Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Washington --(Ammoland.com)- The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a variety of new sportfishing rules and increased the number of multiple-season hunting permits for deer and elk issued each year during a public meeting here Feb. 3-4.

The commission, a nine-member citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), adopted new fishing rules for the 2012-13 season that will:

• Close fishing early for steelhead and other game fish in several river systems in Puget Sound and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to protect wild steelhead. The early closures, ranging from mid-January to mid-February of 2013, apply to the Nooksack, Skagit, Stillaguamish, Snohomish, Green and Puyallup river systems, along with several streams along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The proposal also includes closing the upper section of the Samish River on Dec. 1 and the lower section Jan. 1 to fishing for all species.
• Declassify northern pike as a gamefish and allow anglers to fish with two poles on the Pend Oreille River, where the non-native fish have been spreading. Anglers who purchase the required endorsement will also be allowed to use two fishing poles on the lower Spokane River.
• Close fisheries on a number of small coastal streams that drain into Washington’s ocean waters to protect juvenile anadromous fish.
• Change the opening day of the lowland lake fishing season from the last Saturday in April to the fourth Saturday in April.
• Limit sturgeon retention in Puget Sound, as well as its tributaries, to June 1-June 30 and Sept. 1-Oct.15. The new rule is designed to minimize impacts to Columbia River sturgeon that venture into Puget Sound to feed. Under the proposal, catch-and-release fishing will still be allowed year-round.

Summaries of those and other rule changes, as adopted, will be available on the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/ by mid-February. Public comments on the proposed changes were taken by the commission during meetings in December and January.

In other action, the commission increased the number of multiple-season deer and elk permits issued each year to hunters. Those permits, awarded through annual drawings, allow permit-holders to participate in all general hunting seasons for deer and elk.

Without the special permit, hunters must choose among archery, muzzleloader or modern firearm seasons.

The commission approved WDFW’s proposal to increase the number of deer permits from 4,000 currently to 8,500, and the number of elk permits from 850 to 1,250. State wildlife managers have assured the commission that increasing permit levels will expand hunting opportunities without posing a risk to deer and elk populations.

In other business, the commission deferred action on a proposal by WDFW to acquire 165 acres for fish and wildlife habitat in Okanogan County. The commission re-scheduled consideration of the purchase for a conference call Feb. 17 to allow time for further review.

Kansas DWPT Commission Awards Big Game Hunting Permits

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

SALINA, KS -–(Ammoland.com)- Seven Kansas conservation organizations were awarded 2012 Commission Big Game permits in a drawing conducted at the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting Jan. 5 at Kansas Wesleyan University’s Hauptli Student Center Salina.

Ninety-eight eligible applications were submitted for the seven available permits, which could include deer permits, one elk permit, and one antelope permit.

Winners of the permits include the following:

• National Wild Turkey Federation, (NWTF), Hays (elk permit) — Jared McJunkin, west conservation field supervisor, jmcjunkin@nwtf.net, 785-396-4552;
• Ducks Unlimited (DU), Wichita Chapter No. 017 (antelope permit) — Roger Zettl, district chairman, rzettl@cox.net, 316-722-0951;
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Greater Wichita Chapter (deer permit) — Steve Bell, Kansas volunteer chair, sbell@bellmirrorandglass.com, 316-648-1993;
• Friends of the NRA, Pratt County No. KS-40 (deer permit) — Rick Chrisman, field representative, rchrisman@nrahq.org, 913-294-9956;
• DU Topeka (deer permit) — Jeff Neal, district chairman, jneal1998@yahoo.com, 785-221-6625;
• NWTF Iola (deer permit) — Jared McJunkin, west conservation field supervisor, jmcjunkin@nwtf.net, 785-396-4552; and
• Friends of the NRA, McPherson County No. KS-38 (deer permit) — Rick Chrisman, field representative, rchrisman@nrahq.org, 913-294-9956.

Qualified applicants must be local nonprofit conservation organizations or Kansas chapters of national organizations based or operating in Kansas that actively promote wildlife conservation and the hunting and fishing heritage.

Commission Big Game permits were first awarded in 2006. Winners purchase the permits and typically auction them at their respective conventions and banquets to raise funds for conservation projects. After a permit is sold by an organization, the amount of the permit is subtracted, and 85 percent of the proceeds are sent to KDWPT to be used on approved projects. After the projects are approved, the money is sent back to the organization for the project. The other 15 percent may be spent at the organization’s discretion.

KDWPT regulations allow someone who buys a Commission Big Game permit at auction to also purchase another deer permit valid for an antlered deer or, if the Commission Big Game permit is for an elk, to also draw (or have drawn in the past) an antlered elk permit. These would be the only situations in which an individual could have valid permits for two antlered deer in one year, or to have previously drawn an antlered elk permit and still be able to obtain another one. One antelope and one elk Commission Big Game permit are offered in the drawing.

In 2011, permits were won by two National Wild Turkey Federation Chapters — McPherson Smoky Valley Strutters Chapter (deer permit sold for $6,000) and St. Paul Neosho River Struttin’ Toms Chapter (deer permit sold for $6,500); two Ducks Unlimited Chapters — El Dorado Chapter No. 027 (deer permit sold for $6,000) and Johnson County Chapter (deer permit sold for $5,000); two Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams chapters — I-70 Chapter (deer permit sold for $4,000) and Southeast Chapter (elk permit sold for $9,100); and the Safari Club International Kansas City Chapter (deer permit sold for $5,100). The permits sold for $41,700, providing $32,320 for state habitat projects.

The Commission also listened to discussion about potential changes in the wildlife rehabilitator regulations, including a staff decision to no longer permit outdoor holding facilities located within city limits and primarily in residential areas. Potential regulation changes to reduce user conflict on public lands were discussed and included use of treestands and ground blinds, decoys, baiting, and commercial guiding. Discussion about potentially allowing hunters 16 and younger and those 55 and older to hunt with crossbows during the archery carried over to the evening session.

The only items discussed during the public hearing session included Secretary’s Orders to approve 2012 Free Fishing Days for June 2 and 3, and setting Free Park Entrance Days for all Kansas state parks. The approved resolution allows all parks to have an Open House with free entrance on March 31. Each park then selected an individual Free Entrance Day that coincided with a special event held at the park. For a complete list of Free Park Entrance Days, visit www.kdpwt.state.ks.us.

Wild Turkeys By Noppadol Paothong

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- Turkey hunters have until Feb. 29 to apply for managed hunts during Missouri’s 2012 spring turkey season.

All 19 managed turkey hunts are listed in the “2012 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet.

The booklet, along with other information on spring turkey hunting, is available online at www.mdc.mo.gov by searching “Spring Turkey Hunting.”

The booklet and website have application instructions, outlook information on Missouri’s turkey population, conservation areas where turkey hunting is allowed, related regulations and more. The print version of the booklet will be available from hunting permit vendors and at MDC offices in mid-February.

In addition to 11 hunts open to all firearms turkey hunters, this year’s offerings include a managed hunt for archers, five hunts for youths age 11 through 15 and two hunts for people with disabilities. Managed hunts will take place during the youth turkey season, March 31 to April 1, or regular turkey season, April 16 through May 6.

Hunters may apply individually or in groups of up to three for most hunts. Youth hunts accept applications only for single hunters or pairs. An individual applying as a member of a party has the same chance of being drawn as someone who applies alone. Successful applicants will receive notice of their hunt dates and other information by mail. Drawing results will be posted March 14 through May 6 at www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/turkey.

For the youth hunt and hunt for people with disabilities at Smithville Lake, applications should be made by phone by calling 816-858-5718. To apply for the hunt for people with disabilities at Bois D’Arc CA, call 417-742-4361. Applications for other hunts should be made online at www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/turkey.

The number of hunters allowed to take part in each managed hunt ranges from 10 to 40. Participants in some hunts must complete a pre-hunt orientation. Hunters should not to apply for these hunts if they cannot attend the orientation.

The bag limit for managed hunts is one male turkey or turkey with visible beard. Turkeys taken during a managed hunt count toward the season limit of two. Hunters who shoot a turkey during a managed hunt before April 23 may not take another turkey during the first week of the regular turkey season. All-terrain vehicles are prohibited on areas with managed turkey hunts.

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The Division of Fish and Wildlife is advising hunters who purchased 2011 Shotgun or 2011 Muzzleloader deer permits on or after December 14, 2011 to review their permits and if necessary, follow the instructions provided in the following information.

Due to automated licensing system changes necessary to begin issuing 2012 hunting and fishing licenses, 2011 Shotgun and 2011 Muzzleloader deer permits purchased on or after December 14, 2011 at license agent locations with Verifone machines were printed and will continue to be printed with only one transportation tag for all zones, including zones where two antlerless deer at a time may be taken (Zones 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 36, 41, 42, 48, 49, 50 and 51).

Permits issued by agents with internet based systems were not affected and will continue to be issued with the appropriate number of transportation tags.

Hunters who harvest two antlerless deer at a time in zones where it is legal, but were issued a permit having only one transportation tag, are instructed to record both deer on the one transportation tag.

That transportation tag should then be attached to either deer and both deer should be transported at the same time to a check station. Check stations will check both deer normally by completing a data form for each deer and by issuing a metal seal and supplemental transportation tag for each deer.

If a hunter with an affected permit checks only one deer from a zone where two antlerless deer at a time may be taken, the check station will only issue one supplemental transportation tag to the hunter. If that hunter harvests two antlerless deer at a time on a later date, they should use the supplemental transportation tag for one deer and a homemade transportation tag for the second deer.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Washington --(Ammoland.com)- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will accept enrollment applications for its Master Hunter Permit program from Jan. 1 through Feb. 15.

WDFW enlists master hunters for controlled hunts to remove problem animals that damage property or threaten public safety. Master hunters also participate in volunteer projects involving access to private lands, habitat enhancement, and landowner relations.

To qualify for the program, applicants must demonstrate a high level of hunting skill and demonstrate a commitment to lawful and ethical hunting practices, said Sgt. Carl Klein, manager of the WDFW Hunter Education Division.

“This program was designed to create a pool of highly qualified hunters who can help the department manage wildlife in sensitive situations,” Klein said. “This is a great opportunity for conscientious, committed hunters to assume a leadership role among their peers.”

Hunters enrolling in the program must pay a non-refundable $50 application fee, pass a criminal background check, pass a written exam and meet other qualifications described on the Master Hunter website ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/masterhunter/ ). The application form is also available on that website.

Klein encourages hunters who enroll in the program to prepare thoroughly for the written test, because applicants are allowed only one chance to re-take the exam.

Those who successfully complete the enrollment process will receive a master hunter patch and identification card, and will be eligible to participate in depredation hunts.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The 2012 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information regulations booklet has been posted online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.

Hunters can now start applying for a hunt permit-tag issued through the drawing process.

Paper applications can be submitted either by U.S. mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or hand-delivered to any Game and Fish office.

The online application service for this draw is expected to be available by early to mid January 2012.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 by 7 p.m. (MST). For those mailing their application, remember, postmarks do not count.

A 2012 hunting license is required to apply in the draw, and hunters are reminded that licenses purchased through the draw will not be mailed out until after the drawing process is completed.

2012 Arizona Pronghorn & Elk Hunt Draw Booklet Is Online

Licenses can also be purchased online at the Game and Fish website, and also at Game and Fish offices and more than 300 license dealers statewide.

Please keep in mind that you must have a working printer handy if you purchase your license online. The online system is self-fulfilling and you must print your license at time of purchase.

Apply early to take advantage of the “correction period.” If your application has an error and is received before 5 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2012, you will receive up to three phone calls from Game and Fish in a 24-hour period to help get the application corrected.

After that date, mistakes can cause your application to be rejected.

The printed elk and antelope draw information/regulations booklets are anticipated to be available at department offices and at license dealers statewide around mid January 2012.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds (tax revenues) to operate.

Wildlife conservation and management of the state’s game animals, which also benefits many nongame species, is made possible through the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program, a federal excise tax on certain hunting and fishing equipment.

California Department Of Fish And Game

California --(Ammoland.com)- The application deadline is fast approaching for hunters who wish to enter the permit drawing for the Joice Island pig hunts. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will be accepting application cards through close of business Feb. 10, 2012. The drawing will be held on Feb. 14, 2012.

Contact:

• Patrick Graham, DFG Bay Delta Region, (707) 425-3828
• Eric Larson, DFG Bay Delta Region, (707) 944-5528
• Janice Mackey, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8908
• Public Contact: (707) 425-3828 or (707) 944-5500

A total of 24 two-day permits will be issued. DFG will be holding these limited-entry, permit-only hunts to control a small population of wild pigs on the Joice Island Unit of the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area in Solano County. Joice Island is a 2,150-acre wetland area consisting of thick cattails, tules, some brush and standing water.

The first weekend of this hunting opportunity has been reserved for apprentice hunters. Two-day pig hunt permits will be issued by drawing only for the following weekends:

Apprentice Hunters (12 years of age and older with Junior Hunting License)

• March 3-4

General (Adults or apprentice hunters may apply)

• March 10-11
• March 17-18
• March 24-25
• March 31-April 1
• April 7-8
• April 14-15
• April 21-22

Three hunters will be drawn for each of the eight weekends, for a total of 24. Permits with maps and additional information will be mailed to successful applicants. A permit holder may bring one non-hunting partner. Only shotguns using slugs and archery will be allowed as well as dogs. In addition to a hunting license, participants must also possess a validCaliforniapig tag.

To apply for a permit drawing, please send a standard postcard with the hunter’s name (apprentice hunters must also provide name of adult chaperone), valid hunting license GO-ID number, address, telephone number and desired hunt date.

Mail the application card to Joice Island Pig Hunt, 2548 Grizzly Island Road, Suisun City, CA 94585. Each hunter may apply only one time and for only one date. Applications will be accepted for parties of up to two hunters, but the card must contain all information for both hunters. Incomplete cards and multiple entries will not be accepted. There is no fee to apply.

DFG reserves the right to cancel this hunt and close the area to all public users without prior notification due to unforeseen circumstances or emergency situations.

For more information, please contact DFG at (707) 425-3828.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Did you get a second spring hunt-permit tag in the mail from the Arizona Game and Fish Department?

No, it wasn’t an early Christmas present. It was a simple error, so don’t make a serious mistake that could cost you.

“Since we had to print all 22,000-plus tags in house, we did encounter a few problems with the printers,” said Kathy Ford, the draw manager.

Ford explained that the bad tags were pulled and placed in a box for destruction.

“However with all the hard-working volunteers we had helping us stuff envelopes, those bad tags inadvertently got stuffed and mailed too,” she said.

Around 50 duplicate hunt tags for javelina and turkey were mailed.

This isn’t like playing Monopoly with a bank error in your favor – it would be illegal to use the second tag.

The legal annual bag and possession limit for turkey and javelina is one animal. If you harvest two animals (except as prescribed by R12-4-120), you could face serious consequences, including possible criminal fines, civil fines and even the loss the hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for up to five years.

Don’t let this error cost you in the end – destroy the second tag, don’t be tempted to use it.

Wisconsin 2012 Black Bear Permit Application Deadline Dec. 10 2011

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Black bear hunters have until close of business on Dec. 10 to apply for available permits for the 2012 black bear hunting season.

Applications for the black bear permit drawing cost $3 and may be purchased through the Online Licensing Center on the DNR website, at all authorized license agents, at DNR Service Centers (Hours for service centers vary; check the DNR website for service center days and hours of operation; DNR Service Centers are not open on Saturdays), or by calling toll-free 1-877-LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).

The 2012 black bear season begins Sept. 5, the first Wednesday after Labor Day, and runs through Oct. 9. The opening week of Wisconsin’s bear hunting season alternates – allowing those who hunt over bait to go first one year and those who hunt with the aid of dogs to go first the next year.

In 2012, hunters who hunt over bait will go first in all management zones; the season for those hunting with the aid of dogs or using other methods will open Sept. 12 in zones that allow hunting with the aid of dogs (A,B, and D). In Zone C, where hunting with dogs is prohibited, hunters may hunt bear over bait or by other means not using dogs from September 5th through Oct. 9.

There were 27,793 hunters who submitted applications for the 9,005 Class A bear harvest permits available for the 2011 bear season. A total of 103,853 hunters applied for either a harvest permit or a preference point in 2011.

Applicants currently need to have collected between four and nine preference points in order to successfully draw a bear harvest permit. Hunters can check their preference point status in one of three ways: by visiting the Online Licensing Center, by calling Customer Service & Licensing toll-free at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463), or by contacting a local DNR Service Center.

The bear drawing is held each year in early February. Drawing winners will be notified via U.S. Mail shortly after the drawing. Drawing winners may purchase their 2012 Class A bear license beginning March 7, the start of the 2012 license year.

Total permit availability for the 2012 black bear season has not yet been determined. Proposed quota and permit levels will be taken up by the State Natural Resources Board at its January 2012 meeting.

More information on black bear hunting is available on the DNR website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Linda Olver, Assistant Big Game Specialist – (608) 261-7588

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is reminding hunters that over-the-counter sale of leftover and unclaimed black bear hunting permits will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 21.

Hunters can possess two permits each for a different zone – but the bag limit is still one bear.

The numbers of permits which will be available when the OTC sale begins are as follows:

• Bear Hunting Area 1: 328
• Bear Hunting Area 2: 1,729
• Bear Hunting Area 3: 1,817
• Bear Hunting Area 4: 1,286

The permit availability chart will be updated continually in real time after Monday’s sale opening. The chart can be viewed at www.nj.wildlifelicense.com/ALS/unit_report.php .

A current, valid NJ Firearm or All-around Hunting License is required to purchase a permit. Sales will continue until the season ends or the permit quota is reached. There is a non-refundable processing fee of $2.00 per permit.

Permits can be purchased online at www.nj.wildlifelicense.com or at license agents. If a hunter wishes to purchase two permits they must be purchased in two separate transactions – we apologize for this inconvenience. Those purchasing permits online need to allow sufficient time for the mailed permits to arrive (up to 7-10 business days) or pay for expedited shipping.

NOTE: It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that their purchase is for the correct area(s). All permit sales are final, with no exceptions.

More information on the black bear hunting season, including the Black Bear Hunting Areas Map and Descriptions, is available on the division’s website at www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearseason_info.htm . Hunters should also refer to pages 13, 29, 60 and elsewhere in the 2011 Hunting and Trapping Digest ( www.njfishandwildlife.com/dighnt11.htm ) for additional information and regulations.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said the agency’s public drawing for the 2011 elk hunting licenses will be webcast beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9.

To view the drawing, a “Live Elk Drawing” icon will be posted on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) for individuals to click on and watch the drawing.

In order to watch the live feed, you will need to have Flash Player installed on your computer. If you do not have Flash Player installed on your computer, please go to this link: www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/. Once Flash Player has been installed, you can watch the drawing.

“Each year, tens of thousands of individuals apply for an elk license,” Roe said.

“Unfortunately, not all of them can make it to the public drawings. And, due to financial limitations, we are only able to send notification letters to those who were selected to receive an elk license. By webcasting the public drawings, more people can view this drawing without having to travel to the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters.”

Beginning at 10 a.m., the agency will conduct the public drawing to award 56 elk licenses. Roe also noted that those who have submitted applications can check to see if they were selected, by Sept. 16, thanks to the new Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).

Presently, the status for all individual’s applications for elk licenses is listed as “Pending.” Once the database is updated, which is expected by Sept. 16, those who were selected for an elk license will see the status changed to “Awarded,” as well as the designation of the Elk Hunt Zone and whether they were awarded an antlered or antlerless elk license. Those not selected will see the status changed to “Unsuccessful.”

To access the information, go to the Game Commission website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and click on the blue box in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage. Click on the “Purchase License Permit and or Application/Replace License and or Permit” option, which includes the ability to “Check on the status of any Lottery Application,” scroll down and click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of the page. At this page, choose one of the identification options below to check your records, fill in the necessary information and click on the “Continue” button. Click on the appropriate residency status, which will display your current personal information. At the bottom of the page, choose the “Check on the status of any Lottery Application” button, and then hit “Continue.”

“While this may seem like a lot of clicking and box checking to get to the information, the system is designed to protect an individual’s personal information, while at the same time enabling that person to check on the status of his or her applications, as well as their antlerless deer license applications,” Roe said. “Prior to PALS, the only way to know for sure that you were awarded an elk license was to attend the public drawings, wait for a letter in the mail or to call the Game Commission.

“This year, thanks to PALS, we will be able to update the data files for each license buyer shortly after the elk public drawing is completed so that license buyers will be able to see for themselves if they were drawn for one of the licenses.”

ELK GUIDE PERMIT APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPT. 30
Anyone interested in applying to be an elk guide for the upcoming season should submit a completed application to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Protection by Friday, Sept. 30. Guide permits cost $25 for residents and $50 for nonresidents.

Anyone convicted of a violation of the Game and Wildlife Code or Game Commission regulations within the last 10 years is ineligible to obtain a guide permit. Applications received from anyone convicted of a violation within the last 10 years will be rejected.

Guides may provide assistance in locating or tracking elk, and calling for elk, but they may not harvest an elk. Permit applications may be obtained from the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters by calling 717-783-8164, or by contacting any of the Game Commission’s six region offices.

The Board of Game Commissioners created the elk guide permit to allow experienced individuals, especially those who are familiar with or live in the elk range, to serve as guides for those who receive an elk license. However, an elk license recipient is not required to hire a guide.

Guide permits are not required for those who only plan to accompany an elk license recipient, or those who plan to aid a successful elk hunter to remove an elk from the field.

Those seeking elk guide permits also should consult with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources concerning special guiding permits and requirements on state forest or state park lands.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters fall turkey hunting license drawing results and leftover license quantities are available at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

Hunters are encouraged to visit the website for updated license availability information.

Unsuccessful applicants may purchase one leftover license online or from any license agent on a first-come, first-served basis for a one week period beginning Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. EST. The licenses will be sold until the quotas are met.

Beginning Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. EST, remaining fall turkey hunting licenses may be purchased by any hunter, including those that did not apply for a fall turkey license. A hunter may buy one license per day until the quotas are met.

As of Aug. 21, there are licenses available in fall turkey management units L, M, W, HA (private land) and YY (private land). The majority of the licenses are available in unit YY (45,000 licenses) for private land in southern Michigan and Beaver Island. Currently, there are over 800 leftover licenses available in Unit M.

Fall turkey season opens Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 14. “Fall turkey season provides a great opportunity for hunters to get a bird for their Thanksgiving dinner,” said DNR upland bird biologist Al Stewart. “And because the season runs through Nov. 14, it gives archery deer hunters the chance to pursue another game animal during the archery deer season.”

Hunters have an additional opportunity to get a fall turkey license by applying for the 2012 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing. Each application is $4 and you may apply as many times as you like. Three lucky winners will receive a hunt package that includes a fall turkey, spring turkey, elk, bear, antlerless deer license and a reserved waterfowl hunt. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt. Season dates and regulations have not yet been established for the 2012 hunting seasons.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- APPLY NOW! Go to www.blackbear.dnr.state.md.us .

Online applications for the Maryland Black Bear Lottery are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. (almost midnight) on Friday, September 2.

To apply, a $15 nonrefundable application fee must be submitted via credit card, check, or money order. All payments must be received by 12 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2010. Checks and money orders should be made payable to MDDNR Black Bear and mailed to MDDNR Black Bear, P.O. Box 360, Frostburg, MD 21532.

Only one application per person will be accepted. Duplicate applications will result in disqualification and forfeiture of all fees.

Registrations will also be accepted by phone between August 22 and August 26 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 1-888-579-6768.

• Read what last year’s hunters had to say: www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/BearHunt_Testimonials.asp
• See photos from prior hunts: www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/BearHunt_Photos.asp (Later this year, it could be you in one of those photos).
• For everything Maryland Black Bear, visit our online resource: www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/BlackBearGuide.asp

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications to participate in this year’s lottery for black bear hunting permits through September 2. Applications issued will be valid for this year’s black bear hunting season, which will take place October 24 through October 29.

This year’s hunt will follow the same successful model we’ve used for the previous bear hunting seasons.

The application process will follow the Preference Point System for bear hunting permit applications that DNR implemented in 2007. Hunters who apply this year will receive one entry in the random drawing as well as one additional entry for each past consecutive year they have applied.

Therefore, those hunters who applied unsuccessfully in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 will receive five entries in the drawing when they apply this year.

The following rules also apply:

• Applicants must apply each year to retain preference points. If an applicant skips a year, all preference points will be forfeited.
• Once an applicant is selected to receive a bear hunting permit in the random drawing, all preference points will be forfeited.
• If an applicant is selected in the random drawing, but forfeits the permit, all preference points will be forfeited.
• Applicants will have the opportunity to purchase a preference point. This will allow those hunters who cannot hunt in 2010 the opportunity to retain their preference points for use in future drawings.

DNR will issue 260 bear hunting permits with a quota of 55-80 bears and will close the hunt when the quota is reached. The opportunity to hunt black bears in Maryland remains limited to Garrett and Allegany counties.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Let the planning begin.

The drawing results for Arizona’s 2011 fall big game hunting permits are now available at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Draw results are also available by telephone at (602) 942-3000 by selecting option two.

The more than 107,000 applicants, an increase of 3 percent from last year, can find out if they were issued a permit-tag for deer, fall turkey, fall juniors-only javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, or pheasant by providing their sportsman’s ID and date of birth.

Game and Fish officials report that hunt permit-tags will be mailed out to successful applicants no later than Aug. 12 (archery deer tags will be mailed out earlier). Refunds for unsuccessful and rejected applicants will be mailed out to applicant “A” no later than Aug. 23 (less application fees).

For those individuals who missed the drawing application deadline or were unsuccessful in getting a permit-tag, there are more than 5,767 hunt permit-tags remaining. These remaining tags will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and include more than 4,600 deer tags, more than 700 fall turkey tags, and nearly 400 tags for the juniors-only fall javelina hunts.

There are two methods to obtain a leftover tag. Applications will first only be accepted by U.S. mail (U.S. Postal Service) beginning at 8 a.m. (MST) on Aug. 1. Starting on Aug. 8 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can obtain a leftover tag in person at any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices. A list of office locations is available at www.azgfd.gov/offices.

For a detailed listing of leftover permits which includes hunt number, number of permits available and unit number, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw and click on the “Leftover Permits for 2011 Fall Hunts” link under the “2011-12 Arizona Hunting and Trapping Regulations, season dates and drawing information” section.

Hopi hunts with leftover tags are available to everyone, tribal and non-tribal members. For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Fort Huachuca. Call (520) 533-8763 for additional information.

For those that applied for a fall turkey permit in unit 1 (hunt number 4501) or unit 27 (hunt number 4518), there was a reduction in permitted tags issued through the draw compared to what was listed in the regulations. On July 8, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted to reduce the number of permit-tags by 1,075 permits due to the Wallow Fire. The commission action was taken after the application deadline, but before the draw was processed.

Hunter clinics and seminars
Getting prepared and planning for an upcoming hunt is almost as fun as the hunt itself. It’s also the most important. Many of the local hunter conservation groups are hosting hunting clinics to teach the basics, all the way up to how to score a trophy. Many of these clinics offer biology and ecology of the species; hunting tips and techniques; knowledgeable guest speakers, and other great information from experienced hunters. The popular hunting clinics are open to all, not just tag holders, and include:

• July 30: Arizona Elk Society Elk Hunting Clinic
• Aug. 13: Arizona Deer Association Hunting Clinic
• Sept. 24: Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society Clinic

For more details on these clinics, upcoming hunting camps for first-time hunters, and events hosted for families and juniors-only hunts, visit www.azgfd.gov/outdoorskills.

Note: The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds to operate. Wildlife conservation and management of the state’s game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through a user-pay, user-benefit system. Funding from the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on a variety of hunting and angling related equipment) remain the primary sources for funding wildlife conservation in North America.

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.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that applications for fall turkey hunting licenses are on sale starting today through Aug. 1, 2011.

A total of 50,050 licenses are available through a lottery for the units open to hunting, 3,350 general licenses that may be used on public or private land and 46,700 licenses for private land only.

Eight wild turkey management units totaling 42,218 square miles are open to fall turkey hunting during the Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 season, including most of the southern Lower Peninsula, Beaver Island, and the entire Upper Peninsula.

“We are in the second year of a three-year period of stabilized regulations that were developed by working with turkey hunting groups.” explained Al Stewart, the DNR’s upland game bird specialist. “Regulations are similar to last year with one change occurring to quotas in the Upper Peninsula. The Unit M quota was reduced from 4,000 to 1,500 licenses.”

Hunters may apply for a turkey hunting license at any authorized license agent, at DNR Operations Service Centers, or online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings. The application fee is $4. Drawing results will be posted online beginning Aug. 15.

If any licenses remain after the drawing, unsuccessful applicants may purchase one leftover license at any license agent or online for a one week period beginning Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. (EDT). Any licenses that remain as of Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. (EDT) will be available for purchase over the counter by any hunter. The licenses will be sold until the quotas are met.

Hunters have an additional opportunity to get a turkey license by applying for the 2012 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing. Each application is $4 and you may apply as many times as you like. Three lucky winners will receive a hunt package that includes an elk, bear, turkey, and antlerless deer license. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt. Season dates and regulations have not yet been established for the 2012 hunting seasons.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- As hunters prepare for the upcoming antlerless deer license application period, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permits are available through the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).

DMAP is the Game Commission’s program designed to help landowners manage deer numbers on their properties. Eligible landowners include those owning: public lands; private lands where no fee is charged for hunting; and hunting clubs established prior to Jan. 1, 2000, that are owned in fee title and have provided a club charter and list of current members to the agency.

“While more than 700 DMAP units have been entered into the database so far, Game Commission staff continues to update the list as more landowner applications are reviewed, approved and added to the website,” Roe said. “We expect to have all of the eligible landowners applications approved and entered by July 1.

“Hunters may obtain up to two DMAP antlerless deer permits per property, and DMAP permits do not impact a hunter’s eligibility to apply for and receive antlerless deer licenses issued for Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).”

DMAP permit fees are $10.70 for resident hunters; and $35.70 for nonresident hunters. The permit can be used to harvest one antlerless deer on the specific DMAP area. Maps for the properties are to be provided to hunters by the landowners. Landowners may not charge or accept any contribution from a hunter for a DMAP permits or coupons.

Hunters may not use DMAP permits to harvest an antlered deer. Hunters may use DMAP permits to harvest an antlerless deer anytime antlerless deer are legal, including during the entire statewide two-week firearms deer season (Nov. 28-Dec. 10). DMAP permits also may be used in WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E during the two-week firearms deer season (Nov. 28-Dec. 10), however, WMU-specific antlerless deer licenses may be used only during the last seven days of the season, Dec. 3-10.

All DMAP permits will be available through PALS. For DMAP unit numbers, the Game Commission has posted a listing of all public landowners and those private landowners who did not request DMAP coupons.

Those private landowners who requested DMAP coupons to present to hunters to redeem for DMAP permits will not appear on the website. However, these landowners generally have a limited number of coupons available and already have identified a sufficient number of hunters to receive their allotted coupons.

The website provides an alphabetical listing of DMAP properties for each county in which DMAP properties are located. Each listing will provide the following information: DMAP property number; contact information, including name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (when available); total number of acres for the property; and total number of coupons issued for the property.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Time is running out for hunters to apply for Arizona’s fall hunts issued through the draw process. Applications must be received by Arizona Game and Fish by Tuesday, June 14 by 7 p.m. (MST) – postmarks do not count, and there is no online application process.

The fall drawing cycle allocates the limited hunt permit-tags for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo and pheasant.

Due to the deadline quickly approaching, the recommended method to submit an application is by hand-delivery to one of the seven Game and Fish offices. Offices are located in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson, Mesa and Phoenix.

Applications can be sent by U.S. mail, but those using this method are reminded that postmarks do not count and must be received by Game and Fish on or before 7 p.m. (MST) on Tuesday, June 14. Mailed applications should be sent to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn. Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052.

Hunters are advised that the wildfires burning in certain areas of the state are likely to impact traditional hunting in those areas; more information is below.

To assist last-minute applicants with survey, harvest and draw statistics, Hunt Arizona 2011 is now available. This free PDF file is an invaluable resource for planning where you want to hunt and will help you balance drawing odds and hunt success odds to meet your needs.

Hunt Arizona and all the other materials needed to apply can be found at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Additionally, regulations, application forms, and envelopes are available at more than 300 license dealers statewide.

Please note: Department office locations will be open until 7 p.m. on deadline day to receive dropped-off applications; however, the front counter customer service for regular business transactions, including buying licenses, still close at 5 p.m.

Wildfire Information
There are currently three significant wildfires burning in Arizona. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, although a wildlife agency, is a community-minded organization, and is concerned for the citizens and communities that have been displaced, lost property, and endured hardships from these tragic events.

Dozens of Game and Fish law enforcement officers are assisting the firefighting effort by helping with evacuations, security, and sharing important on-the-ground knowledge of the community and landscape with incident management teams.

It is far too early to know the short-term or long-term impacts the fire will have to habitat, wildlife, waters, access, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation until the fires are put out and crews can go in and make an assessment.

The Wallow Fire in northeastern Arizona on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests lies within Game Management Units 1 and 27; popular hunts in these units include elk, antelope, deer, turkey and bear.

There are two fires burning in the Coronado National Forest, the Horseshoe Two, primarily Unit 29 and portions of Unit 30A; and the Murphy Complex, which encompasses Unit 36A, 36B, and 36C. Both of these areas are popular for hunting mule deer, white-tailed deer, javelina, and small game.

For those who have applied for or already have a hunting permit in any of these units, there are no provisions in state law (ARS §17-332) or Commission rule for Game and Fish to issue any refunds, reinstate bonus points or offer a rain-check.

However, worth noting, is that until the fires are put out, there is no certainty what the conditions will be in these areas, and hunters could find conditions ranging from area closures to near-normal conditions come hunting season. As an example, here is what the department found in Unit 3C in the aftermath of the huge Rodeo-Chediski Fire in 2002:

Of the Unit 3C habitat on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests impacted by the fire, 28 percent was determined to be severely burned, 19 percent moderately burned, 26 percent low impact, and 27 percent was unburned.

There was no significant reduction in the availability of big game animals in the fall hunts.

Department personnel conducted two aerial surveys and several ground surveys in the unit after the fire. There was no evidence of any large migration of elk or deer out of the burn area. With the onset of the monsoon, it is anticipated that a significant portion of Units 1 and 27 will have adequate forage, and that elk will be well distributed prior to the hunts.

For those that are still planning to apply for a fall hunt, you may want to take these variables into consideration when applying.

Game and Fish will continue to provide information related to wildlife, habitat, and outdoor recreation in these areas as more is learned at www.azgfd.gov.

To stay informed on fire incident information, visit www.inciweb.org.

New Mexico Game and Fish

SANTA FE, NM --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters who applied for New Mexico 2011-2012 deer, elk, antelope, ibex, javelina, bighorn sheep and Barbary sheep licenses can see if they made the drawing “lucky list” Wednesday, June 8, on the Department of Game and Fish website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

Hunters who were successful in the drawings will be mailed licenses and carcass tags according to species. Unsuccessful applicants will receive refunds for prepaid license fees — by check if the application was on paper, or by credits to credit cards if payment was online.

The Department received 141,462 applications for about 65,500 licenses, an increase of 8,701 applications – 8,179 residents and 522 nonresidents — from the previous year.

This was the second year the Department began requiring all applicants to pay the full license fees at the time of application. Previously, only those who submitted paper applications were required to submit full upfront payments, and online applicants were only charged the application fee upfront, with their credit cards charged for the license fee only if they were successful in the drawing.

More than 80 percent of this year’s applicants took advantage of the Department’s online application process, which was first offered in 2004.

Hunters wishing to check their drawing results can log in to their account on the Department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. Hunters also can check their results in person by visiting Department offices in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Raton, Roswell and Las Cruces. Results will be available June 22 by telephone at (505) 476-8000.

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, AR --(Ammoland.com)- During last week’s monthly meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, commissioners approved several resident military retiree and resident disabled military veteran licenses and permits.

The licenses will be available July 1.

The licenses range in price from a $35.50 lifetime combination license down to a $5 lifetime trout stamp. Military retirees who are at least 60 years of age and residents of Arkansas are eligible for the resident military retiree lifetime license and permits.

Arkansas residents who are totally disabled military veterans qualify for the resident disabled military veteran licenses and permits.

The licenses and permits are being offered to recognize the sacrifices that have been made by the state’s military retirees and disabled veterans.

In other business, the Commission:

• Approved a proclamation by Gov. Mike Beebe to start Free Fishing Weekend at noon, June 10, and end at midnight, June 12. Licenses will not be required for fishing in Arkansas during that period.
• Approved a $23,210 expenditure to complete improvements to the access road to the new trap range at the Fred Berry Conservation Education Center on Crooked Creek.
• Approved a lease for the temporary location of the AGFC Northeast Arkansas Regional Office in Jonesboro. The temporary office will be in the old Federal Aviation Administration building at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport. The lease is for 15 months while a new office building is under construction on the grounds of the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center. If the new office building is completed before the end of the 15-month lease, the AGFC will not be required to fulfill any remaining time on the lease.
• Approved changes to the Commission’s committee procedures. The changes included restructuring the Commission’s seven standing committees to five standing committees.
• Approved a minute order delegating authority to the AGFC director for administrative and emergency decision-making.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS --(Ammoland.com)- The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reminds all nonresident deer hunters that the application deadline for 2011 permits is April 29, the last Friday in April.

All applications must be made online through the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us, or by phoning 620-672-5911 and asking for Licensing.

Mail-in applications are not available, and none will be accepted. Phone applications will be accepted through normal working hours on Friday, April 29. The online application deadline is midnight on April 29. This application applies to nonresident either-sex deer permits only. Nonresident Hunt-Own-Land and Antlerless White-tailed Deer permits will be available beginning July 25 over the counter.

Nonresident either-sex deer permits allow the taking of one white-tailed deer buck, doe, or fawn. The cost of the permit is $322.50, and if successful in the drawing, the applicant must also purchase a nonresident hunting license, $72.50, prior to hunting. The hunter applies in one of 18 deer management units and may also select one adjacent unit in which to hunt. Applicants also select one equipment type and season choice (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm) at the time of application. Muzzleloader permit holders may hunt during early muzzleloader season and regular firearm season using muzzleloader equipment only. If unsuccessful in the draw, the hunter receives a $301 refund and a preference point for next year’s draw.

A nonresident who successfully draws an Archery or Muzzleloader either-sex deer permit in Unit 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 16, 17, or 18 may also apply for one of a limited number of Mule Deer Stamps for an additional fee of $102.50, submitted at time of application; if drawn, the applicant’s archery or muzzleloader whitetail permit converts to an either-species/either-sex archery or muzzleloader permit. Preference points do not count toward this stamp. If unsuccessful in the Mule Deer Stamp draw, the hunter will receive a $101 refund and be issued the whitetail permit.

A nonresident hunter who doesn’t want to hunt in 2011 can purchase a preference point online for $22.50. The preference point will count toward a nonresident whitettail either-sex deer permit in a future drawing.

To apply for a nonresident either-sex deer permit, go to the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us and click “Licenses/Permits” in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Then click “Buy your License/Permit Online” and follow the directions. To learn more about permits you may qualify for, go to kdwp.state.ks.us/deer_permit_guide.

Drawing Results For Elk & Pronghorn Hunts Now Available

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The drawing results for Arizona’s 2011 elk and pronghorn antelope big game hunts are now available.

The more than 120,000 eager applicants can find out if they were drawn for the limited permits by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/draw or by calling (602) 942-3000 and selecting option two.

Hunt permit-tags for successful applicants, and refunds for unsuccessful or rejected applicants/applications (less application fees), will be mailed out no later than April 22.

For those individuals who missed the draw deadline or were unsuccessful in getting a permit-tag, there are more than 600 leftover tags remaining. Remaining tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include more than 600 elk tags and 4 pronghorn antelope tags. Leftover tags in Hopi hunt open areas are available to everyone (tribal members and non-tribal members) through the first-come, first-served process.

There are two methods to obtain a leftover tag. Applications will be accepted by mail only beginning at 8 a.m. (MST) on April 25. Starting on May 2 at 8 a.m. (MST), hunters can purchase a leftover tag in person with an application at any of the seven Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.

For a detailed listing of leftover permits, the 2011 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet (see pages 8-12 for draw and first come process), and other drawing related information, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw.

For those who qualify, there are military hunts available for Camp Navajo, call (928) 773-3274 for additional information.

Important information regarding 19B pronghorn antelope hunts.
Hunters who applied for pronghorn antelope in Game Management Unit 19B, hunt number 2022 (50 general permits) and 2054 (15 archery-only permits), are reminded that the Arizona Game and Fish Commission has canceled all the 2011 antelope hunts in this unit due to the loss of public access onto the Chino Grande Ranch.

With the elimination of these two hunts, the draw program processed any choices with these hunt numbers as if all the tags had been issued and moved to the applicant’s next choice for all drawing passes.

Hunters are reminded, that while there are no pronghorn antelope permit-tags allocated for Unit 19B, the unit remains open for all other hunting seasons; however, access, and areas to hunt may be limited due to the closure of the Chino Grande Ranch.

The details from the March 23 public commission meeting on this issue are available at www.azgfd.net/artman/publish/NewsMedia/Arizona-Game-and-Fish-Commission-eliminates-pronghorn-hunts-in-19B-for-2011.shtml.

Fall draw and hunt recommendations
The anticipated application deadline for remaining fall hunts (deer, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo and others) is the second Tuesday of June. A preview of those hunt recommendations will be available for the public to view at six open houses in April. The recommendations will also be available at the Game and Fish website beginning Saturday, April 2 at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Open houses are from 3-5 p.m. at the following locations and dates:

• Thursday, April 7 – Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Road
• Monday, April 11 – Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
• Tuesday, April 12 – Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road
• Tuesday, April 12 – Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St.
• Wednesday, April 13 – Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road
• Thursday, April 14 – Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive

Hunting and angling are the cornerstones of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. These activities continue to be the primary source of funding for conservation efforts in North America. Through a self-imposed excise tax on hunting, angling and shooting sports equipment, hunters and anglers have generated more than $10 billion toward wildlife conservation since 1939. The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state’s general funds to operate.

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Wisconsin department of natural resources wild turkey update – leftover 2011 spring turkey permits go on sale next week!

The 2011 Spring Turkey Season is just around the corner and leftover spring turkey permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting next week! Sales begin Monday, March 21 and leftover permits will be first issued for sale by zone, one zone per day, with each zone having a designated sales date as follows:

• Zone 1 = Monday, March 21st, 10am – midnight
• Zone 2 = Tuesday, March 22nd, 10am – midnight
• Zone 3 = Wednesday, March 23rd, 10am – midnight
• Zone 4 = Thursday, March 24th, 10am – midnight
• Zone 5 & Zone 6 = Friday, March 25th, 10am – midnight
• Any permits still remaining for all zones = Saturday, March 26th, starting at 10am and continuing until all permits are sold out or the season has come to an end

For information on how many permits remain in each zone and when, where, and how to purchase a leftover permit, please visit the DNR’s 2011 Spring Turkey Leftover Permit Availability website at www.dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cs/springturkey/.

Best of luck for an enjoyable and successful spring turkey season!

• To see this week’s press release announcing the upcoming leftover spring turkey permit sales, please visit: www.dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly.asp
• To visit the DNR’s Wild Turkey website, please visit: www.new.dnr.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=72659862-f510-474f-8f33-0f0d2a0b08d9

Black Bears

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

OLYMPIA, Washington --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters may now purchase and submit applications for a 2011 spring black bear hunting permit, applicable to specific areas of western and eastern Washington.

To be eligible for a permit, hunters must purchase and submit an application to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) by midnight March 10.

A drawing will be held in mid-March for 370 permits in western Washington and 209 permits for hunts east of the Cascades. Permit winners will receive notification in the mail by March 31. Applicants may also check the results of the drawing at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting on the WDFW website.

To apply for a permit, hunters must purchase a special permit application and a 2011 hunting license that includes bear as a species option. Hunting licenses, bear transport tags and bear permit applications may be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ , by calling (866) 246-9453, or at any license vendor in the state.

Special permit applications, which require a correct hunt choice number, may be submitted online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ , or by calling (877) 945-3492.

Hunters interested in hunting on the Kapowsin Tree Farm should contact the tree farm before submitting an application to find out what areas are open. Those selected for the Kapowsin Tree Farm hunt must then purchase an access permit from Hancock Forest Management by calling (800) 782-1493.

Hunters selected for the Copalis hunt must obtain a Recreational Use Permit and should contact Rayonier at (360) 533-7000 during regular business hours.

More information on hunts scheduled on both sides of the state is available on page 61 in the 2010 Big Game Hunting Rules pamphlet ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations ).

Any legal weapon used during the modern firearm, archery or muzzleloader seasons can be used for spring black bear hunts. Bait or hounds are not allowed for bear hunting.

Arkansas Snow Geese

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

LITTLE ROCK, AR --(Ammoland.com)- The current Snow Goose Conservation Order requires a special permit for Arkansans and visitors to hunt the overabundant waterfowl.

The permits are free, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has made it easy for participants to get permits.

It takes less than five minutes. Go to www.ark.org/agfc/permitting/apply.php. You will need your hunting license number and your driver’s license or Social Security number for identification.

When you complete the application, you will be given a registration number. You will be ready to hunt snow geese, including blue geese and Ross’s geese, which look like small snow geese.

Hunters also may get the registration numbers by calling the AGFC at (800) 364-4263 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This special snow goose season runs through April 25. The geese are abundant in Arkansas, mostly on agricultural land in northeastern, eastern and southeasteastern Arkansas. Hunters will find most of the snow geese on private land, (where landowners’ permission is needed).

“It is important that hunters harvest as many snow geese as they can, ” said Luke Naylor, AGFC waterfowl biologist.

“There’s no daily bag or possession limit on light geese during the Conservation Order, guns do not have to be plugged, electronic calls can be used and shooting hours have been extended to a half hour before and a half hour after sunset. Non-toxic shot is required.”

Naylor says the special snow goose conservation season began several years ago and continues this year in an effort to reduce the snow goose population.

“The Conservation Order, with its relaxed harvest regulations, is an attempt to reduce the population to a more healthy level by allowing hunters the opportunity to harvest more geese.” Naylor said.

“Snow geese numbers have increased to the point that they’re damaging their nesting habitat in the sub-Arctic and Arctic tundra, posing a serious threat to the long-term health of the Arctic ecosystem and its associated wildlife communities.

“This is a unique situation for waterfowl hunters. Most waterfowl regulations are created to protect species from overharvest. With snow geese, the objective is to maximize the harvest, and for exactly the same reason – to protect the species and other species associated with Arctic tundra habitat.”

Snow geese often are found feeding on young winter wheat in Arkansas. They begin migrating north when weather warms in late winter and early spring.

Hunters Can Purchase Special Spring Gobbler Tag Now

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania hunters who would like the opportunity to harvest a second spring gobbler can purchase a second spring gobbler tag until the spring gobbler season begins on April 30, according to Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe.

In fact, thanks to the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), hunters can purchase a second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent or through the agency’s website.

Roe cautioned that those who plan to purchase the second spring gobbler tag through the agency’s website should expect to wait seven to 10 days for shipping, depending on the volume of other online purchases.

“Prior to the implementation of PALS, hunters had to wait until Jan. 1 before submitting a license application for the second spring gobbler tag, and then wait for the agency to mail the license back to them,” Roe said. “The old process was necessary to enable the agency to spread out the administrative workload of processing and handling licenses for the fall hunting seasons.

“However, thanks to PALS, hunters can now purchase the second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent and walk out of the store with the license in hand, or they can purchase it online and wait for it to be mailed to them within 10 days.”

Roe noted that all general hunting license holders are able to take one spring gobbler as part of their general hunting privileges; the second spring gobbler tag license affords those hunters interested in this additional opportunity to take a second spring gobbler. Hunters may only purchase one second spring gobbler license during a license year, as the season limit remains two spring gobblers, and the daily harvest is one bird per day.

“So, if you are looking for that application in your digest or online to mail in, you won’t find it,” Roe said. “You can just purchase the special spring gobbler license either through the Game Commission’s website or visit your local license issuing agent.”

Fees set by state law for the special license are $21.70 for residents and $41.70 for nonresidents. For online orders, there are additional shipping and handling costs.

The 2011 spring gobbler season is set to run from April 30-May 31. The Board of Game Commissioners approved a change to the legal hunting hours. Under the change, legal hunting hours from the opening day of the spring gobbler season through the third Saturday (April 30-May 14) will retain the long-standing one-half hour before sunrise until noon timeframe. However, the remainder of the season (May 16-31) will be expanded to run all day, from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

Roe noted that the Board also extended the traditional closing day of the spring season to May 31. This additional recreational hunting is provided with minimal impact to the resource because disturbance of hens would be less since most hens would be in the later stages of nest incubation when they are less prone to abandon the nest.

The one-day Spring Gobbler Youth Hunt will be held on April 23, and will run from one-half hour before sunrise until noon.

Arizona Elk & Antelope Hunt Applications Are Due

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Elk and pronghorn antelope hunters, if you haven’t yet submitted your application it is recommended you hand deliver it to one of the seven Game and Fish offices across the state before the deadline of 7 p.m. (MST) this Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011.

Remember, postmarks don’t count and applications must be received by the department by the deadline. There is no online application service available.

To apply hunters will need a copy of the 2011 Arizona Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet and a hunt application form. For drawing and harvest odds, refer to the Hunt Arizona 2010: Survey, Harvest and Draw Data.

All these materials can be found at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Additionally, regulations, application forms and envelopes are at more than 300 license dealers statewide.

Please note: department offices will be open until 7 p.m. on deadline day (Feb. to receive dropped off applications; however, front counter customer service of regular transactions, including buying licenses, still closes at 5 p.m.

Payment methods permitted through the application process include check, cashier’s check, or money order. Cash or credit cards are not accepted through the drawing process.

Game and Fish offices are located in Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson, Mesa and Phoenix. For office addresses, contact information and driving directions, visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.

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.

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 Class A bear drawing is complete. Notices to successful applicants were mailed yesterday.

Applicants may check their drawing or preference point status on-line by accessing their DNR Customer account, calling DNR’s Call Center at 1-888-936-7463 (toll-free, 7 days a week, 7am-10pm), or visiting a DNR Service Center. Drawing winners may purchase their Class A bear license beginning March 9, 2011.

There were 103,853 Class A Bear license applications this year. Of the 103,853 applicants, 27,793 requested a license and 76,060 requested a preference point only.

A total of 9,005 customers were successful in this year’s bear drawing. The minimum number of preference points required to draw a license were:

• Zone A – 1,127 people with 6 points who wanted a kill tag were awarded a license and 89 with 6 points who wanted a license were NOT awarded a license. Everyone with 7 points or more got a license in Zone A.
• Zone B – 43 people with 8 points who wanted a kill tag were awarded a license and 606 with 8 points who wanted a license were NOT awarded a license. Everyone with 9 points or more got a license in Zone B.
• Zone C – 233 people with 4 points who wanted a kill tag were awarded a license and 1,161 with 4 points who wanted a license were NOT awarded a license. Everyone with 5 points or more got a license in Zone C.
• Zone D – 20 people with 7 points who wanted a kill tag were awarded a license and 917 with 7 points who wanted a license were NOT awarded a license. Everyone with 8 points or more got a license in Zone D.

Total licenses by zone: Zone A – 3,465; Zone B – 1,510; Zone C – 2,550; and Zone D – 1,480.

Read more about the 2011 bear quotas and harvest permit levels: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/weekly.asp#art2 .

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Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- More than 9,000 permits will be available for the 2011 black bear season, about the same as last year.

Natural Resources Board members approved at their Jan. 26 meeting a level of 9,005 permits, nearly identical to the 2010 permit offering of 8,910, according to Linda Olver, Department of Natural Resources bear ecologist.

A bear population study completed in 2008 estimates Wisconsin’s bear population at at least 22,000. DNR biologists set the recommended 2011 harvest quota at 5,235 bears, which is the same as 2010’s quota.

That quota is based on the population estimate, the state’s bear population goal of 13,000, hunter success rates, harvest, bait station visitation rates, nuisance complaints, agricultural damage, and public input.

“This level of harvest should continue last season’s successful progress at nudging the state’s bear population toward established goals,” Olver said. “This is something we want to approach responsibly and not overshoot until we have had time to run a repeat of the 2008 population study to verify the first set of findings and evaluate bear population goals.”

A repeat of the 2008 population study will begin in spring 2011. As part of this study, the DNR is requesting that successful bear hunters submit one pre-molar tooth and a two-inch piece of rib from the bear they harvest. The success of the population study relies on the bear tooth and rib samples submitted by hunters during the next two bear seasons.

“Bear hunters who submit samples are directly contributing to bear research required to properly manage Wisconsin’s bear population,” Olver said.

Wisconsin’s preliminary 2010 black bear harvest total stands at 5,056. This number is expected to change only slightly in coming weeks as harvest data are fully entered and verified. Black bear harvests have averaged roughly 3,000 from 1998 through 2008 when quotas were based on a lower estimated bear population. In 2009, harvest increased to just over 4,000 bears when permit levels increased 57 percent. In 2010, permit levels increased an additional 22 percent.

The annual drawing for black bear harvest permits is expected to take place this week and successful permit applicants should receive notification by mail by February 15.

Just under 28,000 hunters have applied for the 9,005 permits available for the 2011 season. An additional 76,064 applied for a preference point only.

The permit breakdown by zone for 2011 is as follows: Zone A 3,465 permits; Zone B 1,510 permits: Zone C 2,550 permits; and Zone D 1,480 permits. The 2011 bear hunting season runs Sept. 7 through Oct. 11.

Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

AUGUSTA, Maine –-(Ammoland.com)- It’s time to enter the 2011 Maine Moose Permit Lottery!

Applications for this year’s lottery now are available online through the department’s website, www.mefishwildlife.com.

Completing the application online is a convenience that thousands of hunters are using because the form’s easy to fill out and they receive instant confirmation that they’ve been entered into the lottery.

The deadline for online applications is 11:59 p.m. on May 13, 2011.

Maine Moose Hunting

MDIF&W no longer prints or mails paper applications for the moose lottery. If an interested hunter is unable to apply using the online licensing system, the Department suggests:

• Picking up a February issue of The Maine Sportsman or Northwoods Sporting Journal. The paper application is printed on Page 2 in The Maine Sportsman and on the back cover of Northwoods Sporting Journal.
• Printing out a paper application from MDIF&W’s website at www.mefishwildlife.com, fill it out, and mail it with your payment to the Department;
• Coming to MDIF&W’s main office to fill out a paper application. The address is 284 State Street in Augusta;
• Sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to MDIF&W at the address below. Department personnel will mail a paper application that can be filled out and mailed with your payment to MDIF&W. The address is:

Moose Permit Application Request

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
41 SHS, 284 State St
Augusta, ME 04333-0041

Paper applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to MDIF&W in Augusta by 5 p.m. on April 1, 2011. The April 1 deadline for paper applications provides adequate time for department employees to process the paperwork before the lottery.

This year, 3,205 permits will be allocated in the state’s 28 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs). This is an increase of 65 permits from 2010, primarily in WMDs 22 and 25.

Season dates are:

• September 26-October 1: WMDs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 19
• October 10-15: WMDs 1-14, 17, 18, 19, 27, 28
• Nov. 7-12: WMDs 2, 3, 6, 11
• Oct. 31-Nov. 26: WMDs 15, 16, 22, 23, 25, 26

A “Maine Residents Only Day” is set for October 29, in WMDs 15, 16, 22, 23, 25, 26. Maine hunters need a lottery-drawn permit to hunt these districts on that day.

The 2011 Maine Moose Permit Lottery will be held in mid-June at Cabela’s in Scarborough. The date and time will be announced closer to the event.

For complete 2011 Moose Permit Lottery rules, please visit www.mefishwildlife.com. Please call (207) 287-8000 if you have any questions.

Beaver Trapping Season

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that unclaimed beaver and otter trapping permits will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, December 14, at 10 a.m.

There are only a very limited number of permits available and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at license agents ( http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/agentlst.htm ) and on the division’s license website ( http://www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/ ).

For a list of the permits available, including the number for each zone, visit the Permit Availability website at http://www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/ALS/unit_report.php .

Apply for Turkey Hunting Permits

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Wild turkey and black bear hunters are reminded that they have until close of business this Friday, December 10th, to apply for available permits for the 2011 Spring Turkey Season.

Preliminary permit levels for the Spring Turkey Hunting Season are set at 225,420 total permits (not including Ft. McCoy or State Park & Disabled Only Hunting Zones). This is the same number of permits that were available for the 2010 spring season.

Applications for the permit drawing cost $3 and may be purchased at all authorized license agents, through the Online Licensing Center on the DNR website, at Wisconsin DNR Service Centers, or by calling toll-free 1-877-LICENSE (1-877-945-4236). Applications postmarked after the December 10th deadline, or filled out incorrectly, will not be considered for the drawings.

Applications for Special Turkey Hunts for Hunters with Disabilities also due December 10th

As a reminder to those hunters with disabilities who wish to hunt turkey next spring on private lands, there is an alternate opportunity available using a separate application and authorization form.

Applications to conduct a Spring Wild Turkey Hunt for People with Disabilities on private land must be submitted using Department Forms 2300-271 and 2300-271A. Forms need to be submitted by December 10th to the local DNR Wildlife Biologist or Department office for the county within which the hunt will take place. Please note that any hunter applicant who applies for a disabled turkey hunt on private lands using the above forms may NOT also apply for a permit through the regular spring turkey hunting drawing. For additional information, please visit the Wild Turkey page on the DNR website.

Spring 2011 Turkey Season:
The 2011 Spring Turkey Season officially begins with the 5th Annual Spring Turkey Youth Hunt, held April 9th-10th. The regular turkey season begins on April 13th and consists of six 5-day time periods that end on May 22nd. The drawing for permits will take place in late January or early February. Successful permit applicants can expect to receive a postcard by mid-February. All applicants may also check their drawing status through the Online Licensing Center on the DNR website starting in mid-February.

Permit winners may then purchase their required 2011 Spring Turkey License ($15 for Wisconsin residents and $60 for non-residents) and 2011 Wild Turkey Stamp ($5.25). Conservation Patrons and Senior Citizen Recreation Card holders do not need to purchase a turkey license or turkey stamp. The permit (carcass tag) will be printed at the time of purchase.

Permits remaining after the initial drawing for the 2011 spring turkey season will be issued for sale one zone per day on a first-come, first-served basis in late March, at a date to be specified later.

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters that all leftover and unclaimed Fall Turkey Permits and all Deer Permits will become available for sale on Tuesday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. Permits will be available until the permit quota is reached or the season ends, whichever comes first.

Permits can be purchased at all license agents or online. Hunters are reminded that permits purchased online will take 7 – 10 business days for delivery. Hunters do have the option of paying for express delivery.

Fall Turkey Permit lottery award winners have until Sunday, October 3 to claim their permit(s). Permits that remain unclaimed will be made available on October 5. The fall turkey season is only open in Turkey Hunting Areas 1- 5, 8, 9, 11 and 20 – 22.

A list of permit availability for deer and turkey permit seasons can be found at www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/ALS/unit_report.php .

Reminder: In order to harvest a buck during the Permit Bow, Permit Shotgun or Permit Muzzleloader seasons, you must purchase an Antlered Buck Permit for each season in which you would like to harvest a buck. Each Antlered Buck Permit is $28.00 for adults and $12.00 for youths and is in addition to the regular antlerless deer permit.

NOTE: If you purchase an Antlerless Permit PRIOR to the start of the season, and wish to harvest a buck, you must purchase the Antlered Buck Permit by the dates indicated below. You cannot purchase the Antlered Buck Permit once the season has begun if you have already purchased an antlerless permit for that season.

Antlered Buck Permits must be purchased by the following deadlines:

• Antlered Buck Permit – Bow – October 30, 2010
• Antlered Buck Permit – Muzzleloader – November 29, 2010
• Antlered Buck Permit – Shotgun – December 15, 2010

Please see the 2010 Hunting Digest below for more details.

Hunters are also reminded that Turkey Hunting Areas and Deer Management Zones are NOT the same. It is the hunter’s responsibility to know in what zone/area and season he/she wants to hunt. Hunters are urged to review their permit before leaving the license agent or completing the online transaction. Once the online transaction is completed or a permit fee is paid for and the buyer leaves the store there will be no returns, exchanges or refunds. There are no exceptions.

New Jersey 2010-2011 Hunting & Trapping Regulations

For more information visit the Hunting and Trapping Permit Information page at http:/www.njfishandwildlife.com/permit_info.htm on the division’s website.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- If you haven’t applied but intended to, you need to apply online by 11:59 p.m. this coming Wednesday, Septembe 1, 2010. (That’s almost midnight.)

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications to participate in this year’s lottery for black bear hunting permits on until Wednesday evening. Applications issued will be valid for this year’s black bear hunting season, which will take place October 25 through October 30.

“This year’s hunt will follow the same successful model we’ve used for the previous bear hunting seasons,” said Pete Jayne, Associate Director for Game Management for DNR.

The application process will follow the Preference Point System for bear hunting permit applications that DNR implemented in 2007. Hunters who apply this year will receive one entry in the random drawing as well as one additional entry for each past consecutive year they have applied. Therefore, those hunters who applied unsuccessfully in 2007, 2008 and 2009 will receive four entries in the drawing when they apply this year.

The following rules also apply:

• Applicants must apply each year to retain preference points. If an applicant skips a year, all preference points will be forfeited.
• Once an applicant is selected to receive a bear hunting permit in the random drawing, all preference points will be forfeited.
• If an applicant is selected in the random drawing, but forfeits the permit, all preference points will be forfeited.
• Applicants will have the opportunity to purchase a preference point. This will allow those hunters who cannot hunt in 2010 the opportunity to retain their preference points for use in future drawings.

DNR will issue 260 bear hunting permits with a quota of 65-90 bears and will close the hunt when the quota is reached. The opportunity to hunt black bears in Maryland remains limited to Garrett and Allegany counties.

Online applications for the Maryland Black Bear Lottery are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. (almost midnight) on Wednesday, September 1.

To apply, a $15 nonrefundable application fee must be submitted via credit card, check, or money order. All payments must be received by 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2010. Checks and money orders should be made payable to MDDNR Black Bear and mailed to MDDNR Black Bear, P.O. Box 360, Frostburg, MD 21532.

Only one application per person will be accepted. Duplicate applications will result in disqualification and forfeiture of all fees.

Turkey Hunting

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced information on this fall’s turkey and special area deer season permits.

The Fall Turkey Season Permit application period opened on August 1 and continues until 11:59 pm on Tuesday, August 31. Only Turkey Hunting Areas 1-5, 8, 9, 11 and 20-22 are open for the fall season. Applications can be made at any license agent or via the division’s license website. Any leftover or unclaimed permits will go on sale Tuesday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m.

For detailed information on applying for Fall Turkey Season Permits, including notification and pickup date information, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/turk_fall10.htm on the division’s website.

Unlike past years, a lottery will NOT be held for the Deer Special Area Seasons. Instead, permits for Deer Management Zones 37, 38, 54, 56, 57, 58, 61, 64, 66 and 70 will go on sale at license agents and the division’s license website beginning 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7.

The Special Area Permits will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Permits for all other zones go on sale on Tuesday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. For more information visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2010/deer_fall10.htm on the division’s website.

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI - -(Ammoland.com)- Bear hunters are reminded that the deadline for transferring a class A bear license to a legal hunter under 18 years of age is Aug. 24, 2010. Applications are available online at http://tiny.cc/4cdm2 .

There is no fee to make a transfer. For questions regarding transfer of a permit, call the DNR information line at 1-888-WDNR-INFo (1-888-936-7463). The line is staffed 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

“Last year, 431 Class A bear permits were transferred to young hunters,” said David Argall of DNR’s licensing sales group.

“They were the lucky recipients of adult bear hunters’ generosity. These adult hunters had waited for years to finally win a permit in the drawing but felt strongly enough about nurturing a new bear hunter to transfer the permit and start all over.”

A Class A permit allows the killing of one legal bear. Wisconsin issued 8,910 permits for the 2010 black bear season.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Olver, DNR bear biologist (608) 261-7588 or David Argall DNR license sales (608) 267-7699

Bear Season Approaches

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications to participate in this year’s lottery for black bear hunting permits. Applications issued will be valid for this year’s black bear hunting season, which will take place October 25 through October 30.

“This year’s hunt will follow the same successful model we’ve used for the previous bear hunting seasons,” said Pete Jayne, Associate Director for Game Management for DNR.

The application process will follow the Preference Point System for bear hunting permit applications that DNR implemented in 2007. Hunters who apply this year will receive one entry in the random drawing as well as one additional entry for each past consecutive year they have applied. Therefore, those hunters who applied unsuccessfully in 2007, 2008 and 2009 will receive four entries in the drawing when they apply this year.

The following rules also apply:

• Applicants must apply each year to retain preference points. If an applicant skips a year, all preference points will be forfeited.
• Once an applicant is selected to receive a bear hunting permit in the random drawing, all preference points will be forfeited.
• If an applicant is selected in the random drawing, but forfeits the permit, all preference points will be forfeited.
• Applicants will have the opportunity to purchase a preference point. This will allow those hunters who cannot hunt in 2010 the opportunity to retain their preference points for use in future drawings.

DNR will issue 260 bear hunting permits with a quota of 65-90 bears and will close the hunt when the quota is reached. The opportunity to hunt black bears in Maryland remains limited to Garrett and Allegany counties.

Online applications for the Maryland Black Bear Lottery will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1 at http://blackbear.dnr.state.md.us. Phone applications will be accepted at 1-888-579-6768 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. from Monday, August 23 through Friday, August 27 ONLY.

To apply, a $15 nonrefundable application fee must be submitted via credit card, check, or money order. All payments must be received by 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2010. Checks and money orders should be made payable to MDDNR Black Bear and mailed to MDDNR Black Bear, P.O. Box 360, Frostburg, MD 21532.

Only one application per person will be accepted. Duplicate applications will result in disqualification and forfeiture of all fees.

The drawing will take place on Thursday, September 2 and winners will be posted to the application website (http://blackbear.dnr.state.md.us) on Friday, September 3.

This year applicants will have the option of voluntarily contributing to the Black Bear Damage Reimbursement Fund when they apply for a permit. Donated funds will be used to directly reimburse Maryland farmers who have suffered agricultural damage caused by black bears. The Black Bear Damage Reimbursement Fund was established in 1996 and has paid out more than $100,000 in eligible claims to Maryland farmers. Last year, hunters voluntarily donated $1,520 to the fund.

For more information, visit: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/BlackBearGuide.asp.

About:
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, 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 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov

Maryland Bear Hunter Becky Brensinger

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin accepting applications to participate in this year’s lottery for black bear hunting permits on Monday, August 2.

Applications issued will be valid for this year’s black bear hunting season, which will take place October 25 through October 30.

“This year’s hunt will follow the same successful model we’ve used for the previous bear hunting seasons,” said Pete Jayne, Associate Director for Game Management for DNR.

The application process will follow the Preference Point System for bear hunting permit applications that DNR implemented in 2007. Hunters who apply this year will receive one entry in the random drawing as well as one additional entry for each past consecutive year they have applied. Therefore, those hunters who applied unsuccessfully in 2007, 2008 and 2009 will receive four entries in the drawing when they apply this year.

The following rules also apply:

• Applicants must apply each year to retain preference points. If an applicant skips a year, all preference points will be forfeited.
• Once an applicant is selected to receive a bear hunting permit in the random drawing, all preference points will be forfeited.
• If an applicant is selected in the random drawing, but forfeits the permit, all preference points will be forfeited.
• Applicants will have the opportunity to purchase a preference point. This will allow those hunters who cannot hunt in 2010 the opportunity to retain their preference points for use in future drawings.

DNR will issue 260 bear hunting permits with a quota of 65-90 bears and will close the hunt when the quota is reached. The opportunity to hunt black bears in Maryland remains limited to Garrett and Allegany counties.

Online applications for the Maryland Black Bear Lottery will be accepted from 9 a.m. on Monday, August 2, 2010 until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1 at http://blackbear.dnr.state.md.us. Phone applications will be accepted at 1-888-579-6768 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. from Monday, August 23 through Friday, August 27, 2010 ONLY.

To apply, a $15 nonrefundable application fee must be submitted via credit card, check, or money order. All payments must be received by 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2010. Checks and money orders should be made payable to MDDNR Black Bear and mailed to MDDNR Black Bear, P.O. Box 360, Frostburg, MD 21532.

Only one application per person will be accepted. Duplicate applications will result in disqualification and forfeiture of all fees.

This year applicants will have the option of voluntarily contributing to the Black Bear Damage Reimbursement Fund when they apply for a permit. Donated funds will be used to directly reimburse Maryland farmers who have suffered agricultural damage caused by black bears. The Black Bear Damage Reimbursement Fund was established in 1996 and has paid out more than $100,000 in eligible claims to Maryland farmers. Last year, hunters voluntarily donated $1,520 to the fund.

For more information, visit: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/BlackBearGuide.asp.

Contact: Josh Davidsburg
410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.us

About:
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 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 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov

New Mexico Game and Fish

SANTA FE, NM --(Ammoland.com)- Youth and adult hunters who missed a shot at a big-game hunting license during this year’s annual drawing will have another chance this August when the Department of Game and Fish puts more than 5,000 deer, elk and javelina licenses up for sale on the agency Web site.

The online sales will be first-come, first-served and will be conducted in two parts on different days.

The first sale will be Aug. 4 for elk licenses reserved only for youths younger than age 18. The second sale will be Aug. 11 for deer and javelina hunts available to youth and adults. Both sales will begin at 10 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time.

Here are some details about the sales:

Youth Encouragement Hunts

• On sale: 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at www.wildlife.state.nm.us.
• Licenses available: Approximately 1,900 elk licenses, including about 1,700 for any legal sporting arm and 200 for muzzleloaders. All of the muzzleloader hunts are for elk of either sex. All but 100 of the any legal sporting arm hunts are for cow elk. A complete list of available hunts, including dates and unit numbers, will be announced soon on the Department Web site.
• Eligibility: Only hunters younger than 18 who were unsuccessful in the regular drawing and whose applications were not rejected for reasons such as lack of funds, incorrect forms or failure to file a harvest report are eligible to purchase a youth encouragement license. Youth also must have successfully completed an approved hunter safety course before purchasing a license.

Leftover deer, javelina licenses

• On sale: 10 a.m. Aug. 11 at www.wildlife.state.nm.us.
• Licenses available: Approximately 430 javelina licenses and 2,760 deer licenses. Available deer licenses include about 259 hunts for any legal weapon, 1,668 archery hunts and 838 muzzleloader hunts. A complete list of available hunts, including dates and unit numbers, will be announced soon on the Department Web site.
• Eligibility: Residents and nonresidents of any age who meet youth hunter safety requirements and filed a mandatory harvest report if they held a deer or elk license for the 2009-2010 seasons.

Hunters are strongly advised to obtain or review an online customer account, including a Customer Identification Number, user name and password before the sales begin. Popular hunts sell out minutes, sometimes seconds after the sales begin.

For more information and updates about the leftover license and Youth Encouragement license sales, please check the Department Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

Mule Deer Foundation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) has announced that in 2010 there were 129 State Auction and Raffle Hunting Tags sold for a record $1.84 million.

The tags were sold at MDF’s National Convention (Western Hunting and Conservation Expo) in Salt Lake City, Utah, in February and at several local banquet events. These tags are highly prized by big game hunters throughout North America.

No other conservation organization has matched MDF’s record in dollars or diversity of tags sold in 2010. The previous record was 175 tags which sold for $1.66 million in 2008.

MDF, in partnership with eleven different state wildlife agencies and the Jicarilla Tribe, sells big game hunting tags to provide much needed funds for the management of mule deer, black-tailed deer, elk, bison, antelope, turkey and other game species. Over 93 percent of the money either goes back to the state wildlife agency for management programs or is spent on habitat projects.

Highlights in 2010 included the sale of a Utah Statewide Mule Deer Tag for an all-time high of $260,000. Arizona’s Statewide Mule Deer Tag sold for a record $177,000. Colorado’s Statewide Deer Tag sold for a record $130,000. The New Mexico Big Game Enhancement Package sold for $130,000 and included five hunting tags which consisted of a mule deer, elk, oryx, antelope and ibex. The unique California Golden Opportunity Grizzly Island Tule Elk Tag sold for $32,500.

Beginning in November of 2010, MDF will once again be selling the 2011 Auction and Raffle Tags at our fundraising events. If you are interested in bidding on a tag or buying a raffle ticket, log on to www.muledeer.org for event dates and locations. The Web site is updated frequently so keep checking for a fundraising event near you. Many of the higher valued tags are sold at MDF’s National Convention which will be held in conjunction with the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 3-6, 2011.

About MDF (www.muledeer.org)
The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with over 12,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. MDF is dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer habitat (including land and easement acquisitions) resulting in self-sustaining, healthy, free ranging and hunt-able deer populations; encouraging and supporting responsible wildlife management with government agencies, private organizations and landowners; promoting public education and scientific research related to mule deer and wildlife management; supporting and encouraging responsible and ethical behavior and awareness of issues among those whose actions affect mule deer; and acknowledging regulated hunting as a viable component of mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation.

For information about the Mule Deer Foundation please call 888-375-DEER (3337).

You'll know by July 14 whether you drew a permit to hunt doe deer in Utah this fall. Photo by Ron Stewart

Utah Division of Natural Resources

Utah --(AmmoLand.com)- If you’re one of the more than 27,000 hunters who applied for an antlerless big game hunting permit for this fall, watch your e-mail closely on July 14, 2010.

You’ll know by July 14 whether you drew a permit to hunt doe deer in Utah this fall.

If you supplied the Division of Wildlife Resources with an e-mail address, you’ll receive an e-mail letting you know if you drew a permit.

If you didn’t supply an e-mail address, you can learn the results by calling 1-800-221-0659 or visiting wildlife.utah.gov.

This will be the first time the Division hasn’t mailed letters to applicants.

Judi Tutorow, wildlife licensing coordinator for the Division, says most of the 27,000 applicants supplied the agency with an e-mail address.

“If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can still get your results fast by calling the 1-800 number starting July 14,” she says. “The phone line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

For more information, call the Utah Hunt Application office at 1-800-221-0659. You can also call the nearest Division office or the Division’s Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.