Register Now for a Chance to Bow Hunt Alabama's Little River State Park

AmmoLand Gun News

Alabama --(Ammoland.com)- For the first time in 80 years, Little River State Park in Atmore, Ala., is offering a three-day controlled archery hunt Jan. 26-28, 2012 for just $500 per hunter. Proceeds from the hunt benefit Ironmen Outdoor Ministries, which manages the state park.

Ironmen Outdoor Ministries is a not for profit organization that commits itself to compassionately reach out and bless those who are in need; particularly those who are handicapped, children in need, the impoverished and the abandoned.

Click www.littleriverstatepark.com/Archery_Hunt_Registratio.html
for a chance to take part in this hunt package, which includes food and lodging. Each hunter and one non-hunting guest will stay in a modern (2BR, CHA, full kitchen) handicap-accessible mobile home with a beautiful view of the lake and spillway.

A hot breakfast and dinner will be provided each day with a sandwich lunch. Southern cuisine will be featured including southern fried chicken, fried catfish, T-Bone steaks and baby back ribs along with all the trimmings.

The hunting terrain includes more than 900 acres of prime long-leaf pine plantation and hardwood bottoms surrounding a pristine 25-acre lake. Food plots are scattered throughout the property.

Hunters can arrive as early as noon, Jan. 25. Orientation to the park and staff will be scheduled at 2 p.m. the same day. Hunters will be made familiar with the property boundaries, food plot locations and non-hunting areas. Hunters will then be free to scout the property at 3 p.m. Hunting will not start until the morning of January 26 and will conclude at the end of legal hunting times on January 28. Hunters and guests will be required to check out by 10 a.m. on January 29.

Each hunter will need to bring his/her own climbing stand, ladder stand or ground blind (no stands or blinds will be furnished by LRSP). Four wheelers, side-by-side ATVs and golf carts are welcome for the hunt

LRSP personnel will be more than glad to assist the hunter in the processing of the harvested deer (bring coolers for meat). Hunters can donate any unwanted meat for distribution through local charities to those in need.

ALL hunters will be required to meet all regulations stipulated by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. These regulations can be found in the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Digest 2011-2012.

CA Department of Fish and Game Completes Bay Area Deer Capture Project

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Fish and Game has successfully completed the first phase of the deer capture project along Interstate 280.

“Our goal was to get in and out with minimal disturbance to the deer and the neighborhoods, and our teams successfully accomplished that,” said David Casady, Environmental Scientist for DFG.

As part of a two-year project, the 18-month study focuses on the capture of deer along a 13 mile stretch of the freeway from Millbrae to Woodside. The purpose is to collect information and data that will help experts reduce the high number of automobile/deer collisions on this stretch of highway. The project is being funded by Caltrans and executed by UC Davis and DFG.

Using tranquilizer darts fired from a rifle, 14 female deer were sedated by trained biologists. Blood and hair samples were taken, length and weight measurements were recorded and an overall health inspection was conducted on each animal.

The captured deer were also fitted with GPS collars that will record their location and send the information to researchers via satellite. The researchers will use the data to track the deer as they move along the areas adjoining the freeway or onto the roadway itself. Automatic release mechanisms will cause the collars to fall off the deer after six months.

“All of the deer captured appeared to be healthy and many of them had fawns of all ages at their side,” Casady said. “I look forward to assisting UC Davis researchers with the next capture phase of this project.”

The next phase of the project is set to be conducted in six months using the same techniques with deer in the same vicinity.

Texas Deer Association

SAN ANTONIO –-(Ammoland.com)- The Texas Deer Association (TDA) applauds the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for their commitment and continued vigilance in monitoring deer in Texas to minimize risk of disease transmission to both wild and breeder deer populations.

TDA notes the stepped up efforts are especially needed to preserve and protect the contributions of the breeder deer industry to the state’s struggling economy.

The TPWD reported that recent confirmation of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a farmed white-tailed deer in Missouri has caused the department to increase its surveillance efforts in Texas.

As part of their efforts, they plan to have state biologists at locker plants and processing facilities for deer hunters who may want to voluntarily donate harvested deer brain tissue samples for CWD testing, even though extensive testing since 2002 has not yielded a single positive test in Texas.

CWD is an infectious neurological disease known to occur only in white-tailed deer, mule deer, black-tailed deer, moose, elk and sitka. The TPWD news report noted, “There is no indication that CWD in deer can lead to disease in native livestock or people. Wildlife officials regard prevention as the primary and most effective tool to combat CWD.”

The deer breeding industry continues to cooperate with both the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and TPWD as they have from the inception of the CWD surveillance program to develop standards and guidelines to minimize risk and to punish violators. Deer breeders are subjected to stringent testing and reporting requirements with operators keeping detailed records of every deer born, living or dying under their care. Texas deer breeders are required to test 20 percent of all deaths at their own expense, and many test 100 percent of all mortalities. Texas breeders have tested over 41% of all deer tested. At $100 per average total test cost, that amounts to an estimated $1,287,900, a significant and growing investment that deer breeders have spent to assure their industry remains secure. In addition, TDA has a strict internal code of ethics and standards to take steps against members who violate those standards. TDA’s internal ethics policies applicable to its members has been complimented by TPWD’s Scott Boruff, Deputy Executive Director for Operations.

Carter Smith, TPWD Executive Director, stated, “More than 1,200 permits are issued annually to deer breeders in Texas covering an estimated 80,000 whitetails held in captivity. The vast majority of deer breeders operate within guidelines designed to minimize risk of disease transmission.” He reported that TPWD has tested about 800 illegally-possessed deer from 32 violators, and that all deer tested were found to be free of CWD. Unfortunately, there is no available test for live animals at this time.

In 2005, TAHC and TPWD implemented a ban importation of deer into Texas. Since then, subsequent monitoring and testing of CWD has not shown the disease to be the health risk once feared, and everyone involved in the deer industry wants to keep it that way. According to information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, approximately 164,500 farmed cervids (both deer and elk) have been tested across the nation since 2002 and, of that number, only 171 farmed cervids tested positive for CWD. Of those, USDA reported CWD was detected in 13 farmed white-tailed deer herds and 39 farmed elk herds in 11 states: CO, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NY, OK, SD, WI. Out of approximately 775,000 free-ranging wild cervids tested since 2002, approximately 3,130 animals were found to be positive in 15 states: CO, IL, KS, MD, MN, ND, NE, NM, NY, SD, UT, VA, WI, WV, WY. According to this data, CWD is more prevalent in wild, or free-ranging, cervids than in farmed, or ‘ranch-raised’ cervids by a ratio of 4 to 1. TPWD reports that, from 2002 through 2010, a total of 31,325 ranch-raised and wild cervids have been tested for CWD, but CWD has never been found in Texas in white-tailed deer or any other cervids.

Dr. Don Davis, Associate Professor, Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, expressed his concern that other diseases that are known to exist in Texas, including Blue Tongue, Anthrax and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), have been especially devastating to both wild and farmed deer this year resulting in the loss of hundreds if not thousands of deer. He explained, “Anthrax always occurs at some level annually in the Southern Edwards Plateau generally in native and free-ranging ruminants.” In the summer of 2007, landowners in nine Texas counties lost as much as 34% of their free ranging white-tailed deer to an outbreak of common diseases, including Anthrax, which underscores the need for research on all diseases affecting white-tailed deer.

Dr. James Kroll, renowned expert on white-tailed deer, echoed Dr. Davis’ concern in previous legislative testimony. He reiterated, “Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine, stepped forward to help with deer disease research but received no public funds to do so in spite of a 2009 legislative request for such funding. The TDA has contributed to research on EHD and Blue Tongue, perhaps the most significant diseases of free-ranging and ranch raised whitetails.”

Dr. Kroll hopes the increased attention at this time on preventing CWD will help the state to also focus on the need for education, prevention and research on deer diseases confirmed to exist in Texas.

A Texas A&M Economic Study on Deer Breeding concluded the “industry is a growing and important segment of the Texas economy, contributing to the vitality of rural areas of the state.”

They reported the deer industry including hunting, deer breeding and tourism have an economic impact to the state of over $2.2 billion.

Earlier this year, Dr. Kroll spoke on the industry’s current status, “Texas has been a leader in deer management since the 1970s, and now enjoys a leadership role in deer breeding. Today, there are over 1,200 active deer breeders, most of which represent small landowners and family-run operations. Whereas, managing for trophy whitetails once was the purview of the wealthy landowner with thousands of acres, deer breeding allows the small family operation to compete. It is safe to say, deer breeding is contributing to saving the family farm or ranch in many cases.”

On a national level, individuals involved in the deer industry have been working for several years to secure funding for a research measure successfully included in the current U.S. Farm Bill. The North American Deer Farmers’ Association (NADeFA), with the assistance of Texas U. S. Congressman Michael Conaway, along with individuals representing the deer industry from across the nation, including TDA members, were able to secure a measure in the bill to include a Deer Research Initiative to focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious, parasitic and toxic diseases including research dedicated to developing vaccines for EHD and Blue Tongue disease in ranch-raised cervidae. Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples as well as U.S. Senator John Cornyn were also helpful in bringing initial attention to the need for the research effort. Funding for that measure has yet to be secured, but efforts will continue on this vitally needed project. Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine is regarded as a likely site for the program.

TDA’s president, Gilbert T. Adams, III, affirmed the goal of TDA co-founder Dr. James Kroll, “TDA will continue to advocate for a comprehensive, long-term plan to develop a healthy deer industry in our State. Such a plan will respect the philosophical differences of naturalists and alternative livestock operators while also requiring a cooperative effort between state agencies, the legislature and private landowner/operators; one that acknowledges the need for the management of game animals and respects the role of the private landowner whose stewardship is key to the continued existence of game animals.”

Headquartered in San Antonio, the Texas Deer Association is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through improved habitat practices, modern harvest strategies and use of superior deer to enhance the deer herds. To learn more about the TDA or for membership information, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call (210) 767-8300. Office is located at 403 East Ramsey Ste 204, San Antonio, TX 78216.

Dr. James Kroll Named as Deer Trustee for State of Wisconsin

NACOGDOCHES, Texas --(Ammoland.com)- After years of hunter frustration over the deer management policies, the State of Wisconsin has turned to one of the industry’s most respected authorities on whitetail deer. Dr. James C. Kroll (aka ‘Dr. Deer’)has been appointed as the state’s first Deer Trustee to help manage the state’s deer herd.

Dr. Kroll will conduct an objective, scientific study of Wisconsin deer management practices and work to restore soured relations between the state’s hunters and the Department of Natural Resources.

“Wisconsin is well-known for its outdoor traditions, and I’m excited to be working alongside wildlife officials and sportsmen to help ensure Wisconsin’s hunting heritage exists for many generations to come,” says Dr. James Kroll, who also serves as the director of the Institute for Whitetailed Deer Management and Research at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU).

“From land fragmentation to habitat to general health, our research will be reviewing all influences on Wisconsin’s deer herd and we’ll be actively looking for input from hunters across the state.”

Dr. Kroll will hold a series of ‘listening sessions’ in the coming months to hear the opinions and concerns of Wisconsin sportsmen.

“A management plan based on science is definitely the correct approach, but part of that science is social science and we need to listen to the landowners and the hunters in the field,” says Dr. Kroll.

“The habitat and management needs can vary greatly in different parts of the state and, for a proper management plan, we need to account for all of those unique conditions.”

The director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research and Henry M. Rockwell Chair of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU), Dr. Kroll has authored more than 300 technical and popular articles, ten books and numerous videos. Over the past three decades, he has appeared on TNN, ESPN, the Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, Wild TV and Pursuit Channel, winning two awards for his Dr. Deer contributions. He appears weekly on North American Whitetail TV, and stars in Winchester presents Dr. Deer.

Dr. Kroll has also recently introduced his all-new Dr. Deer Management System, the industry’s first automated deer management consulting service. Developed in partnership with GMS, the Dr. Deer Management System helps hunters and land owners keep accurate records on their hunting properties and receive a professional analysis and consultation by Dr. Kroll within just a few hours. The program provides more than 27 different reports, year-to-year comparisons as well as geographical analysis for property and production quality. For more information on the Dr. Deer Management System, visit www.DrDeer.com

Based in Nacogdoches, Texas, Dr. James C. Kroll has celebrated the lives of whitetails for four decades and he is often considered the Father of Modern Deer Management. Through Dr. Deer Inc., Dr. Kroll provides information on the latest applied research and consulting services through the all-new Dr. Deer Management System. For more information on Dr. Deer Inc, visit www.DrDeer.com

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 gun deer season opener is just days away! Please consider helping the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by reporting your deer hunting activity, even if no deer or other wildlife were seen during your hunting trip(s).

This survey provides wildlife managers with information on deer sighting rates and the relative abundance of deer and other wildlife in the state.

To enter your observations, click here. Have an enjoyable and successful hunt!

Preliminary Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey Results: September 17-November 14

A total of 575 Wisconsin deer hunters have reported 2,365 hunting trips via the online survey.

192 individuals have also supplied an email address to have a summary of their observations e-mailed to them at the end of the survey period.

Trips were reported from 71 of 72 counties in the state, and in 113 of 139 deer management units. DMU 64 has the greatest number of observations (109), followed by DMU 53 with 100 observations. Hunters reported spending 8,889 observation hours in the field, and averaged 3.8 hours per trip. Most trips and observation hours occurred in the Southern Farmland followed by the Northern Forest, the Eastern Farmland, the Western Farmland and lastly the Central Forest region.

Deer hunters have reported 1,154 bucks, 1,721 does, 1,193 fawns, and 458 unknowns. Statewide, hunters averaged 0.51 deer seen per hour. Deer seen per hour varied between regions with the high being the Eastern Farmland averaging 0.61 deer per hour and the low being the Central Forest averaging 0.30 deer per hour. The Western Farmland and the Southern Farmland both reported 0.57 deer per hour. Hunters in the Northern Forest saw 0.42 deer per hour.

The most frequently observed species other than deer were turkeys. Hunter sightings varied greatly by regions, with most sightings occurring in Wisconsin’s primary turkey range, the farmland and central forest regions. The next most frequently seen animal was ruffed grouse.

Please continue to enter your observations by clicking here.

Questions about the Wisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey, accessing the tally sheet, reporting your observation, or the results of the survey, can be referred to Brian Dhuey or Jes Rees.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Two things many hunters want to know about almost any deer they take are its age and weight. The Pennsylvania Game Commission, through its website, is offering some free tools to guide hunters in determining their deer’s age and weight.

To help hunters learn how Game Commission biologists determine the age of a white-tailed deer, the agency has posted a link to a seven-minute and 38-second video on its “YouTube” account demonstrating the technique used to identify deer that are six months old, 18 months old and 30 months old or older.

To view the video, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the “YouTube” icon in the upper right-hand column of the homepage, then select the link to “Deer Aging.mov.”

“Looking at the teeth is the best method of aging a white-tailed deer,” said Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission Deer and Elk Management Section supervisor. “Antler points and amount of gray on the muzzle are not reliable methods of aging deer.”

In partnership with the Pennsylvania State University Department of Dairy and Animal Science, the Game Commission also posted a deer weight estimating chart in its “White-Tailed Deer” section. To find this chart, go to the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the “White-Tailed Deer” icon in the center of the homepage and select “Deer Weight Chart” in the “Deer Hunting” section.

By knowing the girth of the deer’s chest, which is measured in inches just behind the front legs, the chart will help hunters estimate a deer’s live weight and field dressed weight, as well as the weight of edible boneless meat. For example, a deer with a girth of 35 inches at the chest would have an estimated live weight of 126 pounds, an estimated field-dressed weight of 99 pounds and yield around 57 pounds of edible venison.

The agency also sells a deer weight tape, for 94 cents, which includes markings to enable a hunter to estimate these weights in the field. The tape includes a depiction of where to place the tape around a deer’s chest, as well as measurements that enables a hunter to convert that measurement in inches into estimated live weight, field-dressed weight and edible boneless meat.

To purchase the tape, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “General Store” in the menu bar at the top of the page, then choose “Visit the Outdoor Shop,” choose “Merchandise” from the banner, select “Misc. Items” in the left-hand column and scroll down to click on “Deer Weight Tape.”

Mule Deer Foundation US-89 Paunsaugunt Deer Crossing Project

Mule Deer Foundation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- In early November the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) took decisive steps to protect wildlife, while working across state lines and collaborating with state agencies and other groups.

MDF has ranked the US-89 Paunsaugunt Deer Crossing Project as a top priority for receiving funds from the Arizona Special Big Game License Program for Mule Deer.

MDF has committed funds from this Program – $25,000 per year, for the next four years – to help pay for materials and installation of fencing and wildlife crossings on US-89 between the Arizona border to Kanab, Utah.

The Paunsaugunt deer herd, one of the premier mule deer herds in the Southwest, summers in Utah and winters in northern Arizona on the renowned Arizona Strip deer herd unit. The herd must cross US-89 twice each year during the spring and fall migration, and a significant number of deer are killed by vehicle collisions.

Good solutions for the long stretch of highway seemed impractical. However, a recent review of accident data showed that constructing fencing along an 11.5 mile section would be a major help to reducing accidents.

The goal of the US-89 Paunsaugunt Deer Crossing Project is to provide safe passage for mule deer and improve safety for motorists and wildlife on Highway 89. The plan is to fence the highest accident area, between MP 36.8 to 48.2. The ends of the fencing will tie into existing large bridges at each end, where animals can cross under the highway. Because of the limited distance deer are willing to travel to look for crossing opportunities, four wildlife passages will also be constructed.

MDF President and CEO Miles Moretti commented, “What’s unusual, and also special, about this project is that MDF volunteers and Utah dedicated hunters will help build escape ramps for deer that might still end up on the highway. These efforts will help save more deer, as well as $150,000 in construction costs.”

MDF is partnering on this $2.4 million endeavor with state agencies and other conservation groups. The Utah Dept. of Transportation has allotted Enhancement Funding dollars from both federal and state funds. Additional monies include up to $50,000 from Utah’s Conservation Permit Program and $15,000 per year for the first two years through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Big Game Donation funds.

Ground work should begin on the US-89 Paunsaugunt Deer Crossing Project next year. Contact: Marty Holmes Tel.: 719-221-0732 E-mail: marty@muledeer.org

About MDF:
The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. --(Ammoland.com)- The state Game, Fish and Parks Department has documented a few white-tailed deer found dead across South Dakota, and early reports point to epizootic hemorrhagic disease or EHD, which commonly affects white-tailed deer in the fall.

“This is the time of year when we receive these reports, and it is hard to tell the extent of the impact at this time,” said Steve Griffin, a GFP wildlife biologist. “The virus is carried by a biting midge, which can remain prevalent until a hard freeze kills the midges.”

Department staff are collecting samples from some of the dead deer, and the samples are being sent to the diagnostics lab at South Dakota State University, Griffin said.

GFP is currently assessing the status of EHD in the South Dakota deer herd, he said.

“We have confirmed the disease in central South Dakota, and the symptoms that our local conservation officers and field staff are describing sound much like EHD,” Griffin said. “Although the extent of the disease is unknown at this time, it appears that the primary counties affected are Sully, Hughes, Stanley, Jones, Lyman, and Tripp. With the hard freezes last week, the disease vector was likely eliminated. However, we may still see deer dying that were infected prior to the frost.”

The virus that causes EHD gives deer a high fever, and they will appear to be in a daze. If the disease hits them hard, they can die in 1-3 days. The dead deer are often found near low-lying areas or in areas where they can cool off in a river or pond. They are usually too weak to leave those wet areas, and die there.

EHD outbreaks can be locally severe, but rarely affect more than 25 percent of a deer population. In rare cases, up to 50 percent of deer may be stricken.

Those who see deer that appear dazed, or find a number of dead deer, are asked to contact local conservation officers or call the Pierre GFP office at 605-773-3718.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The Humane Society of the United States is pushing yet another deer contraceptive program in a national park that will cost U.S. taxpayers more than $170,000.

The plan is being pushed by three U.S. Representatives.

The misinformed trio recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar requesting that the National Park Service (NPS) consider a contraception project to control deer populations in Rock Creek Park. Ironically, the HSUS touts this as a pilot project, offers to cover only half the expense, and then claims great successes in other deer and horse contraceptive programs.

How can it be a pilot test program if they claim to have done it before? And just how “humane” is this type of program?

The contraception delivery requires one-shot from a special firearm that could harm the animal and definitely punches a hole in the target animal’s skin. That open wound could be a source for infestation or result in the development of maggots living in the animal after flies lay eggs at the site. Not good.

The NPS supports an alternative plan that uses archers to remove the surplus deer, bring the herd under control for FREE, and save many tax dollars. NPS information indicates that there are approximately 200 whitetail deer in the park and the only thing currently controlling their deer population is cars. The park covers approximately 1,700 acres.

HSUS has offered to only pay half of the $340,000-plus estimated expense that the project will cost.

“What really strikes us as calculating is that this 100-million-dollar-a-year-fundraising behemoth is only willing to pay a portion of the bill and put the rest on you and I,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO.

“Especially since hunters are willing to effectively take care of the problem and pay for the right to help.”

In this time of budget cuts and economic woes, the NPS has a chance to earn funds by charging a bowhunting permit and letting hunters do what they do best—control overpopulated deer herds.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- The fawning season for white-tailed deer in Delaware has begun, with most fawns born during the last week of May through the first week of June.

With the season’s onset come the inevitable calls to DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife about “abandoned” fawns, and how “doing the right thing” means “saving” these newborns by bringing them home or to a wildlife rehabilitator.

Actually that’s the wrong thing to do and the wrong approach to take with your concern, according to DNREC wildlife biologist Joe Rogerson: “There are a number of things people who remove fawns from the field may not realize,” he said. “First and foremost, the fawn hasn’t been ‘abandoned’ at all.

“Newborn fawns need to feed every few hours so the mother never strays far. So even if a fawn appears to be alone, the doe is likely bedded close by,” Rogerson said. “Fawns don’t become active enough to start traveling with their mothers until they are about two months old, so the survival instinct of a newborn fawn is to stay very still and ‘hide’ from predators.”

Furthermore, research has shown that many fawns cared for by people have a greatly decreased chance of survival once they are released back into the wild, compared to their counterparts raised by their mothers. Fawns raised in the wild are able to learn survival instincts from their mothers that people simply cannot teach them.

Not only is removing a fawn from its hiding place not in the animal’s best interest, it is also illegal for an individual in Delaware to possess a live white-tailed deer. If found guilty, such an offense is punishable by a fine not less than $250, nor more than $1,000, plus the costs of prosecution and court costs; the person may also be fined and imprisoned for up to 30 days. In addition, any deer held illegally in captivity will be removed by the Division.

“The bottom line is, if you really care about the fawn and its well-being, please leave the animal alone. Its mother will return and the animal will have a far greater chance at survival than if you take it home,” Rogerson added.

For more information about fawns or Delaware’s white-tailed deer, please contact Joe Rogerson, DNREC Wildlife Section, at 302-735-3600.

Game Management Solutions

WACO, Texas --(Ammoland.com)- As the No. 1 game management software in the deer and wildlife industry, GMS is proud to announce its new partnership with Dr. Deer Inc. for the deer industry’s first automated deer management consulting service.

The all-new Dr. Deer Management System gives property owners, hunt clubs and individual sportsmen access to exclusive information about raising deer and managing wildlife on their land from Dr. James C. Kroll, renowned author, instructor and expert on whitetail deer.

After years of working closely with landowners and committing countless resources, GMS has created this new one-of-a-kind tool that helps hunters and land owners keep accurate records on their hunting properties. With a click of a mouse, a hunter or land manager can have Dr. Kroll (aka Dr. Deer) analyze the data and provide professional feedback and consultation within just a few hours. The program provides more than 27 different reports, year-to-year comparisons as well as geographical analysis for property and production quality.

“We’re very excited about this new innovation that opens the door to quality deer management for everyone interested in having healthier and higher quality deer on their property,” says Mike Owens, president of GMS. “In the past, an individual had to hire a consultant, schedule a field visit, spend untold hours collecting data, and then wait for the consultant to ‘get back to them’ with advice. The whole process was expensive and time consuming. However, with the new Dr. Deer Management System, a property owner can collect the data throughout the various seasons and then send the data directly to Dr. Kroll via GMS software.”

The Dr. Deer Management System, designed by GMS, offers three different operating packages. The Dr. Deer Management System Basic provides a license for GMS software and a copy of all the available reports delivered electronically once a year. The Dr. Deer Management System Plus includes the Basic package and includes personal comments by Dr. Kroll on each report. The Dr. Deer Management System Pro package includes all of the benefits of the Plus package and also includes a one-day on-site visit and consultation from Dr. Kroll. For more information and pricing, call GMS at 254.752.1608 or visit www.DrDeer.com.

Widely recognized as the Father of Modern Whitetail Management, Dr. Kroll is director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research and Henry M. Rockwell Chair of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU). He has authored more than 200 technical and popular articles, ten books, and has produced videos for NBC, TNN, and the Outdoor Channel networks, as well as a video management series. Kroll is a regular contributor for 38 magazines, including North American Whitetail, Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunter, and Game & Fish magazines. He is recognized as the authority on intensive whitetail management and economic development of wildlife-recreation enterprises and one of the founding fathers of the Texas Deer Association.

GMS software is considered by most industry experts to be the most user-friendly game management software on the market today. GMS helps hunting operations and land owners manage properties whose focus is on quality deer and game management (including deer farmers/breeders), organize and maintain all of the pertinent information needed to manage a successful ranch. Innovative and comprehensive, the GMS program allows users to begin quality deer management, track all aspects of a hunting property, develop plans to help maximize herd health, quantify herd ratios, compositions and age structures, develop a wildlife management plan, schedule hunts, record information in the field via Pocket PC technology and much more.

To learn more about GMS and the Dr. Deer Management System, call 254.752.1608, email gamesolutions@sbcglobal.net or visit www.wildlifemanagementsoftware.com.

Located in Waco, Texas, GMS offers technology for successful game management and is the No. 1 Game Management Solution in the Deer Industry. For more information on GMS, call 254.752.1608 or visit www.wildlifemanagementsoftware.com.

American Deer & Wildlife Alliance

AUSTIN, Texas --(Ammoland.com)- The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance (ADWA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Dr. Deer Inc., the industry’s leading voice for modern deer management.

ADWA and Dr. James C. Kroll, known nationally as ‘Dr. Deer,’ will work together to promote the deer industry and increase public awareness for issues relating to deer, hunting and wildlife management.

“Dr. Kroll is widely recognized as the Father of Modern Whitetail Management, and it’s a privilege and honor to be working with him to promote the benefits of deer management,” says John Meng, president of the American Deer Association.

“There are many misconceptions today, even among sportsmen, about deer management and the benefits that well-conceived management plans can bring to properties of all sizes. We will work closely with Dr. Kroll to create greater awareness for how hunters and land owners can improve hunting experiences through wildlife management, a practice we know will ultimately increase overall hunting participation.”

The director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research and Henry M. Rockwell Chair of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU), Dr. Kroll has authored more than 300 technical and popular articles, ten books and numerous videos. Over the past three decades, he has appeared on TNN, ESPN, the Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, Wild TV and Pursuit Channel, winning two awards for his Dr. Deer contributions. He appears weekly on North American Whitetail TV, and stars in Winchester presents Dr. Deer. He is recognized as the authority on intensive whitetail management and economic development of wildlife-recreation enterprises and one of the founding fathers of the Texas Deer Association.

Dr. Kroll has also recently introduced his all-new Dr. Deer Management System, the industry’s first automated deer management consulting service. Developed in partnership with GMS, the Dr. Deer Management System helps hunters and land owners keep accurate records on their hunting properties and receive a professional analysis and consultation by Dr. Kroll within just a few hours. The program provides more than 27 different reports, year-to-year comparisons as well as geographical analysis for property and production quality. For more information on the Dr. Deer Management System, visit www.DrDeer.com

The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization working to promote the deer and wildlife industry and to preserve our American outdoor traditions. As a part of its public education efforts, ADWA produces Points Journal, a full-color magazine covering industry news, wildlife management issues, products and services; Spikes Magazine, a quarterly youth publication distributed to summer camps and public libraries across the country; and www.iHuntAmerica.com website, a comprehensive search engine for hunting ranches, game preserves and outfitters. ADWA also sponsors Keith Warren’s Deer & Wildlife Stories, a nationally broadcast television program on the Pursuit Channel, and the Outdoor Patriot (www.OutdoorPatriot.com), a monthly podcast which features commentary and industry guests.

To learn more about the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance or for membership information, visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org or call 877.331.8607.

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.

Rack One Xcellerator Mineral Supplement

Rack one

GRAYLING, Mich. --(Ammoland.com)- After many years of extensive research, development and real-world testing, the results are in, and they’re unanimous.

Whitetail deer absolutely crave the new Xcellerator premium mineral supplement from Rack One’s IGNITE Whitetail Hunting System.

Wherever it’s been used, deer have become completely addicted after as little as one time over an Xcellerator mineral pit. More importantly, hunters and land managers have reported amazing gains in antler growth and overall herd health after using Xcellerator either alone or as part of the IGNITE System.

From the moment sheds hit the ground, deer begin antler growth at the cellular level, and that’s the perfect time to begin providing them with the best mineral product on the market, Xcellerator. Without it, your deer won’t maximize their potential for antler growth—and success in this business is measured in inches.

“After you’ve taken the time to condition your deer and get them healthy following the rut and hard winter, it’s time to start them growing,” said Casey Keefer, co-owner at Rack One.

“Our Grow Phase product, Xcellerator, is a high-quality, powerful mineral product. By utilizing our Grow Phase at the proper time of year, hunters and land managers are further assuring that their herd is healthy.”

Antler growing and fawning seasons run concurrently. This is when whitetails begin grazing on new green foliages, and their bodies are taking in every single vitamin, mineral and nutrient available. Xcellerator’s top-secret irresistible recipe provides all the vital minerals, nutrients and vitamins in scientifically developed proportions to grow deer. Additionally, when used in conjunction with the Condition Phase product, Overload, Xcellerator helps aid does through lactation and fawn rearing.

Xcellerator regulates many different aspects of the inner workings of the deer’s system. While most whitetail deer can find many of the vitamins and nutrients that they need in their natural surroundings, that doesn’t always mean that they can find them in the quantities that their bodies require. Most plants that a deer forages on during the spring and summer months do not contain significant levels of sodium. Sodium is a necessary nutrient in whitetails, as it helps to regulate their blood pressure and the amount of fluid that their body is able to retain during the “dog days” of summer. While they can find sources of sodium in nature, those sources are rarely found in the quantities that whitetails need.

When whitetails set out in search of what they know their bodies need, in this case sodium, they come upon Xcellerator, which boasts a sodium base of approximately 50 percent of the total content. This high concentration of sodium acts as a conduit into which other minerals can be introduced to their systems. Each and every whitetail that spends time devouring an Xcellerator pit to get the sodium that they require is also ingesting a very wide range of other extremely beneficial minerals at the same time.

Most competing mineral supplements on the market are 98 percent salt or more, and they provide deer with no other true mineral supplementation aside from sodium.

“Think of Xcellerator as killing two birds with one stone: you’re giving them the sodium they need while packing their bodies full of other vital vitamins, minerals and nutrients,” said Keefer. “While the higher sodium levels required usually peak in bucks during the late summer and early fall, mineral pits can offer huge advantages to early-season hunters looking to use them as attractants. Most bucks are still in feeding patterns, and the deer have not yet begun to act ‘spooky.’ As they unsuspectingly make their way to their favorite Xcellerator pit, an anxiously awaiting hunter can be there to greet them.”

Now is the time to turn your deer herd on to the amazing rack-growing power and exceptional nutritional value of Xcellerator, the singular product of the IGNITE Grow Phase. The suggested retail price of the 5-pound bag of Xcellerator is $14.99. Buy it online at www.huntrack1.com, or ask for it by name at your local sporting goods store.

About IGNITE

Rack One’s scientifically engineered IGNITE Whitetail Hunting System provides 365 days of complete whitetail nutrition and attraction for your herd. The IGNITE system addresses the evolving needs with a comprehensive line of products that contain tailored levels of nutritional supplements such as protein and fat. This system is comprised of four specific phases—Condition, Grow, Scout, and Hunt. After the rut ends, it’s time to rebuild your herd health in the Condition Phase with Overload, the post-season calorie-consumption feed that helps your bucks recover from the strenuous schedule of fighting, chasing and breeding. As your deer herd stabilizes, the Grow Phase begins with Xcellerator, which is packed with the minerals and nutrients that promote herd health and growth while maximizing antler development among the bucks. When it’s time to set out the trail cams, it’s also time to begin the Scout Phase with the protein and fat-packed Chaos. In Hunt Phase, you’re ready to reign in those deer with Rut Fuel and Acorn Crush, the extremely powerful premium attractants that bring the deer to the foot of your stand and keep them there.

About Rack One
Headquartered in Grayling, Michigan, Rack One LLC is a family-owned and operated company with a combined 60 years of devotion to the hunting industry. Check out all of Rack One’s fine products at your local retailer or online at www.huntrack1.com. For more information, contact: Rack One, 7756 Arcari Trail, Grayling, MI 49738; or e-mail info@huntrack1.com.

Xcellerator Guaranteed Analysis

• Calcium 10% min, 12% max
• Phosphorus 5% min
• Salt 48% min, 52% max
• Magnesium 1.25% min
• Potassium 2.5% min
• Sulfur .5% min
• Copper 375 ppm
• Selenium 8 ppm
• Zinc 1,500 ppm
• Manganese 800 ppm
• Iodine 12 ppm
• Cobalt 3.5 ppm
• Vitamin A 12,500 IU/lb min
• Vitamin D3 3,125 IU/lb min
• Vitamin E 25 IU/lb min

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was not found in samples taken from hunter-killed deer during the state’s 2010 hunting season, according to Dr. Walt Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian.

In 2010, 3,882 samples from hunter-killed deer were tested, and CWD was not detected. This marked the ninth year for testing hunter-killed deer. In total, nearly 30,000 deer have been tested. CWD was not detected in any samples from previous years.

Results showing that the CWD tests of hunter-killed elk from 2010 were all negative were announced on Jan. 5.

“We are pleased to report that Pennsylvania continues to have no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD in wild deer or elk,” Cottrell said. “By conducting these tests from a random sample of hunter-killed deer and on all hunter-killed elk, we continue our efforts to find the disease in wild deer and elk in the state.”

The CWD tests on deer and elk samples were conducted by the New Bolton Center, which is the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Under a contract with Penn State University, the elk samples also were tested for brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis and found to be free of those diseases.

Heads from hunter-killed deer were collected from deer processors by deer aging teams during the two-week rifle deer season. Specific tissues were collected from these heads at Game Commission region offices by agency personnel and Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of agriculture animal health officials.

“The test results are good news,” Cottrell said. “Although CWD has not been found in Pennsylvania, we must continue to be vigilant in our CWD surveillance efforts. The surveillance work we are doing is important for the early detection of CWD. Let’s not forget that CWD has been found less than 10 miles away from our border in Maryland, which is likely to be part of the spread of the disease from West Virginia. There is no reason to expect that it will not eventually come into Pennsylvania.

“We already are planning to continue testing hunter-killed deer and elk during the 2011-12 seasons, and we are pleased that the Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of agriculture will continue to play an important role in this disease surveillance program. However, we will also be increasing our surveillance by sampling road-killed deer adjacent to Maryland and investigating every clinically suspect deer that our time and budget allows.”

For more information on CWD and the state’s CWD-prevention plan, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Wildlife” in the menu bar in the banner at the top of the page, then click on “Wildlife Diseases Home,” and choose “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).” Additional information on CWD can be found on the CWD Alliance’s website (www.cwd-info.org).

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- While no confirmed cases of Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, have been found in Pennsylvania’s wild deer and elk, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials continue to be concerned about not only “when” it arrives here, but also about how fast it could spread once it does reach the Commonwealth.

“In the past two years, confirmed cases of CWD have moved from 20 miles away from our southern border to just 10 miles away from the Mason-Dixon Line,” said Dr. Walter Cottrell, Game Commission wildlife veterinarian. “It no longer is a discussion about ‘if’ we find CWD within our state, but a matter of “when.’

“With that in mind, we are urging Pennsylvanians who engage in practices like supplemental wildlife feeding, placement of salt and the use of urine-based lures to consider voluntarily discontinuing these activities as they are known to increase the risk of introduction and spread of the disease. We also urge hunters who may hunt in Maryland, West Virginia or any other state that has the disease to become familiar with and observe our CWD Parts Ban, which is outlined in the annual hunting digest and on the agency’s website.”

Specifically, Cottrell said that feeding of wildlife, especially deer, along the Maryland/Pennsylvania border from Bedford to York counties should be discontinued or, at least, confined to bird feeding.

“Feeding wildlife, especially deer, causes a higher concentration of the animals in one area,” Cottrell said. “Since the disease can be spread from one animal to another through direct animal-to-animal contact or indirectly from animal-to-animal through a contaminated environment, feeding would make the spread of the disease easier should an infected animal come into a feeding area.

“We recognize that people enjoy viewing wildlife. However, if feeding is something that could contribute to the spread of this disease, we would hope that those who enjoy seeing wildlife will assist us in our efforts to prevent the introduction of CWD and contain it as best we can after it is found within our state’s borders.”

First identified in 1967, CWD is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects cervids, including all species of deer, elk and moose. It is a progressive and always fatal disease of the nervous system. Scientists theorize CWD is caused by an agent called a prion that is capable of transforming normal brain proteins into an abnormal form, in turn causing the death of brain cells.

There currently is no practical way to test live animals for CWD, nor is there a vaccine. Clinical signs include poor posture, lowered head and ears, uncoordinated movement, rough-hair coat, weight loss, increased thirst, excessive drooling, and, ultimately, death. There is currently no scientific evidence that CWD has or can spread to humans, either through contact with infected animals or by eating meat of infected animals. The Center for Disease Control has investigated any connection between CWD and the human forms of TSEs and stated “the risk of infection with the CWD agent among hunters is extremely small, if it exists at all” and “it is extremely unlikely that CWD would be a food-borne hazard.”

Cottrell noted that hunters, especially those who plan to head off to hunt big game in other states and Canadian provinces, can play a role in preventing the unintentional introduction or spread of CWD in Pennsylvania.

“The Game Commission prohibits the importation of specific carcass parts from members of the deer family – including mule deer, elk and moose – from a growing list of states and Canadian provinces,” Cottrell said. He noted that this importation ban applies to hunters heading to: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland (only from CWD containment area), Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York (Oneida and Madison counties), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia (only from CWD containment area), West Virginia (only from the containment area), Wisconsin and Wyoming; as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“Under an executive order, hunters are prohibited from bringing back the certain tissue below from any cervid from these states or provinces, whether the animal was taken from the wild or from a captive, high-fence operation,” Cottrell said.

The specific carcass parts that cannot be brought back to Pennsylvania by hunters are the ones where the CWD prions (the causative agent) concentrate in cervids, and they are: the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and any lymph nodes); spinal cord/backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft tissue is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord tissue; unfinished taxidermy mounts; and brain-tanned hides.

Cottrell noted that the prohibition does not limit the importation of: meat, without the backbone; cleaned skull plate with attached antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; tanned hide or raw hide with no visible brain or spinal cord tissue present; cape, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft tissue is present; and finished taxidermy mounts.

Pennsylvania hunters heading to a state with a history of CWD should become familiar with that state’s wildlife regulations and guidelines for the transportation of harvested game animals.

Wildlife officials have suggested hunters in areas where CWD is known to exist follow these usual recommendations to prevent the possible spread of disease:

• Do not shoot, handle or consume any animal that appears sick; contact the state wildlife agency if you see or harvest an animal that appears sick.
• Wear rubber or latex gloves when field-dressing carcasses.
• Bone out the meat from your animal.
• Minimize the handling of brain and spinal tissues.
• Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field-dressing is completed.
• Request that your animal is processed individually, without meat from other animals being added to meat from your animal, or process your own meat if you have the tools and ability to do so.
• Have your animal processed in the endemic area of the state where it was harvested, so that high-risk body parts can be properly disposed of there. Only bring permitted materials back to Pennsylvania.
• Don’t consume the brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils or lymph nodes of harvested animals. (Normal field-dressing, coupled with boning out a carcass, will remove most, if not all, of these body parts. Cutting away all fatty tissue will help remove remaining lymph nodes.)
• Consider not consuming the meat from any animal that tests positive for the disease.

Cottrell urged hunters who harvest a deer, elk or moose in a state or province where CWD is known to exist should follow that state’s wildlife agency’s instructions on how and where to submit the appropriate samples to have their animal tested. If, after returning to Pennsylvania, a hunter is notified that his or her game tested positive for CWD, the hunter is encouraged to immediately contact the Game Commission for disposal recommendations and assistance.

In 2005, Pennsylvania CWD task force members completed the state’s response plan, which outlines ways to prevent CWD from entering our borders and, in the event CWD is found in Pennsylvania, how to detect it and contain it. The task force was comprised of representatives from several state and federal agencies, including the Game Commission, the state departments of Agriculture, Health and Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as representatives from stakeholder groups including hunters, deer farmers, deer processors and taxidermists. The plan is updated annually, and the current plan can be viewed on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by putting your cursor on “Wildlife” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then put your cursor on “Wildlife Diseases” from the drop-down menu, and then clicking on “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).” This page also includes links to tips for taxidermists and meat processors, as well as the CWD Alliance’s website (www.cwd-info.org).

Information on CWD also was published on pages 49 and 52 of the 2010-11 Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest, which is presented to each license buyer. The agency plans to include this and new information about CWD in the 2011-12 digest, which will be available in mid-June.

Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

AUGUSTA, Maine --(Ammoland.com)- The arrival of spring means deer are on the move along roadways. MaineDOT and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are urging drivers to heed posted warning signs and slow down, particularly in areas where historically a high number of deer-vehicle collisions have occurred.

As snow slowly disappears this spring, areas along the sides of roads are generally one of the first areas to green up with vegetation. Deer, who have been feeding on poor quality food throughout much of the winter, flock to roadsides where they can feast on tender, green plants. As deer disperse from areas where they have wintered, motorists will often see deer feeding along the sides of roads. Often these areas are along the sides of major highways or high speed routes.

Drivers Urged to Heed New Roadside Warning Signs and Watch Out for Deer

Recognizing the need to protect both motorists and deer, MaineDOT and MDIF&W have identified several seasonal areas where there are a high number of deer crashes and have installed unique signs that alert motorists to deer during this peak season. These signs are generally specific to a 1-mile or less stretch of road with very high collision rates. It is extremely important that motorists watch for these signs and slow down.

“It’s a scenario we don’t like to see happen – a car hitting a deer, injuring the driver and the animal,” said MDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt. “Unfortunately, it does happen too often. Please, heed the roadside warning signs and be alert for deer that may want to cross in your path. Save your life, and that of the deer.”

These “Caution — High Hit Area” signs feature a silhouette of a deer, and are a bright, reflective orange and yellow. These signs are foldable signs, and they are only opened and displayed during this time of year, when deer collisions are frequent. As deer disperse away from the roads, these signs will be folded up by MDIF&W personnel so drivers do not become accustomed to them. Next year, they will be unfolded as deer start to move.

These signs were recently installed at a high deer crash area along I-95 in Sherman. That particular stretch of highway is located alongside a deer wintering area, and crosses a traditional travel corridor used heavily by deer.

“As we work to reduce mortality factors on deer and rebuild Maine’s deer population, alerting motorists to these high-hit areas is critical,” said MDIF&W Commissioner Chandler Woodcock. “By slowing down and using extra caution in these limited-but-distinct sites, drivers have an opportunity to save a deer.”

Over the past two years, these orange-and-yellow signs have been installed at the following locations where there has been a history of deer/vehicle crashes during this time of year: Route 9-Amherst, Route 9-Wesley, Route 193-Cherryfield, Route 191- Jacksonville, Route 1-Edmunds, Route 1 in East Machias, Route 2-Oakfield, Route 212-Smyrna Mills and Route 1-Monticello.

Motorists who see these new signs should be aware that deer are likely in the area, and should drive accordingly. Remember, these signs are only erected during high risk periods for a specific section of road.

Over the past 10 years, Maine has averaged over 3,000 deer-vehicle crashes each year. Drivers should take care this time of year, and be on the lookout for all wildlife on the sides of the road. Motorists should reduce their speed when it is dark, use high beams where appropriate, and always wear their seatbelt.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS --(Ammoland.com)- The number of positive cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD in Kansas appears to be stable for now. On March 2, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) announced that 10 deer from northwestern Kansas had tested positive for chronic wasting disease, the same number as last year although two of those deer were found in counties farther east than any previous confirmations.

These were animals taken by hunters in the 2010 hunting seasons.

Six confirmed cases of CWD deer were taken by hunters in Decatur County and one each from Graham, Norton, Sherman, and Smith counties. The Norton, Sherman, and Smith cases were firsts for those counties. The cases included nine white-tailed and one mule deer. This season’s testing results brings the total number of confirmed CWD cases in Kansas to 40 since testing began in 1996. In total, 2,503 animals were tested for CWD for the 2010 deer seasons. Although most testing is finished for the year, KDWP will continue testing some vehicle-killed and sick or suspect-looking deer, as well as deer taken with depredation permits, through July 31. If U.S. Department of Agriculture funding is available, and new surveillance period will begin Aug. 1.

Annual testing is part of ongoing effort by KDWP to monitor the prevalence and spread of CWD. The fatal disease was first detected in a wild deer taken in Cheyenne County in 2005. Three infected deer were taken in Decatur County in 2007 and 10 tested positive in 2008, all in northwest Kansas.

CWD is a member of the group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other diseases in this group include scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or Mad Cow Disease) in cattle, and Cruetzfeldt-Jacob disease in people. CWD is a progressive, fatal disease that results in small holes developing in the brain, giving it a sponge-like appearance under the microscope. An animal may carry the disease without outward indication (only two of the 40 positive animals showed symptoms) but in the later stages, signs may include behavioral changes such as decreased interactions with other animals, listlessness, lowering of the head, weight loss, repetitive walking in set patterns, and a lack of response to humans. Anyone who discovers a sick or suspect deer should contact the nearest KDWP office.

“It must be noted that many symptoms of CWD are indicative of other diseases,” says KDWP wildlife disease coordinator Shane Hesting. “Thus, a sick deer may or may not be infected with CWD. CWD is a serious deer disease but is still a rare disease in Kansas. There is no vaccine or other biological method that prevents the spread of CWD. However, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans or livestock in the natural environment.”

Still, precautions should be taken. Hunters are advised not to eat meat from animals known to be infected, and common sense precautions are advised when field dressing and processing meat from animals taken in areas where CWD is found. More information on CWD can be found on KDWP’s website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us or at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website, www.cwd-info.org.

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources will request permission from the Natural Resources Board to purchase a CWD-infected Portage County farm known as the Hall Farm to protect wild deer in the area from chronic wasting disease.

The board meets March 23 in Madison. Citizens interested in testifying before the board on this matter must register with the Natural Resources Board Liaison, Laurie Ross, (608) 267-7420 Laurie.Ross@wisconsin.gov by 4:00 p.m. Friday Mar. 18.

Stan Hall operated but was not the owner of the farm. He operated the property as a whitetail deer farm until 2006 at which time it was closed down due to an outbreak of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Chronic wasting disease was first found in a deer harvested from the farm in 2002. Discovery of additional CWD positive deer followed. In 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture depopulated the farm’s deer herd in an agreement reached with the owner. At the time of depopulation, 60 of 76 animals euthanized tested positive for the fatal disease. In all, 80 CWD-positive animals were removed from the farm.

“To our knowledge this was the most heavily infected herd found anywhere in North America with 80% of the animals infected,” said Kurt Thiede, land administrator for DNR. “Science tells us CWD prions can survive for years in the soil and that healthy deer can become infected by contacting those prions. We believe that there is an unacceptable potential risk of wild deer being exposed to CWD-causing prions should the current fencing be damaged or removed. Purchasing this property is the best assurance we can give that deer-proof fences are maintained and the wild herd protected.”

The department’s recently adopted Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan 2010-2025 sets a goal to “minimize the area of Wisconsin where CWD occurs and the number of infected deer in the state.”

Since 2002, 1,200 Portage County wild deer have been tested for CWD with no positives.

With the current management agreement between the owner and the USDA due to expire in May 2011, DNR wildlife officials feel the only way the public can be assured the fences will be maintained is by purchasing the property. Stewardship funds will be used to purchase the property from Patricia Casey for $465,000. The department intends to allow access to the property for research purposes only.

Nature based outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, trapping, cross country skiing and hiking would be prohibited as part of the purchase approval. The primary purpose for this purchase is to create a permanent enclosure so that no wild deer may enter the property by any means and to ensure that no soil or sediments are removed from the property and transported to other locations unless authorized by the department, according to DNR officials. Additionally, DNR hopes to use the property to conduct research.

The department has determined that it is necessary to prohibit all public access to this site to accommodate the primary purpose. The authority to use this property as a place to conduct research and wildlife management is granted to the Department generally in s. 23.09 (2) Stats., and more specifically in s. 23.09 (2) (d) (15) and s. 23.09 (2) (k) Stats.

Full details on this action are available online at the DNR webpage, dnr.wi.gov. Select Natural Resources Board followed by Meeting Agendas and Materials

Written comments regarding this proposal and requests for additional information may be submitted to the attention of Richard Steffes, Bureau of Facilities and Lands, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI 53707-7921. Ph (608) 266-0201. Comments will be received through March 30, 2011.

“Wisconsin’s whitetailed deer herd is one of our state’s most valuable natural resources providing recreational and economic value and is a foundation of family traditions,” said Thiede. “Sportsmen and women rely on us to protect the wild herd. We feel this action is necessary to do that.”

Mineral Mizer

Gainesville, GA --(Ammoland.com)- Every serious hunter wants to see one thing year after year…bigger and better deer.

You may have the greenest food plot in the state and the best attractants on the market, but if that’s all you’ve got you are missing a key player when it comes to your deer herd development.

Studies show that dietary supplements give Mother Nature a much needed helping hand.

Application of these essentials has never been easier.

This year experience HUGE results from the MINERAL MIZER BAG. It’s true what they say… good things really do come in small packages.

Mineral Mizer Bag

The new Mineral Mizer Bag keeps it simple… just Hang it, Wet it and Forget it for a FULL YEAR! From fawn development to post rut recovery to antler development, the Mineral Mizer Bag has your deer herd covered. Activated by moisture, the bag releases fresh minerals on the ground, providing a constant supply of nutrients to deer and other game winter, spring, summer and fall.

This porous, UV-resistant, strong geotextile bag is easily refillable and can withstand years of abuse without showing signs of wear or corrosion. The bag works over any soil and is hog-proof, so it can’t be rooted or rolled away like mineral blocks.

Elevate your minerals for better value and better results. The Mineral Mizer Bag makes any dry granular mineral last longer than conventional pour-and-stir methods by producing a controlled, constant drip that continually refreshes the ground lick from above.

Deer find this mineral lick, as well as the built-in lick at the base of the bag, irresistible and will continue to return for more.

The Mineral Mizer Bag is available either pre-filled with one of Mineral Mizer’s species-specific mixes or empty, ready to use with whichever dry, granular mix you prefer.

The Mineral Mizer Bag…last longer, grows em’ stronger.

For more information visit our website at www.mineralmizerbag.com.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission today reported that hunters harvested an estimated 316,240 deer in the state’s 2010-11 seasons, which is an increase of two percent from the previous seasons’ harvest of 308,920.

Hunters took 122,930 antlered deer in the 2010-11 seasons, an increase of 13 percent from the previous license year’s harvest of 108,330. Also, hunters harvested 193,310 antlerless deer in 2010-11, which is a decrease of four percent from the 200,590 antlerless deer taken in 2009-10.

“The 2010-11 antlered deer harvest of 122,930 is slightly above average based on when the Game Commission began to stabilize deer population trends in most of the state in 2005,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Antlered deer harvests increased by 20 percent or more in Wildlife Management Units 2C, 2F, 2G, 3D, 4C, 4D and 5C. In fact, in WMUs 2C and 2G, the antlered harvest increased by 31 percent.”

Roe noted that the decrease in the antlerless harvest reflects the reduction in the number of antlerless deer licenses allocated for the 2010-11 seasons, as well as the shortened antlerless deer hunting opportunities in eight Wildlife Management Units. Those WMUs were: 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E.

“Given the reduced allocations and shortened antlerless deer seasons, a lower antlerless harvest was expected,” Roe said. “Despite the reduced antlerless deer harvests, antlerless deer hunter success rates remained near 25 percent. This is on average with harvest success rates for the last five years.”

Bureau of Wildlife Management personnel currently are working to develop 2011 antlerless deer license allocation recommendations for the April meeting of the Board of Game Commissioners. Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director, said that in addition to harvest data, the staff will be looking at population trends, deer reproduction, forest regeneration, and deer-human conflicts for each WMU.

Harvest estimates for 2010-11 seasons are based on 111,630 usable harvest report cards (46,680 antlered; 64,950 antlerless) returned by hunters to the Commission, which included 62,684 reported by mail and 48,946 reported by the new online harvest reporting system. Reporting rates are determined by cross-referencing these report cards with the data collected from the 23,606 deer (8,461 antlered; 15,145 antlerless) examined by Game Commission personnel in the field and at processors.

DuBrock noted that reporting rates varied widely. For antlered deer, the average reporting rate was 38 percent (from a low of 31 percent to a high of 47 percent). For antlerless deer, the average reporting rate was 34 percent (from a low of 26 percent to a high of 46 percent).

For a full explanation of harvest estimating procedures, including example calculations, see pages 55 to 59 in the 2009-2018 Deer Management Plan. The plan is available on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on the “White-Tailed Deer” icon in the center of the homepage and scrolling down to the “Deer Management” listing. All of the data used to estimate this year’s deer harvests are included in the two tables at the end of this news release. Previous year’s data sets also are available in deer program annual reports on the Game Commission’s website.

“These data and the explanation and examples found in the deer plan provide the public with the opportunity to see exactly how deer harvests are estimated,” DuBrock said.

Also on the “White-Tailed Deer” page, in the “Research and Publications” section, is a document titled “Reporting rate variability and precision of white-tailed deer harvest estimates in Pennsylvania,” which appeared in the Journal of Wildlife Management in 2004, a peer-reviewed scientific publication.

Yearling bucks comprised 48 percent of the 2010-11 antlered harvest, and 2.5-year-old or older bucks comprised 52 percent. This year’s harvest marks the highest percentage of 2.5-year-old or older bucks in the last 30 years. Since 2003, the percent of yearling bucks in the annual harvest has varied between 49 and 56 percent. Button bucks represented 23 percent of the antlerless harvest, which is similar to the long-term averages.

The 2010-11 hunting seasons marked the second time crossbows were legal in statewide archery deer seasons for all hunters. In those 19 WMUs outside of the three urban areas, the archery harvest increased 13 percent. The proportion of the archery harvest taken by crossbows in the 19 WMUs increased from 30 percent to 34 percent. Crossbows have been legal in urban WMUs of 2B, 5C, and 5D since 2004.

Total deer harvest estimates by WMU for 2010-11 (with 2009-10 figures in parentheses) are as follows:

• WMU 1A: 5,900 (5,500) antlered, 11,900 (10,700) antlerless;
• WMU 1B: 5,500 (5,100) antlered, 9,200 (9,500) antlerless;
• WMU 2A: 5,800 (6,800) antlered, 13,500 (13,900) antlerless;
• WMU 2B: 4,000 (4,300) antlered, 13,000 (20,000) antlerless;
• WMU 2C: 8,500 (6,500) antlered, 9,600 (10,900) antlerless;
• WMU 2D: 11,500 (10,000) antlered, 18,000 (16,000) antlerless;
• WMU 2E: 4,200 (3,700) antlered 6,000 (5,300) antlerless;
• WMU 2F: 6,400 (5,200) antlered, 5,700 (6,600) antlerless;
• WMU 2G: 6,800 (5,200) antlered, 3,600 (4,200) antlerless;
• WMU 3A: 3,800 (3,300) antlered, 6,500 (6,000) antlerless;
• WMU 3B: 5,400 (4,900) antlered, 7,600 (9,100) antlerless;
• WMU 3C: 6,200 (6,200) antlered, 8,300 (7,100) antlerless;
• WMU 3D: 3,900 (3,100) antlered, 5,500 (6,300) antlerless;
• WMU 4A: 3,800 (3,700) antlered, 6,400 (7,400) antlerless;
• WMU 4B: 4,500 (4,000) antlered, 5,100 (4,100) antlerless;
• WMU 4C: 5,700 (4,700) antlered, 8,400 (7,200) antlerless;
• WMU 4D: 6,300 (5,000) antlered, 5,500 (7,200) antlerless;
• WMU 4E: 4,800 (4,100) antlered, 5,900 (6,300) antlerless;
• WMU 5A: 2,400 (2,200) antlered, 3,400 (4,200) antlerless;
• WMU 5B: 6,900 (6,000) antlered, 12,500 (11,300) antlerless;
• WMU 5C: 9,400 (7,600) antlered, 24,000 (23,200) antlerless;
• WMU 5D: 1,100 (1,100) antlered, 3,700 (3,900) antlerless; and
• Unknown WMU: 130 (130) antlered, 10 (190) antlerless.

Season-specific deer harvest estimates – such as archery and muzzleloader and rifle – by WMU for 2010-11 also can be calculated using harvest data from processors and report cards.

“Although we do not use season-specific harvest data for management purposes, we recognize the public is interested in these harvest estimates,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “For that reason only, we provide estimated deer harvest breakdowns for firearms, archery and muzzleloader seasons, but we only use total deer harvest estimates when making recommendations for each WMU.”

Season-specific deer harvest estimates are as follows:

• WMU 1A: firearms, 3,400 antlered, 8,700 antlerless; archery, 2,440 antlered, 1,870 antlerless; and muzzleloader, 60 antlered, 1,330 antlerless;
• WMU 1B: firearms, 3,600 antlered, 7,300 antlerless; archery, 1,870 antlered, 1,040 antlerless; muzzleloader, 30 antlered, 860 antlerless;
• WMU 2A: firearms, 4,000 antlered, 10,400 antlerless; archery, 1,740 antlered, 1,650 antlerless; muzzleloader, 60 antlered, 1,450 antlerless;
• WMU 2B: firearms, 1,500 antlered, 7,100 antlerless; archery, 2,480 antlered, 5,040 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 860 antlerless;
• WMU 2C: firearms, 5,900 antlered, 7,100 antlerless; archery, 2,500 antlered, 1,310 antlerless; muzzleloader, 100 antlered, 1,190 antlerless;
• WMU 2D: firearms, 7,600 antlered, 7,100 antlerless; archery, 3,790 antlered, 1,830 antlerless; muzzleloader, 110 antlered, 2,170 antlerless;
• WMU 2E: firearms, 3,100 antlered, 4,500 antlerless; archery, 1,070 antlered, 670 antlerless; muzzleloader, 30 antlered, 830 antlerless;
• WMU 2F: firearms, 4,900 antlered, 4,800 antlerless; archery, 1,440 antlered, 340 antlerless; muzzleloader, 60 antlered, 560 antlerless;
• WMU 2G: firearms, 5,600 antlered, 2,500 antlerless; archery, 1,140 antlered, 350 antlerless; muzzleloader, 60 antlered, 750 antlerless;
• WMU 3A: firearms, 3,000 antlered, 5,000 antlerless; archery, 790 antlered, 740 antlerless; muzzleloader, 10 antlered, 760 antlerless;
• WMU 3B: firearms, 4,100 antlered, 5,500 antlerless; archery, 1,250 antlered, 960 antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 antlered, 1,140 antlerless;
• WMU 3C: firearms, 5,000 antlered, 6,000 antlerless; archery, 1,180 antlered, 990 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 1,310 antlerless;
• WMU 3D: firearms, 2,700 antlered, 3,900 antlerless; archery, 1,150 antlered, 880 antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 antlered, 720 antlerless;
• WMU 4A: firearms, 3,200 antlered, 5,100 antlerless; archery, 570 antlered, 550 antlerless; muzzleloader, 30 antlered, 750 antlerless;
• WMU 4B: firearms, 3,100 antlered, 3,500 antlerless; archery, 1,360 antlered, 810 antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 antlered, 790 antlerless;
• WMU 4C: firearms, 3,700 antlered, 6,000 antlerless; archery, 1,930 antlered, 1,340 antlerless; muzzleloader, 70 antlered, 1,060 antlerless;
• WMU 4D: firearms, 4,900 antlered, 3,800 antlerless; archery, 1,340 antlered, 910 antlerless; muzzleloader, 60 antlered, 790 antlerless;
• WMU 4E: firearms, 3,400 antlered, 3,900 antlerless; archery, 1,350 antlered, 1,070 antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 antlered, 930 antlerless;
• WMU 5A: firearms, 1,700 antlered, 2,300 antlerless; archery, 680 antlered, 600 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 500 antlerless;
• WMU 5B: firearms, 3,600 antlered, 7,600 antlerless; archery, 3,230 antlered, 3,450 antlerless; muzzleloader, 70 antlered, 1,450 antlerless;
• WMU 5C: firearms, 3,900 antlered, 13,300 antlerless; archery, 5,360 antlered, 8,910 antlerless; muzzleloader, 140 antlered, 1,790 antlerless; and
• WMU 5D: firearms, 300 antlered, 1,300 antlerless; archery, 790 antlered, 2,260 antlerless; muzzleloader, 10 antlered, 140 antlerless.

Following are two tables that provide the data used to estimate antlered and antlerless deer harvests for each WMU.

Antlered

Antlerless

RealTree

ST. LOUIS, Mo. --(Ammoland.com)- Realtree has partnered with Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, the leading animal nutrition company in the U.S., to both implement Purina’s wildlife program at Realtree Farms and the southern Georgia area and to take part in their grassroots wildlife educational campaign called the Purina Wildlife Series.

Purina’s wildlife management program is focusing on growing the biggest deer possible at Realtree Farms, utilizing current research-based nutrition technology and conducting ongoing research to assure the long-term improvement in not only deer antler growth, but also in herd health and reproduction.

The goal is to use various wildlife management tools and superior supplemental nutrition to produce bucks on Realtree Farms that rival those produced anywhere in the United States.

“Purina is proud to partner with Realtree to improve the quality of wildlife on Realtree Farms,” says Scott Hohensee, wildlife specialist with Purina. “We look forward to working closely with the Realtree team to raise some monster whitetails on their property in South Georgia.”

Purina Deer Chow

Realtree has also recently become a sponsor of the Purina Wildlife Series, which is a grassroots wildlife educational program hosted by various Purina Dealers across Texas and the Southeast. This free community event provides educational seminars for wildlife enthusiasts and novices in rural parts of the country. The Purina Wildlife Series sponsors include leading wildlife industry brands and professional wildlife biologist to provide the latest trends in wildlife management and nutrition. Community events will kick off in July and run through the end of the year. Check out www.antlermax.com for the schedule and latest information regarding these educational events.

“Purina will no doubt bring out Realtree Farms’ full potential,” says Bill Jordan, founder and CEO of Realtree. “Not only are we excited to watch our deer herd flourish under their AntlerMax Deer Chow feeding program, but we’re also happy to play a role in their efforts to educate the community about wildlife nutrition and management.”

The companies continue their relationship through Purina AntlerMax’s 1st and 2nd quarter sponsorship of Realtree Outdoors. Purina’s QuickDraw Attractants are a sponsor of Realtree Roadtrips for the 3rd and 4th quarters.

For more information about Purina, check out www.wildlife.purinamills.com.

About Realtree
Realtree (Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, LTD; www.realtree.com) is the world’s leading camouflage designer, marketer, and licensor with over 1,500 licensees utilizing the Realtree camouflage brand. Thousands of outdoor and lifestyle products are available in Realtree camouflage patterns. In addition, Realtree is committed to supporting individuals and groups that work to ensure our outdoor heritage, the conservation of natural places and the wildlife that resides there. In fact, Realtree is one of the nation’s leading contributors to conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and others. Realtree promotes its products and relationships widely on Outdoor Channel and other television networks, as well as through Realtree.com and many other outlets. For more information, check out www.realtree.com.

About Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC
Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC (www.landolakesinc.com) is a national organization serving producers and their families through 4,700 local cooperatives and independent dealerships throughout the United States. The company, in combination with its wholly owned subsidiary Purina Mills, LLC, is North America’s leading feed company, providing producers, cooperatives and dealers with an extensive line of animal feed, ingredients and services designed to help agricultural producers, dealers and cooperatives compete in the global marketplace.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department reports no detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in any of the 1,417 testable samples from hunter-harvested or road-killed deer and elk during Arizona’s 2010-11 hunting season.

Game and Fish has tested nearly 16,000 deer and elk samples since beginning its surveillance program in 1998.

To date, none have tested positive for the disease.

Although CWD has not yet been found in Arizona, it is present in the three neighboring states of Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

“We remain steadfast in our sampling efforts in high-risk areas, nearly tripling the number of tested samples compared to last year in Game Management Units 1, 27 and unit 28 (areas bordering Utah and New Mexico),” said Anne Justice-Allen, DVM, wildlife health specialist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Another improvement to the program is easy access to test results. A web-based online system at www.azgfd.gov/cwd allows you to enter your name, phone number, permit and hunt number to obtain results, rather than waiting for a mailed post card with those results.

“The online system is a great improvement to get individual test results out as quickly as possible,” said Justice-Allen. “This monitoring program is made possible by Arizona’s hunters, meat processors, and taxidermists who continue to provide the samples we need and we hope this new tool will make the process easier for them too.”

Each year, hunters who are successful in the Game Management Units bordering Utah and New Mexico, particularly Units 1, 12B, 27, and 28, are encouraged to submit heads for sampling because these units are closest to CWD positive areas. Arizona deer and elk from these areas have the greatest potential to have contact with an infected animal from these neighboring states.

While it is only mandatory to bring animals harvested from Units 12A East and 12A West to the Kaibab check station, hunters may also bring animals harvested from other units to the check station for CWD sampling during the regular hours of operation.

About CWD
CWD is a neurodegenerative wildlife disease that is fatal to cervids, which include deer, elk, and moose. Symptoms include loss of body weight or emaciation, excessive salivation, increased drinking and urination, stumbling, trembling, and behavioral changes such as listlessness, lowering of the head, and walking in circles or repetitive patterns.

No evidence has been found to indicate that CWD will cause disease in humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

CWD was first identified in captive deer in Colorado in 1967 and has since spread to both captive and wild cervids in 18 states and two Canadian provinces. It is a naturally occurring prion disease belonging to a group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Other TSEs are Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in domestic cattle and Scrapie in sheep and goats.

The department has had rules in place since 2002, which designate cervids as restricted wildlife and ban the importation of cervids in order to protect against the introduction of CWD to free-ranging or captive wildlife in the state (for details see R12-4-406 and R-4-430). Additionally, Game and Fish has a CWD Prevention, Detection, Response, and Management Plan that provides a logical process to manage issues related to CWD in Arizona.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will continue to work in close coordination with other state and federal agencies to monitor for CWD.

For more information on CWD, visit these website resources:

* Arizona Game and Fish Department’s CWD program at www.azgfd.gov/cwd
* Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance at www.cwd-info.org
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cwd

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- One change was proposed to the deer hunting regulations for 2011-12, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. The proposed change is to move Fayette County from Deer Zone B to Zone A.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone A is two. Prior to November 28, hunters may take up to two deer in Zone A, one of which may be on a $15 antlerless deer permit. Beginning November 28, hunters may take only one deer in Zone A and antlerless permits may not be used.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone B is four. Prior to November 28, hunters may take up to four deer in Zone B, two of which may be on $15 antlerless deer permits. Beginning November 28, hunters may take only two deer in Zone B and antlerless permits may not be used.

The maximum number of deer that a hunter may take in Deer Zone C is six. Prior to December 5, hunters may take up to six deer in Zone C, three of which may be on $15 antlerless deer permits. Beginning December 5, hunters may take only three deer in Zone C and antlerless permits may not be used.

Those hunting in urban zones and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts would again have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer would not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit.

Either a $15 antlerless deer permit or $24 deer permit and a valid hunting license are required to hunt deer in Ohio. A hunter may take only one buck in Ohio, regardless of zone, hunting method or season.

Seasons and Dates

• Archery season – September 24 through February 5, 2012
• Special area muzzleloader hunts – October 17-22
• Youth deer-gun season – November 19-20
• Statewide deer-gun season – November 28 through December 4 and December 17-18
• Statewide muzzleloader season – January 7-10, 2012

During the 2010-2011 season, which concluded February 6, it is estimated that hunters harvested a total of about 237,000 deer. Approximately 475,000 people hunted white-tailed deer in Ohio this year.

Open houses will be held on Saturday, March 5 in each of the state’s five wildlife districts to provide the public an opportunity to view and discuss proposed hunting and trapping regulations with state wildlife officials. For directions to the open houses, please call 1-800-WILDLIFE or visit wildohio.com .

A statewide hearing on all the proposed rules will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 10 at the Division of Wildlife’s District One office, located at 1500 Dublin Road in Columbus. After considering public input, the Ohio Wildlife Council will vote on the proposed rules and season dates during its April 6 meeting.

Proposed Deer Hunting Zones – (For the 2011-11 Season: One county proposed to move from Deer Zone B to Zone A; bolded)

• Zone A – The zone includes 14 counties: Allen, Auglaize, Darke, Erie, Fayette, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Ottawa, Preble, Putnam, Sandusky, Shelby and Wood.
• Zone B – The zone includes 36 counties: Ashland, Ashtabula, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Fulton, Geauga, Greene, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lake, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Paulding, Portage, Seneca, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Union, Van Wert, Warren, Wayne, Williams and Wyandot.
• Zone C – The zone includes 38 counties: Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Carroll, Clermont, Columbiana, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Hamilton, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Richland, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton and Washington.

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.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- A Commonwealth Court ruling, handed down Feb. 8, has dismissed the Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania’s legal challenge to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s deer management program, according to Carl G. Roe, agency executive director.

This decision was the second ruling against Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania since 2007, when Commonwealth Court dismissed the organizations lawsuit on procedural grounds.

Roe noted that, in its latest ruling, Commonwealth Court dismissed the lawsuit on the grounds that Unified failed to present evidence to support its case.  As part of the ruling, the Court also cancelled the scheduled hearing that had been set for Feb. 28.

“This court ruling is a strong statement that the Game Commission’s deer management program is being conducted in a sound and scientific manner,” Roe said.  “In essence, Commonwealth Court’s latest ruling dismissed the challenge because it lacked merit.

“Our hope is that this second ruling will cease the unnecessary expenditure of sportsmen’s dollars and tax dollars fighting frivolous and baseless lawsuits.”

Roe noted that, since 2000, the Game Commission has worked to implement a deer management program that takes into account the concerns of all Pennsylvanians, and the agency has been consistent and open in its approach.

“The deer management plan, which is available on our website, was developed with public input to improve the health of the state’s deer herd; to encourage healthy habitat, which deer and all other wildlife depend on; and to reduce deer-human conflicts,” Roe said.  “We believe this deer management program will improve the health of our deer herd and the habitat that supports it and other wildlife.

“From 2000 until 2005, we sought to reduce deer numbers in all Wildlife Management Units. From 2006 until today, except for our most urbanized WMUs – 2B, 5C and 5D – the goal for each of the other 19 WMUs has been to stabilize deer population trends or allow an increase in the deer population trends where habitat and deer reproductive data support such increases.”

For more information about the Game Commission’s deer management program, visit the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the “White-Tailed Deer” icon in the center of the homepage.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources and Environment will once again offer a cooperative funding program designed to support deer habitat improvement projects in the Upper Peninsula, DNRE officials announced today.

Now in its third year, the Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative fosters cooperative projects between non-government organizations and the DNRE that will enhance habitat for white-tailed deer.

The initiative is funded by the state’s Deer Range Improvement Program (DRIP), and in 2011, a total of $50,000 will be made available through a competitive application process. Proposals for deer habitat improvement projects in the Upper Peninsula seeking from $2,000 to $10,000 in cooperative funding will be considered.

Organizations, either independent or affiliated with larger groups, with a formal mission to promote wildlife conservation and/or hunting, will be eligible to apply for the cooperative funding. While the habitat improvement projects can take place on privately-owned land, Commercial Forest Act-enrolled land, or other non-state-owned land, projects that provide public access through foot traffic will be prioritized. Representatives of sportsmen’s groups or conservation organizations are encouraged to contact their local DNRE wildlife biologist for help in developing acceptable projects.

“There are three primary goals applicants should strive to meet,” said DNRE wildlife biologist and DHIPI coordinator Bill Scullon. “The projects should produce tangible deer habitat improvements, build long-term partnerships between the DNRE and sportsmen’s clubs or other groups, and be good candidates for publicity and showcasing to the public.”

In 2010, six deer habitat improvement projects were funded in the Upper Peninsula. The projects included the planting of red oak seedlings in Gogebic and Mackinac counties; small clover plot plantings on 50 acres in Delta and Menominee counties; wildlife orchard plantings in Dickinson County; rehabilitation of an historic wildlife opening with clovers and other forage in Ontonagon County; and 300 acres planted with 50,000 red oak seedlings in Alger and Schoolcraft Counties.

“These deer habitat improvement projects are good examples of how sportsmen’s clubs and other organizations can help improve or create vital deer habitat in their local area, while working with the DNRE’s wildlife biologists to make sure the best available science is utilized,” Scullon said.

Project applications are due by March 31, and successful applicants will be notified by April 15. Proposed projects will be evaluated and competitively scored on a range of criteria by a multi-disciplinary selection committee. For an application package, contact Scullon at 906-353-6651, by email at scullonh@michigan.gov, or at the DNRE Baraga Operations Service Center, 427 US Hwy 41, Baraga, MI, 49908.

The DRIP, begun in 1971, is funded with a $1.50 allocation from each deer license sold, except for senior licenses, equaling $2.2 to $2.8 million in funding annually. For more information about deer management in Michigan, go online to www.michigan.gov/deer.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- I have reviewed the reports of last Thursday’s incident in which two apparently well-meaning citizens rescued a deer from the frozen waters of the Patapsco. Unfortunately, the citizens involved disregarded the orders of numerous public safety officers on the scene -– including Baltimore County Police and Fire Officers as well as the NRP -– by entering the icy waters on an inflatable raft and remaining in the water after being ordered back to shore.

Contrary to widespread reports, the raft was not equipped with the legally required safety equipment. Given the conditions of the water, what began with an animal in distress could have quickly led to a human tragedy, requiring an emergency response that could have endangered even more lives.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police are charged with protecting public safety as well as enforcing the laws of the State of Maryland. I have full confidence that the officer on the scene performed his duties as required by law. We are all very grateful that there was ultimately a safe outcome – for the citizens and the deer.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission officials, joined by veterinarians and laboratory technicians from the Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of Agriculture, will continue its efforts, starting Nov. 30, to sample thousands of hunter-killed deer in order to assess whether there are any known cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the Commonwealth.

“For nearly a decade, we have tested hunter-killed deer, and have not found, confirmed or suspected any cases of CWD-infected deer in Pennsylvania,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.

“We are planning to collect samples from 4,000 hunter-killed deer to test for CWD in the upcoming firearms deer season. Last year, we tested samples from more than 4,000 deer. CWD was not detected in any of the samples.”

Game Commission deer aging teams will collect deer heads throughout the state beginning Tuesday, Nov. 30 – the second day of the state’s two-week rifle deer season. The heads will be taken to the six Game Commission Region Offices, where samples will be collected for testing.

The CWD tests on these deer samples will be conducted at the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory at the New Bolton Center in Chester County. Results are expected in 2011.

The Game Commission collected lung and blood samples from the 41 elk harvested. The Game Commission also collected brain tissue and lymph node samples from elk that were not to be mounted, and requested that taxidermists submit the caped heads from elk provided by hunters seeking to have their trophies mounted. Elk hunters were provided pre-paid mailers for taxidermists to submit the samples. All elk samples will be tested for CWD at the New Bolton Center as well.

Under a contract with Penn State University, samples will be tested for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.

Dr. Walter Cottrell, Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, said the agency will release the elk and deer test results as soon as they are available.

The Game Commission, with the assistance of the Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of Agriculture, has conducted tests on more than 300 elk and more than 26,000 deer killed by hunters in Pennsylvania over the past seven years. Since 1998, more than 1,000 deer and elk that have died of unknown illness or were exhibiting abnormal behavior also have been tested. No evidence of CWD has been found in these samples. The Game Commission will continue to collect samples from deer and elk that appear sick or behave abnormally.

Even though CWD had not been detected in Pennsylvania, CWD testing of healthy appearing hunter-killed deer or elk is available through the New Bolton Center. Hunters who wish to have their deer tested may do so for a fee by making arrangements with the New Bolton Center Laboratory (610-444-5800).

First identified in 1967, CWD is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects cervids, including all species of deer, elk and moose. It is a progressive and always fatal disease, which scientists believe is caused by an agent capable of transforming normal brain proteins into an abnormal form.

There currently is no practical way to test live animals for CWD, and there is no vaccine to prevent an animal from contracting the disease. There is no cure for animals that become infected. There is no evidence of CWD being transmissible to humans or to other non-cervid livestock under normal conditions.

Deer harboring CWD may not show any symptoms in the disease’s early stages. The usual incubation period for CWD is between 12-24 months. Commonly observed signs of an infected animal include lowered head and ears, uncoordinated movement, rough-hair coat, weight loss, increased thirst, excessive drooling, weakness, and ultimately, death.

Hunters who see deer behaving oddly, that appear to be sick, or that are dying for unknown reasons are urged to contact the nearest Game Commission Region Office. Hunters should not kill or consume animals that appear to be sick.

“We count on hunters to be our eyes when they head out to hunt deer,” Roe said. “With the help of the nearly one million deer hunters who go afield, we can cover a lot of ground.

“Hunters should be mindful of wildlife health issues, even more so in recent years. At this point, we have no evidence that CWD is in Pennsylvania, or that it poses health problems for humans.”

Not only should hunters shoot only deer that appear to be healthy and behave normally, but the Game Commission also recommends that they use rubber or nitrile gloves for field dressing. These are simple precautions that hunters should follow to ensure their hunt remains a safe and pleasurable experience.

CWD is present in free-ranging or captive wildlife populations in 18 states and two Canadian provinces. The Game Commission has been working with other state agencies to protect the Commonwealth’s wild and captive deer and elk by emphasizing measures designed to prevent its introduction into the state.

In September of 2005, in order to prepare for a possible CWD occurrence, agency representatives of the Pennsylvania CWD task force finalized and signed the state’s response plan, which outlines ways to prevent CWD from entering the state’s borders and, if CWD is in Pennsylvania, how to detect if and work to limit its spread. The task force is comprised of representatives from the Game Commission, the state Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state Department of Health and the state Department of Environmental Protection. Also, representatives of important stakeholder groups – including hunters, deer and elk farmers, meat processors and taxidermists – helped shape the final draft of the plan. The plan is updated annually and can be viewed on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on “Wildlife,” then “Wildlife Diseases,” then “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)” and then selecting “Pennsylvania CWD Response Plan.”

In December of 2005, recognizing the transmissible nature of the disease, the Game Commission issued an order banning the importation of specific carcass parts from states and Canadian provinces where CWD had been identified in free-ranging cervid populations. In May of 2009, Roe modified that order to include all states where CWD had been detected, whether in a captive or wild setting. This year, to reflect the spread of the disease to three previously unaffected states, the order was updated so now that hunters traveling to the following states must abide by the importation restrictions: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York (only from CWD containment area), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia (only from CWD containment area), West Virginia (only from Hampshire County), Wisconsin and Wyoming; as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Specific carcass parts prohibited from being imported into Pennsylvania by hunters are: head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and lymph nodes); spinal cord/backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord material is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord material is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft material is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord material; and brain-tanned hides.

The order does not limit the importation of the following animal parts originating from any cervid in the quarantined states, provinces or area: meat, without the backbone; skull plate with attached antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord material is present; tanned hide or raw hide with no visible brain or spinal cord material present; cape, if no visible brain or spinal cord material is present; upper canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft material is present; and taxidermy mounts.

To learn more about CWD, to go the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) put your cursor on “Wildlife” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then put your cursor on “Wildlife Diseases” from the drop-down menu, and click on “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).” This page also includes links to tips for taxidermists and meat processors, as well as the CWD Alliance’s website (www.cwd-info.org).

Information on CWD also is published on page 52 of the 2010-11 Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest, which is presented to each license buyer.

Commitment to improving the environment must include a proactive Deer culling Program.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- It’s a question I’m often asked by those unfamiliar with the links between forest health and the health of forest dependent vegetation and wildlife.

This important link also includes fish and humans. Below is a press release that highlights just a few of these links and details why it is a critical component of our responsibility as environmental stewards.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2010 Anthony Puglisi / Lauren Shears
ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE OUTLINES PLANS FOR THE FOURTH ANNUAL DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Program will Continue in South Mountain Reservation,
Eagle Rock Reservation and Hilltop Reservation
West Orange, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. outlined plans for the fourth annual Deer Management Program in Essex County on Monday, November 8th. The program will be continued in Essex County South Mountain Reservation for the fourth consecutive year and in Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation and Essex County Hilltop Reservation for the second consecutive year. It will be conducted over a six-week period on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Tuesday, January 18th to Thursday, February 24th. To maximize safety, the three reservations will be closed to the public on the days the Deer Management Program is being conducted. Reducing the number of deer is part of an ongoing initiative by the administration to preserve and restore the forest ecology in Essex County’s open spaces.

“Reducing the number of deer in our reservations is a very controversial and emotional issue, but it is a necessary step if we are going to preserve the forest habitat and maintain our reservations as viable resources for recreation and open space,” DiVincenzo said. “Over the last three years, we have removed 750 deer from our reservations, started a program to accelerate the growth of our forests and expanded a pilot program to reduce traffic accidents involving deer. The over abundance of deer affects all of our communities, and our program provides a comprehensive approach to address the problem. We are starting to see positive results and have updated our program to adapt to the changing conditions in each reservation,” he noted.

In previous years, the County Executive lobbied the elected officials in each municipality where the culling program would be conducted to adopt a resolution supporting a controlled hunt. The Executive, however, believed that since the program was being conducted exclusively on County-owned property the decision should be made by the County and not by the municipalities. Legislation allowing counties to develop community based deer management plans and apply for special deer management permits for county-owned lands was approved by the State in June 2010. (Note: The law was supported by NJOA and signed by Gov. Christie)

The program will be conducted in South Mountain Reservation on Tuesdays, January 18th and 25th and Thursdays, January 20th and 27th and in Eagle Rock Reservation and Hilltop Reservation on Tuesdays, February 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd and on Thursdays, February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th. The Executive pointed out that the program has been scaled back in South Mountain Reservation from six half days to four half days in the evening and in Eagle Rock Reservation from six full days to eight half days in the evening. The reduction in the number of days is attributed to the success of the program during the first three years.

From 2008 to 2010, a total of 750 deer were removed from the three reservations utilizing the volunteer services of experienced and qualified sharpshooters. From South Mountain Reservation, there were 360 deer culled in 2008 (213 deer and 147 unborn deer), 138 deer in 2009 (83 deer and 55 unborn deer) and 59 deer in 2010 (44 deer and 15 unborn deer). In 2010, there were 42 deer removed from Eagle Rock Reservation (19 deer and 23 unborn deer) and 151 deer removed from Hilltop Reservation (97 deer and 54 unborn deer). South Mountain Reservation is located in Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, Eagle Rock Reservation is in West Orange and Hilltop Reservation is in Cedar Grove, North Caldwell and Verona.

“We appreciate the ongoing support of the County Executive to continue the Deer Management Program. The aging forest and dwindling understory make this program a necessity,” South Mountain Conservancy President Dennis Percher said. “The flip side is the unprecedented forest regeneration program. As the population of deer decreases, the seeds that are created in the enclosed areas will help regenerate the local ecosystem with native plants,” he said.

“The Deer Management Program has been a blessing for Eagle Rock Reservation. It is a much smaller area than South Mountain, but the damage to the forest is the same,” Eagle Rock Conservancy President Jim Christiano said. “The culling and forest regeneration have given us a platform to revitalize the forest. We can’t thank Joe enough for what he has done,” he noted.

To maximize safety, South Mountain, Eagle Rock and Hilltop reservations and all parking areas and roads inside the three reservations will be closed to the public on the days the program is held. Fairview Avenue in Cedar Grove and Verona will be closed to traffic, but all other county roadways will remain open. Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, Essex County Codey Arena, the Essex County Park-N-Ride facility and the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange will remain open. The Essex County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate safety patrols with local police departments.

Qualified, volunteer marksmen will be selected to participate as agents in the program. The volunteers are licensed by the State of New Jersey and must demonstrate their marksmanship ability and complete an orientation program with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. When in the reservations, the agents will station themselves in trees at least 20 feet above the ground and only take shots at a downward angle.

All deer removed from the reservations will be transported to a check station where County officials will inspect the animals and collect information about its age, reproductive status, gender and weight, as well as the number of shots fired. They will then be transported by the County to a U.S. Department of Agriculture and NJ Department of Health approved butcher for processing. Venison will be distributed to the needy and homeless through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Volunteer agents who complete at least six (6) half-day shifts of volunteer service will receive 40 pounds of venison.

In addition to culling the deer herd, an aggressive replanting program to accelerate the regrowth of the forests is underway in South Mountain Reservation and Eagle Rock Reservation. A total of 47 enclosures (42 in South Mountain and 5 in Eagle Rock) have been installed over the past two years. Inside the enclosures, native vegetative species are planted so their seeds can be reintroduced into the area. The eight-foot high fences are designed to prevent deer and other large animals from foraging on the newly planted areas, but allow smaller animals, such as rodents and birds, to enter and exit. The fences will remain in place for about 25 years. The planting project was funded with grants from the NJ Green Acres program received by the South Mountain Conservancy and the Eagle Rock Conservancy and grants from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.

Replanting native plant species was necessary to restore the forest understory that was being destroyed by the overbrowsing of deer. The loss of this vegetation has prevented new trees from growing, created erosion problems, allowed invasive plant species to flourish and caused the number of native animal species that rely on the plants for food or protection to decline.

The third aspect of the Essex County Deer Management Program is enhancing safety on County roads by reducing the number of motor vehicle accidents involving deer. Over the last two years, a pilot program has been underway to install detection devices that reflect motor vehicle headlights and emit a high-pitched noise to scare deer away from the road when cars approach. Essex County received a $30,000 grant from the Essex County Parks Foundation in 2009 and a $75,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation in 2010. The reflectors are installed along Cherry Lane, Brookside Drive, JFK Parkway and Parsonage Hill Road in Millburn, Livingston and West Orange. The program has had positive results. In 2010 through October 1st, just 114 deer were removed from County roads. In 2009, there were 284 deer removed from County roads, in 2008 there were 363 and in 2007 there were 303.

Congratulations to Essex County officials for understanding these responsibilities and to their commitment to improving the environment with their Deer Management Program.

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

West Virginia Wild

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- When we think of the largest single-day sporting event West Virginians take part in, many say it is the day West Virginia and Marshall play football.

Others say it is the day when a NASCAR race is going on. The truth is that the opening day of the buck gun deer season sees more West Virginians taking an active part than any other sporting event that takes place in West Virginia. On the opening day we will see nearly 300,000 orange clad hunters actively in the woods and fields hunting. When you throw in the opening of rabbit, raccoon, bear gun season and the opening of the trapping season, November becomes the busiest month of the year for the hunting and trapping community.

This figure highlights the fact that hunting in West Virginia is truly big business as well as a part of our heritage and tradition. If you check, you will find that there is someone in nearly every West Virginia family who hunts or fishes. This is one reason that the Division of Natural Resources is so important to so many people in our state. Through sound management and changes in natural habitat, the deer herd has spread and increased to the point that we have good deer hunting close to nearly everyone in our state.

Changes in Attitudes
One of the greatest changes has been the change in attitude toward the taking of a deer. When I started deer hunting more than 50 years ago, not only did we have to travel to one of several counties to just see a deer but we also were brought up to shoot any buck. If it had antlers, shoot it. And today there is nothing really wrong with that if you are satisfied with the deer you shoot. Point is, a trophy is in the eyes of the person who takes it. While we all recognize that a buck with eight or 10 tines, heavy and wide, to be a true trophy, there are people who enjoy the hunt much more and simply want to shoot a deer. They are just as happy with a spike or four point as they would be with a 10 point.

Attitudes are changing as the reasons for hunting are changing. With so many social programs to help people, few people hunt now to feed their families. More and more hunt for recreation and the total experience of being out of doors and closer to nature.

But that feeling is changing in our hunters, especially our younger hunters. These hunters are now more interested in shooting a truly mature buck that has a 14-20 inch spread with eight or 10 long points. If they shoot a trophy buck like this, they are satisfied. Point is, they are interested in shooting one true trophy deer instead of three immature bucks. Trying to satisfy all segments of the hunting community led us to establish some areas with special antler regulations in hopes of growing more mature bucks.

Busy Month for Deer Hunters

Deer Management Concerns
In the past couple of years, we are getting more and more requests from our hunters to limit the number of bucks that a hunter can kill, from the three we can now legally take to one or no more than two. They are indicating that they would like to see the DNR limit the number of bucks killed to one or two and to remove the regulations and let the hunter kill both bucks with the weapon of their choice. In other words, if a bow hunter wanted to kill both his bucks with a bow that would be legal. Or if a gun hunter wanted to kill both his bucks with a rifle or a muzzleloader that would be legal.

When you look at other states that have outstanding hunting for trophy whitetail bucks, you find that they limit the buck kill to one buck per hunter per year and you can take it with the weapon of your choice. I have hunted in Kansas, Ohio and Montana, and all follow this system and continue to produce large bucks.

But I go back to what I said originally, in that we still have people that are not at all interested in killing the biggest buck in the woods and they simply want to kill a deer and enjoy the fun of the hunt.

So, to get more input, we hope to be able to get some questions out to the hunting public this spring during our sectional meetings to get a better feel for what our hunters really want as far as deer hunting opportunities go. We already know that our hunters are not interested in a state-wide antler restriction, but do like the idea of having several areas set aside for trophy or older age deer management.

We must also realize that we need to do what is necessary to keeping the deer herd to a number that doesn’t outgrow the habitat. This is where our hunters are playing a very significant part of deer management and taking as many deer as they are allowed to take. While some frown on taking antlerless deer, they need to realize that one of the keys to growing large bucks is removing a large number of does. This is where the deer management becomes complex. We don’t have too many deer on the national forest, state forests or our wildlife management areas. We only have too many deer in areas where the public is not allowed to hunt.

Be safe out there, never take your safety off or look at an object through your scope until you have identified it as a deer, and be sure to wear plenty of orange. Hopefully, your November will be full of pleasant memories of our days in the wonderful West Virginia outdoors.

Visit: blogs.wvcommerce.org/blogs/West-Virginia-WILD/

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in Deer

New Jersey Fish and Game

Salem County, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Fish and Wildlife Health and Forensics (OFWHF) reports that Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has been confirmed in Deer Management Zone 63 in Salem County.

A total of 80 deer are believed to have died due to this EHD outbreak from mid-September to mid-October, 2010.

The virus is transmitted from infected deer via biting midge flies. The disease is not transmissible to humans.

Because cold weather terminates midge activity the outbreak is not expected to spread further. Deer which are unable to stand and are drooling or emitting foam from the mouth and nose could be suffering from EHD.

Similarly, those found dead in the water or near the water with no apparent wounds should be considered suspect EHD cases and the OFWHF should be notified immediately by calling 908-735-6398.

For more information on the outbreak visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/ehd_outbreak10.htm on the division’s website.

Mi-HUNT - interactive hunting map application No matter where you are in Michigan, you can find public hunting land. This interactive map application

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- Statewide – Deer are not evenly distributed across the state.

There are considerable differences in habitat and deer numbers across Michigan’s three regions; the Upper Peninsula (UP), Northern Lower Peninsula (NLP), and Southern Lower Peninsula (SLP).

In addition to this regional variability, every year hunters only a few miles apart have very different experiences observing and harvesting deer.

For those looking for a place to hunt, there is no substitute for personally scouting areas in advance of a hunting trip. Maps and computer-based tools are also increasingly available to narrow in on the best locations to focus scouting efforts, including the new Mi-HUNT interactive web application available at www.michigan.gov/mihunt. With preparation, attention to safety, and awareness of current hunting regulations, hunters can be ready to head into the field to enjoy the 86th modern Michigan deer season.

Deer populations in both northern regions have come through a mild 2009-2010 winter, but are still recovering from two relatively severe prior winters. All indications point to deer populations being mostly below goal in the UP, at or below goal in the western portion of the NLP, and above goal throughout nearly all of the SLP. Within the eastern portion of the NLP, bovine tuberculosis (TB) prevalence continues to show a declining trend over the long-term, but no detectable change has occurred over the previous five years. Goals and hunting regulations in the eastern NLP are therefore driven more by the objective to continue to reduce TB prevalence than by numbers of deer in this region. In many units within the UP and NLP, indications are that there is an overabundance of deer on private land, but lower than desired populations on public land. Special antlerless seasons and private land license quotas are used in some units to target these numbers on private land even if abundant sign and sightings do not occur on public land. Additional details regarding regional deer trends are provided below.

An important change in deer hunting regulations for 2010 is the modification to crossbow regulations. Crossbows are now legal to use:

• During any season in which a firearm may be used, for both big and small game, except that deer hunters in the Upper Peninsula (UP) may not use a crossbow during the Dec. 3- 12 muzzleloader season without a disability permit.
• By anyone 10 years of age or older throughout the archery deer season in the Lower Peninsula.
• By any hunter age 10 and older during the Oct. 1-Nov. 14 archery deer season in the UP.
• By any hunter who has obtained a crossbow permit because of a disability, including within the Dec. 1-Jan. 1 archery season and Dec. 3-12 muzzleloader season in the UP.

A free crossbow stamp, available from all license agents or online by following the “Hunting and Fishing Licenses” link at www.michigan.gov/hunting, is required in addition to a valid hunting license. From that page, hunters may also find more information on crossbows under the “Hot Hunting Topics” section.

Hunters must be aware that it is illegal to hunt deer over bait throughout the Lower Peninsula. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), an always fatal neurological disease of deer and elk, was confirmed in a privately-owned cervid (deer) facility in Kent County in August of 2008. In 2002, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and Michigan Department of Agriculture adopted the Michigan Surveillance and Response Plan for Chronic Wasting Disease of Free-Ranging and Privately-Owned Cervids. The CWD plan requires a ban on all feeding and baiting of cervids within the peninsula where CWD is documented. This baiting ban is a prudent measure to help prevent the potential spread of CWD. The DNRE is continuing heightened surveillance for CWD in Kent County. All deer harvested in the nine-township CWD surveillance area must be taken to a DNRE check station and have the deer head submitted for testing.

Those hunting within the UP and the multi-county Deer Management Unit (DMU) 487 in the bovine tuberculosis (TB) zone must decide, before purchasing their deer license, if they wish the opportunity to take one or two antlered deer. Those desiring the opportunity to shoot two bucks must purchase a combination license. Both bucks have antler point restrictions. One buck must have one antler with at least three (3) antler points; the other buck must have one antler with at least four (4) antler points. Those choosing to purchase a firearm deer license and/or an archery deer license are limited to taking only one buck from within these areas during all seasons combined. Within most of the areas, a deer must have just one antler three (3) or more inches in length, but point restrictions remain in place for some individual DMUs as well. These include DMU 117 (Drummond Island) and DMU 122 (southern Iron County, along the Wisconsin border) in the UP, and one small DMU (DMU135 in Iosco County) in the TB zone. In DMU 117, bucks must have at least one forked antler. In DMU 122, bucks must have at least one three-point antler. And in DMU 135, bucks must have at least one forked antler to be legal. Finally, within DMU 487 ONLY, hunters may harvest an antlerless deer with a firearm or combination license within the Nov. 15-30 firearm season or the Dec. 10-19 muzzleloader season. See the 2010 Hunting and Trapping Digest at www.michigan.gov/hunting for additional information on these regulations.

Hunters should also keep in mind that reductions in funding have forced the DNRE to operate a reduced number of deer check stations with limited dates and times of operation for the past few seasons. For a list of deer check stations operating Nov.15-24 and Nov. 29-30 during the 2010 Regular Deer Firearm Season, please visit www.michigan.gov/hunting. During all other deer seasons, deer can be checked at the DNRE Operations Service Centers (OSC) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday (except state holidays), or by appointment. In the nine-township CWD surveillance zone in Kent County, where deer check is mandatory, there will be several locations open for deer check throughout the deer seasons.

Finally, hunters are reminded that private land antlerless licenses in some areas in the Lower Peninsula are available only through multi-county DMUs. This includes DMUs 486 (most of southern Michigan except Kent, St. Clair, Macomb, Wayne, and Monroe Counties) and 487 (Presque Isle, Montmorency, Alpena, Oscoda, Alcona, and Iosco Counties). Please refer to the 2010 Hunting and Trapping Digest, available at DNRE OSCs, license vendors, and online at www.michigan.gov/hunting, for a map of these and other DMUs.

Upper Peninsula
The 2009-2010 winter was significantly milder than the previous two winters, leading to a reduction in over-winter mortality. Deer sightings should be increased throughout much of the UP due to increased adult and fawn survival, but many areas still remain below goal. Antlered buck numbers should be similar to last year, though the 2010 increase in fawn production should lead to greater antlered buck numbers in 2011. Considering the prior two winters’ negative impacts on the deer herd, fewer antlerless tags were made available for this fall.

Antlerless permits are only available in units covering Crystal Falls, Menominee, Norway, Gladstone, Drummond Island, and LaBranche counties for 2010. The buck hunting regulations established in 2008 remain in effect for 2010. Please refer to the 2010 Hunting and Trapping Digest, available at DNRE OSCs, license vendors, and online at www.michigan.gov/hunting, for a map of DMUs and other regulations details.

The production of mast (fruit and nuts) in the UP appears to be good this year. The plentiful mast, where available, will help concentrate deer and provide excellent nutrition for the upcoming winter. Hunters targeting these areas should have good success. The largest bucks (heaviest and largest antlers) typically come from agricultural areas, but nice bucks are also taken from forested areas where access is limited and they have an opportunity to grow older.

More deer will be found in the Southern UP near Lake Michigan, with fewer in the Northern UP near Lake Superior. Distribution of deer will not be uniform with agricultural areas having higher deer densities, and public land and heavily forested areas containing fewer deer than the average for these areas. In general, hunters should expect to see more deer than last season. However, the increase will be comprised primarily of fawns.

Northern Lower Peninsula
Remember, baiting is not allowed throughout the NLP. Buck harvest regulations have changed in DMU 487. Within DMU 487 ONLY, hunters may harvest an antlerless deer with a firearm or combination license within the Nov. 15-30 firearm season or the Dec. 10-19 muzzleloader season. Please refer to the 2010 Hunting and Trapping Digest, available at DNRE OSCs, license vendors, and online at www.michigan.gov/hunting, for a map of DMUs and other regulations details.

The deer population for the NLP is expected to be slightly higher than in the last few years. The winter was less harsh than the previous two and over-winter mortalities were not significant. Deer in the western NLP are at or slightly below goal, while management in the eastern LP is largely driven by the need to address the persistence of TB. The number of antlerless deer licenses has been increased in eastern NLP multi-unit area DMU 487, while no antlerless permits were made available in three counties (Cheboygan, Otsego, and Kalkaska).

Hard mast production is reportedly strong in much of the NLP. In agricultural areas, the majority of crops should be harvested well before modern firearm season, unlike last year when standing corn offered protective cover for deer. This should result in increased visibility of deer in areas dominated by agriculture and nearby forested habitat.

Bovine tuberculosis continues to be a concern in the northeast corner of the NLP. Ongoing TB management efforts require a large sample of deer heads from northeast Michigan to assess the distribution and rate of infection of this disease. The DNRE is operating under reduced deer check station hours and staffing in 2010 due to budget shortfalls. Staffing levels and hours will be similar to last year, so patience may be necessary when checking deer due to long lines.

Slow, but important progress is being made in the effort to control TB in deer and it is important for hunters to continue to observe the ban on baiting and feeding and to harvest at least as many antlerless deer as bucks.

Southern Lower Peninsula
Remember, baiting is not allowed throughout the SLP.

The deer population in southern Michigan is expected to be similar to the last few years. Abundant food and cover in the form of agricultural crops and scattered swamps and woodlots provide very good habitat across the southern Michigan landscape. This high quality habitat, combined with relatively mild winter conditions, results in an abundant and productive deer population. Deer populations generally exceed DNRE goals, and fawns generally come in sets of twins and triplets. High numbers of antlerless permits are available again this year with the continued flexibility to use private land permits throughout most of the multi-county DMU 486 in the SLP. Please refer to the 2010 Hunting and Trapping Digest, available at DNRE OSCs, license vendors, and online at www.michigan.gov/hunting, for a map of this and other DMUs.

Hunters are encouraged to harvest antlerless deer, especially on private land, to bring populations closer to goal and to help address concerns of excessive crop damage and deervehicle collisions.

The amount of corn standing in the SLP always impacts deer hunting. An abnormal amount of corn was standing at the beginning of the firearm season in 2009. This had a negative impact on deer sightings and harvest. Conversely, the majority of crops should be harvested well before the gun season in 2010. Deer should be more visible than last year and, barring poor weather, harvest numbers should rebound. Hunters should focus their efforts on woodlots and swamps as the corn harvest progresses.

Local Management Unit Contacts
Additional information on expectations and hunting conditions may be available from field staff throughout the state. Hunters are reminded, however, that reductions in funding have left many Management Units short-staffed, creating difficulties in responding to requests for detailed information. Please remember all staff are working hard in the field to manage wildlife habitats and populations.

• WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA MANAGEMENT UNIT
  Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon, Iron, Dickinson, Delta, Menominee, Marquette, and west Alger Counties Bob Doepker: 906-228-6561
• EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA MANAGEMENT UNIT
  Chippewa, east Alger, Luce, Mackinac, and Schoolcraft Counties Terry Minzey: 906-293-5131
• NORTHWESTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
  Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Wexford Counties 231-775-9727
• NORTHEASTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
  Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Oscoda, Crawford, Emmet, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Otsego, Presque Isle, and Roscommon Counties Tim Reis: 989-732-3541
• SAGINAW BAY MANAGEMENT UNIT
  Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties Rex Ainslie: 989-684-9141
• SOUTHWESTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
  Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties Sara Schaefer: 269-685-6851
• SOUTH CENTRAL MANAGEMENT UNIT
  Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Montcalm, Shiawassee, and Washtenaw Counties Rex Ainslie: 517-641-4903
• SOUTHEASTERN MANAGEMENT UNIT
  Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Monroe Counties Tim Payne: 248-359-9040

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The state’s early firearms antlerless deer seasons – early muzzleloader season, Oct. 16-23, and special firearms season for junior, senior, active duty military and certain disabled hunters, Oct. 21-23 – will soon be here, along with seasons for squirrels and grouse, so there will be plenty of hunting opportunities across the state, according to Carl G. Roe, Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director.

Roe noted that these early antlerless deer seasons provide hunters more ways to fit deer hunting into their busy schedules, and offer a more relaxing hunt to those who prefer warmer weather and fewer hunters in the woods.

“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),” Roe said.

Hunters heading afield for the October firearms seasons should find that deer numbers vary by locality. (For more information, please see the next article, “GAME COMMISSION POSTS FIELD FORECASTS ON WEBSITE.”)

Last year, according to the agency’s Game-Take Survey, the 78,000 hunters who participated in the early muzzleloader season took 10,000 deer (12,000 in 2008). The 58,000 participants in the special firearms season harvested 5,000 deer (5,000 in 2008). Those figures compare with 10,000 in the 2007 October muzzleloader season and 6,000 in the special firearms season. The combined total of both October firearms seasons comprised less than 10 percent of the 2009 antlerless deer harvest, which was 200,590.

To participate in the early muzzleloader season (Oct. 16-23), hunters must have a general hunting license, muzzleloader stamp and a valid 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 (Oct. 21-23), hunters must have a general hunting license and a valid antlerless deer license, and qualify in one of the following license categories: resident junior or senior license holders; nonresident junior license holder; nonresident adult license holders age 65 or older; hold a disabled person permit to use a vehicle as a blind; be residents who are serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; or 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, because mentored youth may not harvest antlerless deer. (For more information on the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, please consult page 15 of the 2010-11 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 24 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 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.

Wisconsin's Operation Deer Watch’ Kicks Off August 1

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI – -(Ammoland.com)- Beginning August 1, Wisconsin citizens will have a new opportunity to be part of managing white-tailed deer in Wisconsin.

Dubbed Operation Deer Watch, people are being asked to record and report all deer they see between Aug 1 and Sept 30. Go to the Department of Natural Resources website [dnr.wi.gov] and click on the Operation Deer Watch button to get started.

“All deer seen including bucks, does and fawns should be reported during this two month period,” said Jason Fleener, assistant DNR deer specialist.

“The observations will be entered into a database and will be used to determine doe to fawn ratios, which are a part of the population estimation equation.”

Summer deer observations have always been part of the population estimation process, according to DNR biologists. The number of deer seen and the number of fawns seen with each doe are indicators of annual production in deer herds. In addition to deer seen, observers are asked to note date and location. Only deer seen between sunrise and sunset are to be counted.

In previous years, the observation period lasted three months and only state and federal biologists, foresters, law enforcement and other government staff participated.

“One of the recommendations of a panel of experts that that reviewed our deer population estimation model a few years back was to increase the number of observers and to shorten the summer deer observation period to two months from three,” said Fleener

“We hope to capitalize on the intense public interest in Wisconsin’s whitetail deer population. It’s a great chance for the public to help keep an eye-on-the-herd and add a lot more observations to our database.”

Operation Deer Watch is yet one more way in which the deer enthusiasts can help monitor the herd. In 2009, the department launched a hunter observation website that asked hunters to record observations from their trips in the woods. Valuable information on species distribution, as well as, data the number of hunting days, hunting hours and environmental conditions they experienced was gathered. Nearly 20,000 hunting trips were logged into the online database. In addition, similar new data questions were added to the deer registration form that successful hunters complete and this provided over 320,000 observations.

“We expect the value of these citizen-based monitoring efforts will grow with each additional year. We will be able to look at year-after-year changes that provide insights to our deer populations across Wisconsin” added Fleener.

Visit: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/harvest/summerdeer.htm

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Manwell – (608) 264-9248, Jason Fleener – (608) 261-7589 or Jessica Rees – (608) 221-6360

Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer

West Virginia DNR

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, W.Va. –-(Ammoland.com)- With the cooperation of local landowners, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) tested 152 deer collected from within one to two miles of previously known locations of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) infected deer.

Testing detected the CWD agent in a total of 12 white-tailed deer sampled during the 2010 spring collections in Hampshire County, according to the DNR.

The detection of 15 CWD positive deer during the fall 2009 hunting season, combined with this spring’s testing results, has required the expansion of the CWD Containment Area to include all of Hampshire County.

Within the CWD Containment Area, supplemental feeding and baiting of deer is prohibited and there are transport restrictions for deer carcasses leaving the county.

The spring CWD monitoring of deer provides an incidence rate of infected CWD deer in the area of established infection and removes CWD positive deer from the landscape. In addition, wildlife biologists also use the information to monitor changes in age structure and reproduction in the deer herd within the established CWD infected area.

The first case of CWD in West Virginia was confirmed on September 2, 2005. Since that time, the DNR has been fully engaged in activities guided by its CWD Incident Response Plan, which is designed to accomplish the following objectives:

• Determine the distribution and prevalence of CWD through enhanced surveillance efforts.
• Communicate and coordinate with the public and other appropriate agencies on issues relating to CWD and the steps being taken to respond to this disease.
• Initiate appropriate management actions necessary to control the spread of this disease and prevent further introduction of the disease.

To date, CWD surveillance efforts conducted by the DNR have resulted in a total of 74 deer being confirmed positive for CWD in Hampshire County. Ongoing and extensive surveillance efforts being conducted by Wildlife Resources Section personnel throughout West Virginia has not detected CWD outside of Hampshire County.

CWD is a neurological disease found in deer and elk and belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The disease is currently accepted as being caused by abnormal, proteinaceous particles called prions that slowly attack the brain of infected deer and elk. Animals progressively become emaciated, display abnormal behavior and invariably die as a result of the disease. There is no known treatment for CWD and it is fatal for the infected deer or elk. It is important to note that currently, there is no evidence to suggest CWD poses a risk for humans or domestic animals.

“Landowner and hunter cooperation throughout this entire CWD response effort in Hampshire County continues to be excellent,” noted DNR Director Frank Jezioro.

“As we strive to meet this wildlife disease challenge and implement appropriate management strategies, the support and involvement of landowners and hunters remains essential. The DNR is committed to keeping the public informed and involved in these wildlife disease management actions.”

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, AR --(Ammoland.com)- Due to increasing nuisance deer complaints, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and four Arkansas cities have joined together to offer limited urban archery hunts to combat the overpopulated deer herd.

Hunts in Horseshoe Bend, Cherokee Village, Heber Springs and Hot Springs Village are scheduled for this fall. These special seasons require more of hunters than most, although it’s worth the effort.

Chosen applicants must pass the International Bowhunter Education Program course before they attend a hunter-orientation class and take shooting proficiency tests. There are two options to meet the bowhunter education requirements.

The first is to take the traditional eight-hour class (see schedule below). The second method is to take the classroom portion online then attend an IBEP Field Day to complete the requirement. The online class can be accessed at www.nbef.org and clicking the distance learning button. There is a $20 charge for the online test. IBEP Field Days will be held after each hunter orientation meeting in each city so a hunter could meet all the requirements in one day using the online class option. Once a bowhunter has received his IBEP card it is good for life and recognized internationally.

The hunter orientation and shooting proficiency test for the Horseshoe Bend, Heber Springs and Cherokee Village hunts will be Aug. 21 at the AGFC Regional Office in Calico Rock beginning at 9 a.m. For the Hot Springs Village hunt, the hunter orientation and shooting test will be held Aug. 28 at the Coronado Center in Hot Springs Village beginning at 8 a.m.

Hunts in Horseshoe Bend, Heber Springs and Cherokee Village will be held Sept. 6-Nov. 12 and Jan. 1-31, 2011. The Hot Springs Village hunt will be held Sept. 13-Sept. 25 and Jan. 10-22, 2011.

There is no bag limit, although the first deer taken by a hunter must be a doe in Cherokee Village, Horseshoe Bend and Heber Springs (not required in Hot Springs Village but strongly encouraged). Deer taken after that may be either sex. Hunters must donate their first deer to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. Deer taken in the urban hunts do not count in a hunter’s seasonal bag limit, and the three-point rule does not apply. Hunters must hold an Arkansas SportsmanÂÂÂs License and an Urban Bowhunting Permit.

Arkansas Urban Deer Hunt Applications Now Available

A $40 fee, which includes Arkansas Bowhunters Association membership, covers liability insurance. Only longbows, recurve bows or compound bows with at least 40-pound draw weight and arrowheads at least seven-eighths of an inch wide may be used in Cherokee Village, Horseshoe Bend and Heber Springs. Crossbows will be allowed in Hot Springs Village. Hunters on private property must have written permission from the landowner. Other regulations also apply.

Pick up an application and a list of all regulations at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission headquarters, 2 Natural Resources Dr. in Little Rock or at the AGFC offices in Jonesboro, Hot Springs or Calico Rock. Applications also are available at city halls, area bow shops and Walmart stores in the areas. Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 1. For more information on the hunts or to be mailed an urban hunt application, call the AGFC at 501-223-6359.

IBEP Class Schedule: July 24 – Cherokee Village/Horseshoe Bend, Omaha Recreation Center in Cherokee Village, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., email tom@monticellonews.net to pre-register. July 31 – Heber Springs, William Carl Garner State Park Visitors Center near Greers Ferry Dam, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., email tom@monticellonews.net to pre-register. Aug. 7 – Hot Springs Village, Coronado Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., email tom@monticellonews.net to pre-register.

IBEP Field Days for Online Classes: Aug. 21 – Cherokee Village, Horseshoe Bend/Heber Springs hunts: Orientation/Shooting Test/IBEP Field Day 9 a.m., AGFC Regional Office in Calico Rock, email tom@monticellonews.net to pre-register for IBEP Field Day portion. Aug. 28 – Hot Springs Village hunt: Orientation/Shooting Test/IBEP Field Day, 8 a.m., email tom@monticellonews.net to pre-register for IBEP Field Day portion.

ODNR to Open State Nature Preserves to Archery Hunts

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- An increasing deer population, resulting in negative impacts to native plant communities, has led the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to coordinate special archery deer hunts at 16 state nature preserves across the state.

High quality habitats at these state nature preserves including Blackhand Gorge, Fowler Woods, Goll Woods and Lawrence Woods, have been negatively impacted by over-browsing deer. For example, large flowered trillium — Ohio’s state wildflower — has nearly disappeared from several sites because of foraging deer.

“Conducting special management hunts enables the division to protect native plant communities in Ohio’s best natural areas,” said Gary Obermiller, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves’ program administrator.

“An added benefit is that Ohio’s hunters are given an opportunity to explore high-quality areas and assist ODNR with critical land management activities.”

There will be four (4) two-week archery hunt sessions and one (1) week-long archery hunt session beginning September 25 through November 27, 2010. Each special archery hunt permit will be good for two hunters for two weeks, with the exception of the last one week session. Hunters will be required to harvest an antlerless deer first.

Participating hunters in Zone A will be allowed to harvest two deer under state hunting rules—one on a $15 antlerless tag and one on a $24 either-sex tag. The Zone B limit is two on the antlerless tag and two on the either-sex tag. Similarly, the Zone C limit is six, three on antlerless tag and three on either-sex tag.

To apply for the special archery hunt lotteries, applicants must send in a 3×5 card with their name, address, daytime phone number and the hunt name (such as Goll Woods Archery Hunt), along with a $5 processing fee for each entry. You may apply for multiple sites, however, you will only be drawn once per site.

Please mark each entry card with the appropriate hunt location. Do not send multiple payments—one check equaling $5 per card is sufficient. Do not send cash—checks and money orders must be made out to Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Processing fees are non-refundable. Mail entries to the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. C-2, Columbus, OH 43229. Lottery entries must be received by August 15, 2010.

The archery drawing will be held on August 16 at 10 a.m. at the ODNR Fountain Square Complex located at 2045 Morse Road, Building E-1 West, Columbus, Ohio 43229. Applicants do not need to be present at the drawing to be awarded a permit.

Successful archery hunt applicants will be notified by phone, and are required to attend one of two orientation meetings set for September 11 and 12 at various locations. Visit ohiodnr.com/dnap for a full listing of lottery rules and special hunt details.

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.

(Editor’s Note – A list of all special preserve archery hunts is below)

ODNR News Release – ODNR to Open 16 State Nature Preserves to Special Archery Hunts

What You Should Know If You Find A Seemingly Abandoned Fawn

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- The end of May marks the beginning of the fawning season in Delaware, with most born during the last week of May through the first week of June.

Some fawns will be born as late as August. Each year around this time, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife receives numerous calls regarding “abandoned fawns.” In an attempt to “do the right thing” individuals may attempt to “save” these animals and bring them to a wildlife rehabilitator.

“There are a number of things people who remove fawns from the field may not realize. Fawns actually don’t become active enough to start traveling with their mothers until they are about two months old, and the survival instinct of a fawn is to stay very still and “hide” from predators,” said DNREC Wildlife Biologist Joe Rogerson. “Also, even if a fawn appears to be alone, the mother is likely bedded close by. Newborn fawns need to feed every few hours so the doe never strays far.”

Furthermore, research has shown that many fawns cared for by people have a greatly decreased chance of survival once they are released back into the wild, compared to their counterparts raised by their mothers. Fawns raised in the wild are able to learn survival instincts from their mothers that people simply can’t teach them.

Not only is removing a fawn from its hiding place not in its best interest, it is also illegal for an individual in Delaware to possess a live white-tailed deer. If found guilty, such an offense is punishable by a fine not less than $250, nor more than $1,000, plus the costs of prosecution and court costs; the person may also be fined and imprisoned for up to 30 days. In addition, any deer held illegally in captivity will be removed by the Division.

“The bottom line is, if you really care about the fawn and its well-being, please leave the animal alone. Its mother will return and the animal will have a far greater chance at survival than if you take it home,” Rogerson added.

For more information about fawns or white-tailed deer in general, please contact Ken Reynolds, Rob Hossler or Joe Rogerson, Wildlife Section, at 302-735-3600.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- After nearly two years of work - which included stakeholder meetings, public meetings, surveys and extensive field research - the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) is pleased to announce that it has completed The Delaware Deer Management Plan: A Guide to How and Why Deer Are Managed in the First State.

“Deer are arguably the most important wildlife species the Division is responsible for managing because they affect so many people. This plan will enable the Division to manage the Delaware deer population in a manner that meets the expectations of the public while also taking into account what the environment can support,” said Joe Rogerson, Deer and Furbearer Biologist.

White-tailed Deer Management Plan Finalized

The Division of Fish & Wildlife has never had a formal deer management plan. The new Delaware Deer Management Plan fills this gap three-fold. The plan first documents the history of white-tailed deer and white-tailed deer management in Delaware. It goes on to describe the current status of white-tailed deer in Delaware, and the positive and negative impacts of the state’s white-tailed deer herd. Finally, the plan documents the Division’s responsibilities related to deer management, outlining the goals and objectives for deer management through 2019.

The new plan is both a strategic and operational plan, using hunting as the primary tool for deer management as well as outlining how hunting seasons are established and amended to keep Delaware’s deer population in check.

“Whether you are a farmer, hunter, outdoor recreationalist, or someone who has experience with deer in roadways, you probably have an interest in how deer are managed in Delaware, which is why we created this document,” Rogerson said. “Though it is difficult to ensure everyone is 100 percent satisfied, we feel the plan will meet the needs and address the concerns of most Delawareans, including farmers, wildlife watchers and hunters.”

Printed copies of the plan will be available in the coming weeks. For now, the full 102-page plan can be found online at http://tiny.cc/ddfw.

“We recognize that this plan is rather technical and quite long, so we will be working on a summarized version that’s more user-friendly for the public. Those who want more specifics will be able to refer the longer version,” Rogerson added.

For questions concerning the Delaware Deer Management Plan, or any other deer related issue, please contact Joe Rogerson, Wildlife Section, at 302-735-3600.

Deer Management Assistance Program Map

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Landowners looking to enroll in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which is designed to help landowners manage deer on their properties, have until June 12 to mail an application to the appropriate Game Commission Region Office.

Applications will be accepted by U.S. mail only, as postmarks will be required to establish processing priorities.

In addition, a map delineating the property boundaries must be enclosed with the application. Landowners may obtain DMAP applications from the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on “D.M.A.P.” in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand column of the homepage. Applications also can be obtained from any Game Commission Region Office or the Harrisburg headquarters.

Eligible lands for DMAP are: public lands; private lands where no fee is charged for hunting; and hunting club lands owned in fee title so long as the club was established prior to Jan. 1, 2000, and it provides a club charter and list of current members to the agency.

Coupons for DMAP antlerless deer harvest permits are issued to landowners at a rate of one coupon for every five acres in agricultural operations or one coupon for every 50 acres for all other land uses. Management plans are required when an applicant for DMAP requests more than the standard rate for issuance of DMAP harvest permits, or when the property acreage falls below the minimum for the standard issuance rate.

Landowners must designate their boundaries in a manner approved by the Game Commission. Landowners will be allotted one coupon for each DMAP permit allocated for their property, and they may provide up to two DMAP coupons per DMAP area to a licensed hunter. Landowners may not charge or accept any remuneration for a DMAP coupon.

The cost of DMAP permits is $10 for residents and $35 for nonresidents.

Based on a regulatory change approved by the Board of Game Commissioners at its April meeting, each WMU antlerless allocation has been reduced by the number of DMAP antlerless deer permits issued in each WMU during the 2009-10 seasons. The Board’s action also prohibits the issuance of more DMAP permits for the 2010-11 seasons than were issued for the 2009-10 seasons for each WMU.

With the amendment in place, the maximum number of DMAP antlerless deer permits available for public and private landowners in each WMU is as follows: WMU 1A, 295; WMU 2A, 656; WMU 2A, 121; WMU 2B, zero; WMU 2C, 793; WMU 2D, 277; WMU 2E, 593; WMU 2F, 3,052; WMU 2G, 10,790; WMU 3A, 753; WMU 3B, 1,239; WMU 3C, 642; WMU 3D, 1,678; WMU 4A, 1,479; WMU 4B, 852; WMU 4C, 649; WMU 4D, 1,948; WMU 4E, 101; WMU 5A, 731; WMU 5B, 188; WMU 5C, 40; and WMU 5D, zero.

The application process and deadline have been revised this year. There is an accelerated schedule, and applications will be accepted and processed in priority tiers on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be based on postmarks by the U.S. Postal Service. Top priority will be given to properties enrolled in one the Game Commission’s three public access programs (Forest-Game, Farm-Game or Safety Zone) allowing public deer hunting, followed by publicly-owned lands then private lands not in one of the Game Commission’s public access programs. Applications will be processed until quotas for each WMU (see above) are exhausted. Those applications remaining after quotas are exhausted will be denied DMAP permits.

A significant change that took effect last year for landowners and hunters participating in DMAP is that DMAP coupon redemption can be done at any license issuing agent or the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS) website – https://www1.pa.wildlifelicense.com/start.php – rather than through the mail, thanks to the implementation of the agency’s new point-of-sale electronic license system. The PALS website

Landowners have the option of receiving DMAP coupons and directly distributing them to hunters of their choice, or they can choose the “no coupon” option and allow any hunter to directly purchase a DMAP permit from the license issuing agent to hunt on their property.

The first option on the landowner application is “Yes, I want to distribute coupons directly to hunters that I choose.” With this option, the landowner will receive the coupons and distribute them to specific hunters. The hunters will then take coupons to any license issuing agent or go on the PALs website to acquire the antlerless deer harvest permits.

The second option on the landowner application is “No, any hunter can get a permit to hunt my property through the electronic licensing system without a coupon.” With this option, no coupons will be sent to the landowner. Any hunter will be able to go to any license issuing agent or the PALS website to get an antlerless deer permit for this DMAP property. If landowners choose this second option, they also will be asked whether they want to advertise the location of the property on the Game Commission’s website so that their DMAP information can be made available to the public.

Hunters with DMAP antlerless deer permits may use them only on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season. Also, in WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E, which have a split season structure of Nov. 29-Dec. 3 for antlered deer only and Dec. 4-11 for antlered and antlerless deer, hunters will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer with DMAP permits on DMAP properties from Nov. 29-Dec. 11.

Hunters can purchase DMAP antlerless harvest permits as soon as coupons are available. Hunters without access to the Internet can obtain listings of eligible DMAP properties by mailing a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with a letter indicating their county of interest, to the Game Commission Region Office responsible for that particular county. Region Office contact information, and a listing of counties in its jurisdiction, is as follows:

Northwest Region Office, P.O. Box 31, Franklin, PA 16323. 814-432-3188. Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties.

Southwest Region Office, 4820 Route 711, Bolivar, PA 15923. 724-238-9523. Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Northcentral Region Office, P.O. Box 5038, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. 570-398-4744. Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, and Union counties.

Southcentral Region Office, 8627 William Penn Highway, Huntingdon, PA 16652. 814-643-1831. Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder and York counties.

Northeast Region Office, P.O. Box 220, Dallas, PA 18612. 570-675-1143. Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

Southeast Region Office, 448 Snyder Rd., Reading, PA 19605. 610-926-3136. Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties.

Ohio Division of Wildlife

West Union, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- A Scioto County man pled guilty to four wildlife violations in Adams County Court on Friday, April 30 and was ordered to pay $23,572.05 in restitution, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Johnny B. Clay, 37, of Minford pled guilty to four charges including taking a deer in a closed season, hunting without permission, no hunting license and no deer permit. The Honorable Judge Roy E. Gabbert Jr. presided over the case and ordered Clay to pay $1,500 in fines, an additional $134 court costs, and to forfeit the deer as well as the bow he used to kill it.

In addition, Clay will lose his hunting privileges for life. Clay had 10 prior wildlife convictions for deer violations and has spent time in jail for several of those offenses. He will be entered into the Wildlife Violator’s Compact and most likely will lose hunting rights in 33 other states.

The Division of Wildlife is also imposing restitution for the deer in the amount of $23,572.05. This is in accordance with Ohio’s revised restitution law for illegal taking of white-tailed deer. The law went into effect March 2008 and allows the Division of Wildlife to seek an increased recovery value on all illegally harvested wildlife.

The typical trophy deer, scored according to Boone & Crockett (B&C) guidelines, netted an impressive 197 2/8. This deer was the largest typical white-tailed deer harvested in North America during 2009. In Ohio, this deer would rank fourth all time in the Buckeye Big Buck Club records.

Concerned citizens contacted Ohio Wildlife officers Chris Rice and Chris Gilkey about the questionable taking of the trophy deer in March 2010. Upon closer investigation, the officers discovered that the deer was unlawfully taken in Adams County, Ohio during 2009. Clay then checked the deer in as a Kentucky archery kill.

The Division of Wildlife is encouraging citizens to report any illegal activity they observe by contacting the TIP line. Tips may be phoned anonymously to 1-800-POACHER.

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.

Editor’s Note on Restitution: The recovery value for individual white-tailed deer is derived from the formula listed in 1531.201 of the Ohio Revised Code. The value is determined by measuring the antlers and using the following formula plus the value derived for wildlife. The formula for white-tailed deer will be applied to all individuals whose gross score exceeds 125 Boone and Crockett (B&C) inches. The formula is:

Recovery Value = [(gross score - 100)2 x $1.65] + the value derived in the Wildlife Value Formula ($500 as of 3/08).