun by the stock, not the barrel.
• Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot.
• Never climb over or under a fence, into or out of a tree or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.
• Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
• Store guns and ammunition under lock and key.

The safe use of tree stands also is crucial for a successful hunt.

“A recent survey revealed that nearly 40 percent of deer hunters will fall from their stand or tree some time in their life, and 70 percent of falls occur while hunters either are climbing or descending a tree or entering or leaving the stand,” Streeter said.

He has the following tips for tree stands:

• Use a full-body harness when using a tree stand, including ascending, descending and occupying the stand.
• Only use equipment that is in good condition.
• Avoid hunting from heights above 15 feet.
• Maintain a short tether between yourself and the tree. Allow only enough slack for you to turn and shoot. The tether should be tight when you are seated on your stand.
• Use a haul line to raise and lower your equipment.
• Never use a homemade tree stand.
• Attach yourself to the tree starting when you are on the ground.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Safe Deer Hunting is No Accident

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. – -(AmmoLand.com)- Many opportunities await Nebraska hunters as the opening of the November firearm deer season nears, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Large numbers of deer are in the field and plenty of permits remain available for this season. A new access program is available, opening thousands of acres to walk-in hunting. A popular program that allows deer meat to be distributed to those who want it is in its second year.

The upcoming firearm season runs Nov. 14-22. One major change affects deer hunters; a new regulation this year allows turkey hunting during that season. Like the deer hunters, those turkey hunters must wear hunter orange.

The following are key reminders concerning the season:

• Checking – Deer must be checked at manual check stations. Electronic checking is not available for the firearm season.
• Deer Exchange – Hunters may take advantage of this program and provide deer meat to anyone willing to accept it. Donors and recipients of meat may register for free at ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/programs/deerexchange/. They search a database for participants in their area, and then make contact by telephone to set up the transfer of meat.
• Open Fields and Waters Program – More than 36,000 acres of private land in the first year of this pilot program are available for public walk-in hunting access. Check the 2009 Public Access Atlas for tracts in each county.
• Remaining Permits – As of Nov. 4, the remaining firearm deer permits, by unit and quantity, are: Buffalo Whitetail, 511; Calamus East, 590; Calamus West, 899; Frenchman Whitetail, 806; Keya Paha, 1,331; Loup West, 576; Pine Ridge, 1,303; Plains, 731; Platte, 100; Platte Whitetail, 1,090; Sandhills, 1,092; and Upper Platte, 651.
• The list of remaining permits may be found at OutdoorNebraska.org. Click on Licenses and Fees, then Purchase a Permit, then Remaining Permits.
• Purchasing Permits – They may be purchased at Commission permitting offices and at OutdoorNebraska.org. A habitat stamp is required of all deer hunters, except residents age 15 or younger.

Game Law Violations – Call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers toll-free at (800) 742-7627 to report game violations.

More Information – Visit OutdoorNebraska.org or read the 2009 Nebraska Big Game Guide.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Firearm Deer Hunting Season Opens Nov. 14

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s youth deer-gun hunting season will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

“The youth deer-gun hunting season provides young hunters the chance to experience the challenge of hunting and enjoy the outdoors with their families,” said David M. Graham, chief of the division.

Young hunters killed 9,852 deer during last year’s two-day season. The Division of Wildlife anticipates more than 40,000 young hunters will participate in the upcoming hunt.

Hunters can share photos of their success in the field online by visiting wildohio.com and clicking on Photo Gallery. The photo submission process is easy and posted photos may be e-mailed to a friend.

The youth deer-gun season is open statewide to hunters 17 years old and younger. Hunters may take one deer of either sex during this season, in accordance with existing bag and deer-zone limits. Plugged shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns and bows are legal. All participants must wear hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and a $12 youth-deer permit, and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult in the field.

All other regularly scheduled hunting seasons will continue during the two-day youth season. However, other hunters, including deer-archery hunters, are required to wear hunter orange during this period.

This year, Ohio’s deer-gun season runs November 30 through December 6, and the weekend of December 19-20. Details regarding Ohio’s various hunting seasons, including those exclusively for young hunters, can be found in the 2009-10 Ohio Hunting Regulations or by visiting wildohio.com.

Youth hunters that want to donate venison to the needy can do so at no cost. The Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. All hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org

The 2009-2010 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.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Ohio’s Youth Deer-Gun Hunting Season Set For November 21-22

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The National Rifle Association’s Hunter Services Department is pleased to announce the schedule of seminars and speakers at the NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show. The event will be held January 29-31, 2010 at the Carroll County Agriculture Center – Shipley Arena in Westminster, Maryland.

“An exciting line-up of speakers is scheduled for the inaugural NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show,” said Bob Davis, Manager of NRA’s Hunter Services Department. “The variety of topics being presented appeals to a wide range of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Nationally-known hunting and outdoor personalities will be speaking at seminars during the show including Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice Media and Ray Eye of “Eye on the Outdoors” and “Winchester Turkey Revolution.” Numerous topics will be discussed by the speakers including hunting various types of game, fishing, dog training, and game calling.

Seminar Schedule (subject to change)

• Friday, January 29, 2010: Show hours 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • 4:30 – Pat Nolan of Ponderosa Kennels
  • 6:00 – Sean Mann of Beretta’s Waterfowler’s Edge TV Show & World Goose Calling Champion 7:30 – Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice TV Show
• Saturday, January 30, 2010: Show hours 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • 10:00 – Ken Penrod of Life Outdoors Unlimited
  • 11:30 – Ray Eye of Winchester Turkey Revolution TV Show
  • 1:00 – Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice TV Show
  • 2:30 – Sean Mann of Beretta’s Waterfowler’s Edge TV Show & World Goose Calling Champion 4:00 – Pat Nolan of Ponderosa Kennels
  • 5:30 – Eric Lahti of LUCO Caribou Adventures
• Sunday, January 31, 2010: Show hours 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • 10:00 – Ray Eye of Winchester Turkey Revolution TV Show
  • 11:30 – Sean Mann of Beretta’s Waterfowler’s Edge TV Show & World Goose Calling Champion
  • 1:00 – Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice TV Show
  • 2:30 – Ken Penrod of Life Outdoors Unlimited

All seminars are included in the show admission fee and no registration is required. General admission to the show is $10.00, but NRA Members pay just $8.00 when they present their valid membership card. Children 11 and under receive free admission. Visitors can also join or renew their membership at the show for only $35.00 and receive a free weekend pass to the show.

For more information on the NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show, or to become an exhibitor, call (703) 267-1524 or send an email to rpeak@nrahq.org. To view floor plans, a list of exhibitors, and other show information, visit www.nrahq.org/hunting/2010show.asp.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Seminar Schedule Announced

Outdoors Magazine

Bennett’s Pond, CT --(AmmoLand.com)- According to the Connecticut Post, earlier this month, a bowhunter in Bennett’s Pond State Park fired a shot which mortally wounded a deer. As any hunter knows is often the case, the deer didn’t immediately go down and ran a short distance before collapsing.

The hunter tracked the deer. He soon saw that it ran onto private property. Being responsible, he knocked on the landowner’s door and asked for permission to retrieve it. It turns out the property is owned by Lynn Gorfinkle, the CEO of the Animal Rights Alliance in Redding, Conn.

“My husband told him to just go away, he couldn’t have the deer,” Gorfinkle said.

Lynn and other animal-rights proponents argue that killing deer is not the answer to Connecticut’s over-population issues. They feel nature should be allowed to take its course to control deer numbers.

Biologists say that over 62 deer per square mile reside in some of the state’s urban areas.

The sad part of the situation is that the carcass remains in the Gorfinkles’ yard, where it has been since October 2. Lynn hopes that other animals will eat it because it is too big to bury.

“If someone’s going to eat that deer, I want it to be natural predators, not some hunter,” she said.

Ironically, Gorfinkle’s actions may mean the death of another deer.

“Since the hunter did not recover the deer, he did not need to tag it and it doesn’t count toward his bag limit,” said Dennis Schain, Connecticut’s DEC communication director.

To ready more outdoor stories, and to find out how to win a Suzuki ATV, visit www.outdoorsmagazine.net

About:
Each month Outdoors Magazine shines its spotlight on different areas of the outdoors world. Features and sub-features are multiple page spreads written by select experts in their fields. In addition to features and sub-features, each month Outdoors Magazine has over 40 columns written by real guides, industry experts, and the best in their fields. Our staff are die-hards who take the time out of their lives hunting and fishing to write.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Wounded Deer Carcass Rots in Anti-Hunter’s Backyard

Ohio Division of Wildlife

ATHENS, OH –-(AmmoLand.com)- Muzzleloader hunters took 474 deer during last week’s early muzzleloader deer hunt according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Hunters took 271 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 159 deer at Wildcat Hollow and 44 deer at Shawnee State Forest. During last year’s early muzzleloader hunt, hunters took a total of 568 deer for the season; 315 deer at Salt Fork Wildlife Area, 162 deer at Wildcat Hollow and 91 deer at Shawnee State Forest.

The early muzzleloader season was open October 19 through October 24. The season allows for the harvest of antlered and antlerless deer, with the $15 antlerless deer permits valid for use.

Ohio’s various deer hunting seasons coupled with a healthy population gives hunters a good opportunity for success. Archery season opened September 26 and runs through February 7, 2010. Youth deer gun season is November 21 and 22. Deer gun season will open November 30 and extend through December 6, and be open for a weekend hunt on December 19 and 20. The statewide muzzleloader season is January 9 through 12, 2010.

Hunters interested in donating venison to food banks are reminded that the ODNR Division of Wildlife has collaborated with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as funding for the effort lasts. More information about this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org

For additional information on all of Ohio’s deer hunting seasons and requirements, hunters are advised to review the 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Information is also available online at www.wildohio.com

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Early Muzzleloader Season Results are Reported

Outdoors Magazine Adds Cutting-Edge Content

Outdoors Magazine

Colchester, VT --(AmmoLand.com)- Outdoors Magazine, the East’s premiere hunting and fishing publication, is proud to be announcing the addition of several fresh, new columns to its already packed line-up.

“The key to any good publication is keeping it fresh, especially in the outdoors industry. In the past few months we have had the chance to add a couple of outstanding columns and we would be remiss not to take advantage of that,” said Kyle Scanlon, editor of Outdoors Magazine.

Included among the new columns are:

Beyond The Field by Jeff W. Zimba: “Beyond The Field” will focus on small arms, tactical strategies, and the world of highly specialized firearms. “Anybody who follows the world of small arms and cutting edge weapons technology knows who Jeff Zimba is,” said Scanlon. “His column will be an outstanding addition to Outdoors and will blend the world of tactical weaponry and the shooting sportsmen. Actually, to illustrate how highly regarded he is, when one of our sales guys mentioned to a representative from Smith and Wesson that Zimba joined our team, they couldn’t wait to advertise with us. That says a lot when you consider how tight ad budgets are these days.”

Answering The Call by Dylan Ainsworth: The world of calling extends far beyond turkey hunting and there isn’t a better person out there to examine it than Dylan Ainsworth.

“Dylan has a very friendly writing style that speaks to the reader,” said Scanlon. “His advice is no nonsense and covers areas others haven’t dared go. Whether it is calling black bears, deer, predators or turkeys ‘Answering The Call’ will jump into it.”

Radical Bowhunter by Dick Scorzafava: For years, Dick Scorzafava has made a name for himself in pursuit of big game with his bow. The Radical Bowhunter will chronicle his adventures in pursuit of deer, bear, and other big game.

“I have read Scorzafava for years in other publications,” said Scanlon. “When the opportunity came to add him to the pages of Outdoors as a regular it was a natural fit.”

Guide’s Flies by Tony Lolli: “I have to be honest,” said Scanlon. “The last column I wanted to add to Outdoors was a fly-tying piece. There just aren’t a lot of readers who care about how to tie a Mickey Finn or some other common fly. Then Tony pitched me his idea. Guide’s Flies will be the secret flies guides from around the country have developed for their own use. These are patterns you will not see anywhere else in print. It is the fly-tying column others will aspire to be.”

Scratchings by Dennis Jensen: Dennis Jensen is a highly acclaimed outdoor columnist from Rutland, Vermont, with a passion for turkey and deer hunting. “Scratchings” will delve head-first into his strategies with a special insight into the ways of the gobbler.

“Dennis is really the consummate professional,” said Scanlon. “He is not afraid to tackle a topic and doesn’t hold anything back. I almost feel guilty because I know how many more turkeys will be killed as the result of his columns in the magazine.”

For more information, and to find out how to win a free Suzuki ATV, visit www.outdoorsmagazine.net

About:
Each month Outdoors Magazine shines its spotlight on different areas of the outdoors world. Features and sub-features are multiple page spreads written by select experts in their fields. In addition to features and sub-features, each month Outdoors Magazine has over 40 columns written by real guides, industry experts, and the best in their fields. Our staff are die-hards who take the time out of their lives hunting and fishing to write.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Outdoors Magazine Adds Cutting-Edge Content

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Harrisburg, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters who are successful in the upcoming deer hunting seasons are encouraged by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to consider participating in the state’s Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program, which channels donations of venison to local food banks, soup kitchens and needy families. Pennsylvania’s HSH program is recognized as one of the most successful among similar programs in about 40 states.

“Using a unique network of local volunteer area coordinators and cooperating meat processors to process and distribute venison donated by hunters, HSH has really helped to make a difference for countless needy families and individuals in our state,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Pennsylvanians who participate in this extremely beneficial program should be proud of the role they play. HSH truly does make a tremendous difference.”

Started in 1991, HSH has developed into a refined support service for organizations that assist the Commonwealth’s needy. Each year, Hunters Sharing the Harvest helps to deliver almost 200,000 meals to food banks, churches and social services feeding programs for meals provided to needy Pennsylvanians.

“This program is all about the generosity of hunters and their desire to help make a difference,” Roe said. “It’s a program that many hunters have become committed to and enjoy supporting. After all, what is more gratifying than providing needed food to families?”

As part of the program, hunters are encouraged to take a deer to a participating meat processor and identify how much of their deer meat – from an entire deer to several pounds – that is to be donated to HSH. If the hunter is donating an entire deer, they are asked to make a $15 tax-deductible co-pay, and HSH will cover the remaining processing fees. However, a hunter can cover the entire costs of the processing, which is tax deductible as well.

HSH established a statewide toll-free telephone number – 866-474-2141 – which also can answer hunters’ questions about where participating meat processors can be found or other general inquiries about the program.

To learn more about the program and obtain a list of participating meat processors and county coordinators, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Hunting” and then select “Hunters Sharing the Harvest.” Information also can be found on the HSH website (www.sharedeer.org).

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

PA Game Commission Urges Hunters To Consider Sharing Venison

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Plenty of deer hunting permits remain unsold for the 2009 season, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

By taking advantage of the permits, deer hunters have a chance to provide food for the table, thin herds where crop damage is a problem, mentor a young hunter, and introduce hunting to a novice.

A record harvest of antlerless whitetails is expected this year as more than 90,000 antlerless whitetail bonus tags have been made available.

As of Oct. 23, the remaining deer permits, by unit and quantity, are:

Firearm Units – Buffalo whitetail, 898; Calamus East, 834; Calamus West, 1,138; Frenchman whitetail, 965; Keya Paha, 1,550; Loup East, 307; Loup West, 962; Pine Ridge, 1,713; Plains, 987; Platte, 511; Platte whitetail, 1,109; Sandhills, 1,421; and Upper Platte, 827.

Season Choice – Area 1, 1,676; Area 2, 1,473; Area 3, 350; Area 4, 268; Area 5, 422; Area 6, 230; Area 8, 296; Area 9, 237; Area 11, 325; Area 12, 768; Area 17, 431; Area 18, 1,041; Area 19, 635; Area 20, 3,102; Area 21, 5,479; Area 22, 457; Area 23, 289; Area 24, 207; and Area 25, 265.

The list of remaining permits may be found at OutdoorNebraska.org. Click on Licenses and Fees, then Purchase a Permit, then Remaining Permits.

Permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org or Commission permitting offices around the state. For more information, read the 2009 Nebraska Big Game Guide.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Numerous Deer Hunting Permits Remain Unsold

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn.—-(AmmoLand.com)- Fall is a time of year parents and their children enjoy doing things together—attending soccer matches, carving scary jack-o’-lanterns, raking leaves (OK, maybe that one’s not so much fun) and gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

It’s also a great time of year to introduce a young person to hunting.

Hunting seasons are open across the country. From deer to upland birds, waterfowl, wild turkey, squirrel and rabbits, hunters have their choice of game to pursue. When the time is right for an adult mentor to introduce a youth to hunting, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s STEP OUTSIDE program helps make that introduction fun.

You can start by sending your son or daughter an electronic postcard with a colorful photo of the game animal or hunting scene of your choice. This helps youth visualize the experience, and it’s a nice surprise when the e-postcard pops up in their inbox.

Enjoy the hunt:
Remember the sights, sounds and smells. Then when you’re back home, take a moment and together enter the STEP OUTSIDE Sweepstakes and earn a chance to win one of five $1,000 gift certificates at Bass Pro Shops. It’s easy. Tell NSSF about your experience by taking a short survey. Maybe you were successful in harvesting your game, or maybe not. It doesn’t really matter because, as all hunters know, it’s the experience afield with family and friends that counts.

Not a hunter? That’s OK. Introduce a youngster to target shooting and you can still enter. Just take the survey by the deadline of Jan. 1, 2010. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on Jan. 19.

The valuable survey information helps NSSF design programs like STEP OUTSIDE and other initiatives that encourage youth to enjoy the outdoors.

As a hunter and a target shooter, you’re in a unique position to share your knowledge of the outdoors and pass on a great tradition. Many states are making it easier to do this by offering apprentice hunting licenses that allow youth to join a licensed adult mentor on hunt.

Keep in mind that autumn is a time of year when we harvest many things that began as a seed in the spring. Yet it’s also a time of year when we can plant a seed that just may turn a youngster into a lifelong hunter, target shooter and conservationist.

Learn more at www.stepoutside.org today.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunting Season Is the Perfect Time to Mentor a New Hunter

FHFH.org

Ohio --(AmmoLand.com)- This weekend I had the privilege to hunt with my 10 year old son Noah on a Youth Deer Hunt in Indiana.

Noah took his first deer ever!

A nice doe that gave him a good shot at 30 yards early Sunday morning.

Noah has been praying and practicing in preparation for this opportunity.

Noah’s First Deer

He has put a lot of time in the woods and has felt the frustration of missed opportunity and tough days afield.

He was overjoyed yesterday morning when his shot hit its mark. After the initial rush of emotion had subsided I asked Noah what he wanted to do with his deer.

His response “Donate it to FHFH”, this was obvious to him and he looked at me as if puzzled that I would ask such a question.

He is a boy with a true servant’s heart. Thank God and thank you Rick for FHFH and helping Noah learn the value of being a servant for Christ.

Jason is the Coordinator for Southern Indiana FHFH.

About:
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) is an outreach ministry of the people of God called upon to feed venison to the hungry among us nationwide. Visit FHFH.org

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Noah’s First Deer

Allen Dunlap, Coordinator for Northwest Ohio FHFH, and his son Luke are pictured above with the three deer they took early in the Fall season. All three deer were donated in SE Ohio!

FHFH.org

Ohio --(AmmoLand.com)- IT’S HERE! Finally, the day I have been anticipating all year is here. So many preparations have been made to ensure the events that take place on this day operate smoothly.

The scouting for that perfect shooter is complete. The spot within the whitetails area has been freed up from small twigs that would have surely been an obstruction at that critical moment.

All the calls are placed in the perfect pocket for access ease. The bows have been waxed up, sighted in and tuned to perfection. That number one arrow, through many practice shots, has been carefully chosen and placed in its position within the quiver. The climbers have been inspected to ensure the safety during that moment when the only thought is of making that shot. The camo is ready to be worn, the boots are ready to be tied, and the scent killers are ready to be applied so the prey will not be aware of human presence. All of these things were done, for this special day, with the same special attention as all of the years that have gone before.

A countless number of hours have been spent dwelling on every minute of how this morning will be spent. When to wake up, when to load up, and when to shut up. One slip up on this morning could change the memories that are about to be made. One infraction can and will change history. Not history that would concern the world but the type of history that on an individual level affects many “round these parts.” The kind of history that brings family and friends closer together. So many scenarios to go through. What’s the yardage? Will the wind be blowing at that critical second. Stop shaking! Keep the fingers open and the elbow up. When to take the shot. Don’t wait to long and don’t be afraid to breath.

Upon waking before the others at 3:30 am on this perfect day , I smell the crispness in the air. That crispness that is only there this time of year. The crispness that says it’s time to hunt. As that cool feeling fills my nasal passages, the excitement from memories of this particular day from years gone by fill my head. I arise from my bed and make my way to the coffee pot, being careful not to trip over the bow cases and backpacks in the dimly lit living room.

The breeze floating through the open window tells me they are out there. Out there unsuspecting of what this day is and how there fate may soon change. There is only one living creature that causes that distinct aroma of the earth being pawed at.

A buck! A shooter BUCK! I know he is out there and I know I will get to see him on this day. My mind drifts off wondering how big he will be. How many steaks will be grilled, how jerky will be seasoned and of course how many points and how will he score. The only thing is, I will not be there when the shot is made.

You see, my responsibility on this very special day is not to hunt, and not to make that perfect shot and not to bring home that perfect trophy. Mine is to make sure the morning is started with substance. Substance that will ensure the trembling in their knees is the result of the anticipation and thrill of the hunt, better known as buck fever. My responsibility is to be the mom and wife that stays behind and cleans up the mess caused from that perfect breakfast that begins each perfect memory on every perfect year on the first day of bow season.

Peggy is the wife of Tony Goodrich, Co-Coordinator for Perry County FHFH, Ohio.

About:
Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) is an outreach ministry of the people of God called upon to feed venison to the hungry among us nationwide. Visit FHFH.org

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

That Perfect Day For Whitetail

Target Probiotics

SANTO, TEXAS - Target Probiotics, the leaders in biotechnology for the Whitetail deer industry, will keep your wildlife healthy! Using microencapsulated bacteria, Target Probiotics helps your Whitetail Deer and other wildlife reach its fullest potential as well as decrease the death loss of newborns.

The Target Probiotics Whitetail products are formulated specifically for the Whitetail deer species ensuring that your deer are getting exactly what they need. Target presently offers eight whitetail deer products! Target Probiotics is the key to keep your Whitetail healthy, happy, and reaching their maximum growth potential. Target Probiotic’s products truly work and they come with a guarantee.

“Target Probiotics is formulated to do what we say it will do. 100 % money back guarantee. No questions asked. Our product speaks for us,” says owner Jeff Elison.

Target Probiotics’ products are different from other probiotics in that they are coated bacteria. Non-coated probiotics are extremely vulnerable to their environment and are destroyed by the stomach acids before reaching the intestines where bacteria is the most productive and beneficial. Target Probiotics’ products guarantees maximum levels of live bacteria reaching the intestines producing the most beneficial results for your Whitetail deer.

The microencapsulated bacteria increases fawn survival rate, boosts immune response, Stabilizes Ph levels, increases the absorption and consumption of nutrients and contains no chemicals or antibiotics. Target Probiotics’ products are also safe to use during antibiotic treatment and gestation and lactation periods when your deer need nutrients the most.

They also come in an assortment of ways to administer the coated bacteria to your Whitetail deer including as a mix in for bulk food, dissolvent for water systems, oral pastes, or as a top dress. Keeping your Whitetail deer healthy has never been easier! For more information or to discuss your particular needs contact the owner and creator, Jeff Elison, at 817.565.8695.

About:
Headquartered in Santo, Texas, Target Probiotics produces all natural micro-encapsulated/enzymes to help increase the health and lifespan of animals. For more information call 817.565.8695 or visit www.targetprobiotics.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Target Probiotics Keeps Whitetail Deer Healthy

Arkansas Deer Harvest 70 Years Of Onward And Upward

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, AR – -(AmmoLand.com)- From the low three figures to a steady six figures – that’s the story of Arkansas’s deer harvest records.

Numerous hunters in the state, sometimes after an unproductive session in the woods, many grumble that “deer hunting just isn’t what it was in the old days.” The statistics are not on their side, however.

Many other hunters realistically realize that the state has many, many more deer here in 2009 than it did a couple of generations back. They may also have gripes about not enough deer in this area, few bucks in that county, too small racks on the bucks somewhere else. But the numbers are indisputable – Arkansas deer are plentiful, although not to everyone’s satisfaction.

The first year of official checking of deer taken by hunters by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission was 1938.

Picture that autumn. The state and the nation were still in the grips of the Great Depression. Many Arkansans sought deer for the most basic of objectives. They needed food on the table. That hunting season, 203 were checked by hunters with AGFC’s representatives.

The economy was bleak, but restoration of Arkansas’s deer had been underway for more than a decade, most as the efforts may seem today. Deer “farms” were in operation in several locations. Deer were being relocated to places where they were absent and had been scarce for years since the late 19th century and early 20th century.

It is a reasonable assumption that some deer were taken by hunters in the fall of 1938 and were not checked, but were taken straight to kitchen use.

The next year, 1939, there were 540 deer checked as information spread around the state about this new requirement for hunters. In 1940, just 408 deer were checked, and in 1941, 433 deer were checked.

These totals seem tiny compared to recent years of Arkansas hunting.

Last season, the 2008 hunt that stretched into early 2009, 184,991 deer were tallied by Arkansas hunters, a total second only to the peak season of 1999 when 194,687 deer were logged across the state in records of all three hunting methods archery, muzzle-loader and modern gun.

Observers of Arkansas deer hunting can come up with a number of qualifiers. Illegal hunting, meaning deer not checked as required along with the outright poaching and night-hunting, is present today as it was in 1938. Unknown, of course, is the extent of these illegal takings of deer. Does poaching account for a small percentage of the deer taken each year or a large amount?

Arkansas deer harvest: 70 years of onward and upward Deer hunting numbers rose steadily from the early years, especially after the AGFC was reorganized into its present form by Amendment 35 of the Arkansas Constitution which went into effect in 1945. From the 1,687 deer checked that year, the state total was 5,122 just five years later. Fifteen years later, in 1960, the deer harvest total was 15,000.

Deer harvest growth continued through the 1960s and see-sawed a bit in the 1970s as the first steps toward hunting of female deer, does, in some areas began. Some protests came forth after the 1978 season when 43,452 deer were checked. Doe hunting was reduced, and in 1979 the total for the state was 36,074.

About this time, more tailored deer hunting regulations were crafted by the AGFC, allowing for more hunting days and more taking of does in areas where deer had become plentiful. Restricted rules were in effect for areas of lesser deer numbers.

It was 1987 when Arkansas’s deer take reached six figures, with 106,392 checked that year by hunters. The total dipped in 1990, again with tightened hunting rules. Then it returned to six figures in 1991. The peak of 1999 climaxed five years of impressive numbers on the deer hunting scene.

Some hunters protested that too many deer were falling to hunters. New strategies in deer management came forth, including quality deer objectives on both private land and some public land.

After a dip in 2003, when tighter deer hunting rules were coupled with unfavorable weather, the statewide deer totals have climbed again to approach the peak of a decade ago.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Arkansas Deer Harvest 70 Years Of Onward And Upward

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

GUMBORO, Del. –-(AmmoLand.com)- State officials joined representatives from local charities today to highlight the Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger program and to thank the Quality Deer Management Association and Sussex County Council for funding the purchase of a walk-in cooler for donated deer at the Gumboro Community Center.

“Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger is a small program with big benefits – it helps feed those less fortunate, provides job training and benefits wildlife. With a public-private partnership between state agencies and hunters, charitable groups and butcher shops, Sportsmen Against Hunger provided nearly 115,000 meals to Delawareans in need last year alone,” said Patrick J. Emory, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Since its formation in 1992 by a coalition of sporting groups with DNREC as the primary sponsor, Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger has distributed more than 270,000 pounds of venison – more than one million meals – to Delaware families in need. This year, 24 charitable organizations located throughout the state are signed up to receive venison through the program.

Hunters are the key to the program, as they donate extra deer they harvest. Field-dressed, registered deer can be dropped off at one of eight coolers located throughout the state. Division of Fish and Wildlife staff check coolers periodically; however, hunters are asked to call the phone number on the cooler when dropping off a deer to ensure that it will be picked up and processed in a timely manner.

Deer are transported from the coolers to the Sussex Community Corrections Center in Georgetown, where the Department of Correction operates a venison processing center for DSAH donations.

Since joining DNREC in support of the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program in 2005, the corrections facility has processed more than 1,000 deer into 34,469 pounds of venison, including 7,216 pounds last year and 2,700 pounds so far this year. Offenders involved in the venison processing program are serving sentences in the facility’s Violation of Probation Center. Nearly 50 so far have completed 40 hours of training in basic butcher shop operations and meat processing.

Another positive aspect of the program is that the opportunity to donate extra deer to a good cause encourages hunters to harvest additional deer. Increasing the deer harvest in turn supports deer management, helping to keep herds at a manageable size.

In 2006, Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger had a record year: hunters donated 44,500 pounds, equal to 175,000 meals. Donations were down last year, with 28,731 pounds.

“We wish Delaware hunters great success during the 2009-2010 deer season, and we look forward to their participation in Sportsmen Against Hunger,” Emory said.

DNREC’s eight walk-in coolers are located at the Augustine Wildlife Area in Port Penn, New Castle County; Woodland Beach Wildlife Area east of Smyrna and Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area near Viola in Kent County; and five locations in Sussex: Fish and Wildlife’s Mosquito Control Office in Milford, Redden State Forest Headquarters near Georgetown, Assawoman Wildlife Area near Bethany Beach, Trap Pond State Park in Laurel and the Gumboro Community Center.

Hunters may also take their deer to one of nine participating private butcher shops throughout the state. They can choose to donate an entire deer or just a portion of their harvest. Monetary donations are also accepted to help cover processing costs.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Wayne Lehman at 302-284-1077 in New Castle and Kent counties, or in Sussex contact Rob Gano at 302-539-3160. For brochures, contact Michael Friel at 302-836-2541. Organizations interested in receiving donated venison may call 302-739-9912.

For additional information on the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program, including the list of butcher shops that process venison for the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program, please visit www.fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/SportsmenAgainstHunger.aspx.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger Program Expanded

Can These Sexy Women Really Hunt?

Outdoors Magazine

Colchester, VT --(AmmoLand.com)- Outdoors Magazine and Whitetails Only will be shining their January spotlights on the steamy world of women and whitetails asking the question no one else dares.

Can the beautiful women we see on television really hunt, or are they just selling sex appeal?

Find out in the January issue.

Plus:

• The East’s Best “Real” Women Deer Hunters. Who are they and what makes them so good?
• Also in the January Issue of Outdoors:
• Larry Benoit reminisces about his Remington pump.
• The advantages of post-rut deer tracking.
• Late-season food sources.
• Bad weather black powder insight – why the gun CAN make the difference.
• Tricks for first-ice trophies.
• Snowstorm duck hunting.
• The technological side of ice fishing.
• And 40 other columns by writers including Hal Blood, Craig Dougherty, R.G. Bernier, Bob Humphrey, Bill Cairns, and many more.

For more information, go to www.outdoorsmagazine.net

About:
Each month Outdoors Magazine shines its spotlight on different areas of the outdoors world. Features and sub-features are multiple page spreads written by select experts in their fields. In addition to features and sub-features, each month Outdoors Magazine has over 40 columns written by real guides, industry experts, and the best in their fields. Our staff are die-hards who take the time out of their lives hunting and fishing to write.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Women and Whitetails Can These Sexy Women Really Hunt?

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Arkansas --(AmmoLand.com)- Flooding closes White River North Unit muzzleloader deer hunts. Click here to to the White River NWR web site. ST. CHARLES – The White River National Wildlife Refuge will close the North Unit quota deer hunt on Oct. 17-19 and the North Unit non-quota buck-only hunt, Oct. 20-23 due to an unprecedented early flood season. The South Unit hunt remains open for now. North Unit permit holders are not allowed to hunt in the South Unit.

“We regret closing these North Unit hunts due to the flood, but we also need to ensure hunter safety and protect the deer resource for the future,” said refuge manger Dennis Sharp.

Unfortunately, this water level will keep the North Unit closed for deer archery hunting and prevent the scheduled North Unit muzzleloader deer hunt.

“At this time, we do not anticipate closing the South Unit muzzleloader deer season due to flooding, but hunters are encouraged to monitor water levels,” Sharp said.

He went on to say that the North Unit quota muzzleloader deer permits will not be refundable or renewed as the money has already been spent on associated hunt administration costs. 850 hunters had been issued permits for this year’s hunt. Another 300 were not. The permits will also not be renewed for next year’s hunt.

“I can’t, in all good conscience, renew the 850 North Unit permits for next year, as that would be mean that the other 300 applicants who did not get permits would not be able to hunt there for two years,” Sharp said. “I also can’t predict the impacts of the unprecedented flooding on the deer herd in the North Unit, so I don’t know how many quotas will be offered there next year.”

“I know many hunters will be disappointed in missing this great public hunting opportunity, and I sure understand their frustration,” said Sharp. “I encourage you to apply again for next year’s hunts and hope for more favorable river levels now and next year.”

The North Unit of the refuge closes to deer hunting when the White River reaches 23 feet at St. Charles and does not reopen until the level falls below 21 feet. The river reached the 23-foot level the first week of October, closing archery deer season on the North Unit. The river is currently rising at St. Charles and projected to remain above 21 feet through Oct. 23.

The South Unit closes to all deer hunting when the White River gauge at St. Charles reaches 23 feet and the tailwater gauge reading at Norrel Lock and Dam #1 reaches 145 feet simultaneously as reported at the following website: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/html/whitervr.htm.

Up-to-date flood related deer season closure information is also available on the refuge’s recorded phone message system at (870) 282-8200. Hunters Camping on the South Unit should carefully monitor rising river levels that may flood their camp or overtop exit routes.

These types of flooding events, although part of natural floodplain system, can impact deer and other wildlife populations, and may change the number of quotas available for next year.

For more information, please visit: http://www.fws.gov/whiteriver/images/WhiteRiverHuntBrochureText09.pdf http://www.fws.gov/whiteriver/huntingpage.html.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Flooding Closes White River North Unit Muzzleloader Deer Hunts

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(AmmoLand.com)-The omission of a regulation that has been in place for decades in this year’s digest has caused some hunters and trappers to wonder whether they still are required to display their licenses in the middle of the back as has been done for many, many years.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe answered, “Yes, it still needs to be displayed.”

Roe noted that the Game Commission is supporting House Bill 460, sponsored by Rep. Neil Goodman (D-Schuylkill), which proposes to remove the statutory requirement that licenses be displayed, and thereby allow hunters to place their hunting license in their wallet with other ID.

Roe said, when the agency was drafting the digest, it was believed that the HB 460 may be enacted before the start of the license year on July 1. So, to avoid potentially conflicting information, a decision was made to modify the wording about the requirement that licenses must be displayed.

“License buyers do need to remember that the digest is not the ‘Game & Wildlife Code’ or its attendant regulations, and should not be considered final on legal interpretation,” Roe said. “In printing the digest, the agency simply summarizes the more important and frequently misunderstood hunting and trapping regulations.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunters Reminded That Licenses Still Must Be Displayed

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(AmmoLand.com)-Those participating in the upcoming October antlerless deer seasons will be able to file their harvest reports through the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s new online system.

To report a deer harvest online, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the blue box in the upper right-hand corner of the website, select “Harvest Reporting,” then click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of the page, choose the method of validating license information, and click on the checkbox for the harvest tag being reported. A series of options will appear for a hunter to report a harvest. After filling in the harvest information, click on the “Continue” button to review the report and then hit the “Submit” button to complete the report. Failing to hit the “Submit” button will result in a harvest report not being completed.

“Hunters may report one or more harvests in a single session,” Roe said. “Responses to all harvest questions are required.”

Roe noted that hunters still have the option to file a harvest report postcard, which are included as tear-out sheets in the annual digest they received when they purchased their licenses.

“We certainly are encouraging hunters to use the online reporting system, which will ensure that their harvest is recorded and save the Game Commission money on postage,” Roe said. “Either way, the more important point is that all hunters who harvest a deer report it to the agency.”

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Online Harvest Reporting Available For Deer Harvests

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(AmmoLand.com)-Improperly field-dressing a deer and warm weather can impact the quality of venison warns Dr. Walter Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian.

“The first step in making sure that the venison reaches the table in the best possible condition is, sighting in and practicing with your sporting arm,” Dr. Cottrell said. “Coupling that with knowledgeable shot placement ensures a clean kill and minimal damage to edible parts of the animal.

“After properly tagging their deer, hunters should wear latex or nitrile gloves to remove the entrails. Care should be taken to remove entrails without rupturing them, and hunters should drain excess blood remaining in the cavity. Do not wash out the deer in a creek. Wipe down the cavity with a dry cloth or paper towels, being careful to remove all visible blood and hair.”

Once entrails are removed, the deer should be taken from the field and cooled down as soon as possible. In warm weather, the cool-down process begins when you field-dress the deer. To improve the cool-down process, consider skinning the deer and hang the carcass in the shade, refrigerating it or placing a bag of ice in the body cavity. Never place a deer carcass – with or without the hide on it – in direct sunlight.

If a hunter plans to process the deer by his or herself, the first step – after tagging and field-dressing the deer – is to remove the hide, which comes off easier if the front legs are cut off at the wrists, and the rear legs are removed just below the knee joint, with a saw. Use a knife to cut the hide from where each leg was sawed off at the wrist, back to the body trunk. Cutting the rear legs at the joint also makes it easier to hang a carcass on a gambrel or meat hooks. Hang the carcass by the large tendons on the back legs.

Next, the hide is pulled from the carcass, starting at the rear end and working downward toward the head. Peel it from the hind quarters first, then cut the tailbone and pull it down to the shoulders. Work the hide over the shoulders and pull it away from the legs. Finally, pull the hide down the neck as close to the base of the skull as possible and cut the carcass free from the head with a clean saw. Remove the trachea.

The remaining hide-free carcass should be wiped off immediately. If you use water to clean the cavity or carcass, dry the meat immediately. Wet or damp meat spoils more quickly and is more prone to cultivate and nurture bacteria. Rinsing meat with water also can hasten the spread of bacteria. Inspect the carcass again for any blood and hair. It’s also a good idea to remove large fatty deposits to improve the quality of your meat. It helps lessen that “game taste” some people dislike about venison.

Following these steps will prepare your carcass for hanging in a meat processor’s refrigerator, or quartering and placing it in your refrigerator. If the air temperature is above 50 degrees, hunters should get their carcass refrigerated as soon as possible.

“The bacterial load of a deer harvested in warm weather will multiply quickly, so it’s important to dress the deer as soon as possible, transport it from the field and remove the hide, and refrigerate the carcass,” Dr. Cottrell said. “Cooling the carcass will help prevent bacterial growth.”

Hunters who are interested in becoming more self-sufficient also can de-bone the carcass. The cuts are relatively simple and can be made while the deer is hanging or from a plastic sheet-covered table. An inexpensive plastic fluorescent light cover which can be purchased at any home supply store can be used for a cutting board. Deboning offers the advantage of allowing the hunter the ability to view all sides of the cut so any fat, damaged meat and bloody areas can be trimmed out before freezing.

First, remove the front shoulders with a filleting knife. This can be done without cutting a bone by cutting behind the shoulder-blade. Next, remove the meat from the shoulder with a filleting knife.

Hindquarters can be removed from the carcass next by using a saw or by cutting from the underside with a knife. If you plan to have steaks or jerky made from them, don’t make any further cuts.

Inside the body cavity, against the backbone, are the tenderloins, considered the best cut of meat on a deer. Use your hand, and a knife when necessary, to pull them free. Outside the cavity, along the backbone, are the loin muscles or back-straps, which also are outstanding cuts. Using a filleting knife, slide the blade along the spine to separate each back-strap and then finish each piece by cutting in along the top of the ribs and under the muscle to the first cut you’ve made.

The remainder of the carcass can be de-boned with a filleting knife. Try to trim fat from meat where you can and wipe off blood whenever it is encountered. De-boning can be done relatively quickly, but remember, every ounce of meat you remove increases your trimmings for sausage, bologna, meat sticks or other products. De-boned meat can be taken to a meat processor immediately, or frozen and taken later. Hindquarters may be frozen for processing later as jerky or dried venison. Steaks should be cut fresh. A link to a video on deboning in the field can be seen on our website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by selecting “Wildlife,” then choosing “Chronic Wasting Disease” in “Wildlife Diseases” box, and clicking on the video link in the “PGC Ban on the Importation of Cervid Parts” box.

“It’s always a good idea to become self-sufficient as a hunter, because of the satisfaction you’ll derive from processing a deer all by yourself and the extra care and quality control you’ll provide,” noted Cal DuBrock, Pennsylvania Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “It also broadens your hunting experience and makes you more conscious of where you need to place the crosshairs when you shoot.”

The Game Commission offers two free brochures on venison care and field-dressing deer. The first, “To Field Dress a Deer,” offers step-by-step instructions – with illustrations – on how to field-dress a deer. The second, “Venison Needn’t Be Pot Luck,” offers field-dressing instructions and cooking tips.

To assist hunters in getting the most of their wild game harvests, the Game Commission is offering a six-tape “Wild Harvest Videos,” produced by Jerry Chiappetta and featuring Certified Master Chef Milos Cihelka. These videos show step-by-step the best care for game animals from the field to the table. The videos are available from The Outdoor Shop on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Go to The Outdoor Shop, click on “Pennsylvania Game Commission Outdoor Shop,” click on “Merchandise,” choose “Videos,” and then scroll down to the video you are interested in and complete the order form. Each video costs $9.95 ($13.50 including tax and shipping/handling).

The Game Commission also offers a “Wild Game Field Care and Cooking” DVD, which is a compilation of three Wild Harvest Videos: Big Game Butchering: Field to Table; Venison Cooking Healthy & Tasty; and Venison Aging, Smoking & Sausage Making. There also is a “Upland Game Bird, Small Game & Waterfowl” DVD. Both DVDs sells for $18.87 (plus tax and shipping and handling).

Finally, for recipes that will make venison tastier, consider buying the Game Commission’s “Pennsylvania Game Cookbook” for $4.71 plus tax and a $1.25 for shipping and handling. The book and aforementioned free brochures are available by writing: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Dept. MS, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Pennsylvania Game Commission Offers Warm-Weather Venison Care Tips

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- The state’s early firearms antlerless deer seasons – early muzzleloader season, Oct. 17-24, and special firearms season for junior, senior, active duty military and certain disabled hunters, Oct. 22-24 – will soon be here, along with seasons for squirrels and grouse, so there will be plenty of activity in the state’s forested areas, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“In addition to small game and firearms deer hunters, bowhunters also will be afield,” said Calvin DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “Some of our most popular hunting seasons are about to begin and hunters are looking forward to heading afield.

“Of course, the fall firearms deer seasons are relatively new when compared to the decades-old small game seasons. And it wasn’t that long ago that Pennsylvania had only a four-week archery season. But these early deer seasons have been warmly received by many deer hunters, because they have extended the window of opportunity for them to take a deer and typically are held when the weather makes it more comfortable to be afield.”

DuBrock noted that these early antlerless deer seasons provide Pennsylvanians more ways to fit deer hunting into their busy schedules, and offer a more relaxing hunt to people who dislike cold weather and woods filled with large numbers of hunters.

“But the October firearms seasons are so much more than another time and another way to hunt deer,” emphasized DuBrock. “These seasons are part of our deer management strategy to stabilize whitetail numbers in most areas of the Commonwealth, and in the process, improve forested wildlife habitat and deer health, and reduce crop damage and other deer-human conflicts.

“Although the October antlerless seasons increase hunting opportunities, their harvests still are controlled by antlerless deer license allocations, which are set to remove a pre-determined number of antlerless deer from a Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).”

Hunters heading afield for the October firearms seasons should find fair to good numbers of deer in most areas, but other areas will support substantially less or more.

Last year, according to the agency’s Game-Take Survey, the 78,000 hunters who participated in the early muzzleloader season took 12,100 deer (10,000 in 2007). The 43,000 participants in the special firearms season harvested 5,400 deer (6,500 in 2007). Those figures compare with 12,300 in the 2006 October muzzleloader season and 8,500 in the special firearms season. The combined total of both October firearms seasons comprised less than 10 percent of the 2008 antlerless deer harvest, which was 213,440.

Hunters who wish to participate in the early muzzleloader season must have a general hunting license, muzzleloader stamp and an unused antlerless deer license or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permit. Hunters may use in-line, percussion and flintlock muzzleloaders during the early muzzleloader season. They also may use scopes, peep-sights and other lawful sighting devices on muzzleloaders during the October hunt.

To participate in the special firearms antlerless season, hunters must have a general hunting license and unused antlerless deer license and qualify in one of the following license categories: resident junior and senior license holders; nonresident junior license holder; nonresident adult license holders age 65 and older; persons who hold a disabled person permit to use a vehicle as a blind; residents who are serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; and those who qualify for license and fee exceptions under section 2706. Sporting arms permitted include: manually-operated center-fire rifles, handguns and shotguns; 44-caliber or larger muzzleloading long guns; 50-caliber or larger muzzleloading handguns; long, recurve or compound bows; and crossbows.

These two antlerless deer seasons are not open to participants of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which was created for those under the age of 12, since mentored youth may not harvest antlerless deer. (For more information on the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, please consult page 13 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which is provided to each license buyer.)

Hunters are advised that they may take only antlerless deer in the early muzzleloader and special firearms seasons and that they may hunt only in the Wildlife Management Units or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) areas for which they have obtained antlerless deer licenses. An antlerless deer is defined as a deer without antlers, or a deer with antlers, both of which are less than three inches in length.

Muzzleloader and special firearms season hunters are reminded that when multiple harvests of deer per day are permitted, only one deer at a time may be taken. Before attempting to take an additional deer, the first deer must be lawfully tagged. However, in Special Regulations Area counties of Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia, hunters may shoot multiple deer before tagging. Deer must be tagged immediately after they are harvested and before the carcass is moved. The tag must be attached to the ear and remain attached until the deer is processed for consumption or prepared for mounting.

Any hunter who by accident or mistake kills an illegal deer is required to deliver the carcass – entrails removed – within 12 hours of the kill to any Game Commission officer in the county where the deer was killed. A written statement also must be provided to the officer explaining when, where and how the accident or mistake occurred. The deer must be tagged with the appropriate deer harvest tag.

Hunters may purchase muzzleloader licenses at any time. The license entitles them to hunt in both the fall antlerless muzzleloader season and the traditional flintlock season. Regulations for the after-Christmas muzzleloader season remain unchanged: hunters may use only primitive type muzzleloading long guns .44-caliber or larger with flintlock ignition systems and primitive sighting devices. Fiber-optic inserts are permitted in sighting devices.

Hunters in either October firearms season are required to wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing on the head, chest and back combined at all times. Bowhunters afield during the overlap of the archery and October antlerless firearms seasons also must wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange while moving and display an orange alert band while on stand.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Fall Firearms Deer Seasons Making A Difference

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. --(AmmoLand.com)- West Virginia deer hunters gain more than a freezer filled with an ample amount of venison (deer meat) after each hunting season. Those concerned with healthier choices in their diet have gained a supply of low-fat meat compared to beef.

“Venison is a healthful source of protein and many West Virginia families supplement their diet with nutritious venison harvested in the Mountain State,” noted Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). “Venison has fewer calories and nearly five times less fat than the equivalent serving of beef.”

After the harvest, hunters can ensure their selected venison cuts will be the best quality and flavor if they take a few simple steps in caring for their game. Meat should not be exposed to excessive heat and moisture and should be cooled as quickly as possible to avoid spoilage.

Hunters are not the only West Virginians who benefit from deer harvested in the state. Over the past 17 years, the DNR has sponsored the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program (HHH). Since its inception in 1992, hunter-donated venison has provided more than 925,000 meals for needy West Virginia families.

For more information about the HHH program or West Virginia’s various deer hunting seasons and regulations, consult the 2009-2010 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary available at all DNR Offices and license agents or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Venison is an Excellent Low-Fat Alternative to Beef