Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a slate of deer seasons for 2012-13 that retains the split, five-day antlered deer season (Nov. 26-30) and seven-day concurrent season (Dec. 1-8) in 11 Wildlife Management Units.

The list includes (WMUs) 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3B, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E. The package also retains the two-week (Nov. 26-Dec. concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer season in WMUs 1A, 1B, 2B, 3A, 3D, 4A, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.

Hunters with DMAP antlerless deer permits may use them on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Nov. 26-Dec. 8 in WMUs 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3B, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E. Fees for DMAP permits are $10 for residents and $35 for nonresidents.

Additionally, the Board also gave preliminary approval to retain the use of crossbows in the archery deer seasons.

The Board took this action by removing the sunset date inserted in the regulations when crossbows were first permitted to be used in the archery deer seasons.

The Board retained the antler restrictions enacted for the 2011-12 seasons, which includes the “three-up” on one side, no counting a brow tine, provision for the western Wildlife Management Units of 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2D, and the three points on one side in all other WMUs

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced preliminary bear harvest results from the state’s three recently concluded seasons show that hunters harvested 3,968 bears, which would rank the total harvest as the second highest in Pennsylvania history.

The preliminary breakdown of harvest by season is: 257 bears taken during the statewide, five-day archery bear season; 3,154 bears taken during the four-day bear season, which included a Saturday-opener; and 557 bears taken during the extended bear season held in various Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) during all or portions of the first week of the deer season.

Official total bear harvest figures won’t be available until early 2012, after a detailed review of each harvest report is completed. Preliminary bear harvest totals do change occasionally by a few bears.

In the 2005 bear season, hunters harvested a record 4,164 bears. The harvest record was set in a three-day statewide season and a six-day extended bear season in five WMUs.

Other recent bear harvests include: 3,090 in 2010; 3,512 in 2009; 3,458 in 2008; 2,362 in 2007; 3,124 in 2006; 2,976 in 2004; 3,000 in 2003; 2,686 in 2002; 3,063 in 2001; 3,075 in 2000; 1,740 in 1999; and 2,598 in 1998.

The preliminary bear harvests by Wildlife Management Unit (with 2010 figures in parentheses) were: WMU 1A, 13 (11); WMU 1B, 60 (42); WMU 2A, 2 (1); WMU 2B, 1 (0): WMU 2C, 223 (307); WMU 2D, 150 (145); WMU 2E, 69 (93); WMU 2F, 344 (199); WMU 2G, 1,070 (892); WMU 3A, 464 (198); WMU 3B, 453 (232); WMU 3C, 170 (108); WMU 3D, 331 (256); WMU 4A, 75 (135); WMU 4B, 70 (53); WMU 4C, 139 (90); WMU 4D, 259 (244); WMU 4E, 72 (31); WMU 5A, 1 (0); WMU 5B, 1 (0); and WMU 5C, 1 (2). The only WMU not to record a harvest was WMU 5D, comprised of Philadelphia, and portions of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

Bears were harvested in 54 of the state’s 67 counties. The top five bear harvest counties this year, once again, all come from the Northcentral Region. The top county was Tioga, with 343 (183 in 2010); followed by Potter, 327 (148); Lycoming, 291 (228); McKean, 246 (92); and Clinton 198 (248).

Preliminary county harvests by region (with 2010 figures in parentheses) are:

• Northwest: Warren, 119 (54); Forest, 90 (47); Venango, 54 (56); Clarion, 45 (47); Jefferson, 45 (33); Crawford, 16 (10); Butler, 9 (12); Erie, 7 (3); and Mercer, 6 (2).
• Southwest: Somerset, 75 (83); Fayette, 67 (101); Armstrong, 66 (56); Indiana, 33 (42); Cambria, 30 (18); Westmoreland, 24 (62); and Allegheny, 1 (0).
• Northcentral: Tioga, 343 (183); Potter 327 (148); Lycoming, 291 (228); McKean, 246 (92); Clinton, 198 (248); Elk, 150 (89); Clearfield, 143 (182); Centre, 110 (118); Cameron, 95 (138); and Union, 40 (46).
• Southcentral: Huntingdon, 65 (95); Bedford, 54 (84); Mifflin, 47 (41); Juniata, 32 (19); Blair, 29 (31); Snyder, 26 (19); Fulton, 15 (11); Franklin, 13 (8); Perry, 13 (17); Cumberland, 4 (1).
• Northeast: Sullivan, 177 (57); Wayne, 139 (82); Bradford, 122 (38); Pike, 116 (122); Luzerne, 95 (58); Monroe, 87 (57); Wyoming, 55 (22); Susquehanna, 51 (41); Carbon, 43 (35); Columbia, 24 (20); Lackawanna, 22 (16); and Northumberland, 7 (3).
• Southeast: Dauphin, 46 (20); Schuylkill, 34 (27); Lebanon, 13 (7); Northampton, 4 (7); Lehigh 3 (0); and Berks, 2 (2).

According to preliminary reports, 81 bears weighing 500 pounds or more were legally harvested during the three seasons. The top 10 bears processed at check stations all had estimated live weights that exceeded 678 pounds.

Joseph C. Colyer, of Pocono Lake, harvested the largest bear, a male that weighed 767 pounds (estimated live weight). The bear was taken in Tobyhanna, Monroe County, at 6:50 a.m. on Nov. 16, with a crossbow during the archery bear season.

Other large bears (all estimated live weights) included: a 746-pound male, taken by Jonathan E. Byler, of Ulysses, in Ulysses, Potter County, on Nov. 19; a 734-pound male, taken by Steven Camasta, of Lakeview, in Salem Township, Wayne County, on Nov. 19; a 733-pound male, taken by John J. Hennick, of Cambria, in Bell Township, Clearfield County, on Nov. 19; a 733-pound male, taken by Robert Christian, of East Stroudsburg, in Stroud, Monroe County, on Nov. 30; a 729-pound male, taken by William Simpson, of East Brady Township, in Highland Township, Elk County on Nov. 21; a 714-pound male, taken by Timothy Kiser, of Karns City, in Bradys Bend Township, Armstrong County on Nov. 19; a 706-pound male, taken by Paul Hoyt, of Levittown, in Lehigh Township, Wayne County on Nov. 19; a 682-pound male, taken by Robert M. Serfass, of Saylorsburg, in Lehman, Pike County, on Nov. 23; and a 678-pound male, taken by Matthew Romano, of Conshohocken, in Fox Township, Sullivan County, on Nov. 19.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio’s popular deer-gun season opens statewide on Monday, November 28, offering hunters a full week to harvest a whitetail.

The upcoming season will again include an extra weekend of gun hunting on December 17-18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

Deer can be hunted with a legal muzzleloader, handgun or shotgun from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset through December 4 and December 17-18. With a pre-hunting season population estimate of 750,000 white-tailed deer, the ODNR Division of Wildlife anticipates 115,000 to 125,000 deer will be killed during the nine-day season. Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season, including many out-of-state hunters.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license. Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. Beginning on the opening day of gun season and continuing through December 4, a limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (12 counties) and two deer in Zone B (38 counties). A total of six deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio’s Zone C (38 counties) through the week long gun season.

Antlerless deer permits are not valid in Deer Zones A and B after November 27. The antlerless deer permit will be valid until December 4 only in Zone C.

Beginning on December 5, the bag limit is three deer in Zone C and antlerless deer permits are no longer valid.

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer will not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit. Antlerless deer permits can be used for the entire season in urban deer units or Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts. Antlerless deer permits must be purchased by November 27.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license.

Hunters are encouraged to kill more does this season using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit where valid.

They are also encouraged to donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate their deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. Counties being served by this program can be found online at fhfh.org.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state’s deer zones are contained in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

The 2011-2012 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

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

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio hunters and trappers preparing to pursue furbearers will find good populations of these animals during the 2011-2012 season.

The season begins for most furbearing species on November 10, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

“Food sources and habitat conditions for furbearers remain good this year across Ohio,” said Division of Wildlife biologist Suzie Prange. “Fur takers can expect another good season for most species.”

For the seventh year, 43 counties will be open for river otter trapping from December 26 to February 29. River otters were reintroduced into four Ohio watersheds between 1986 and 1993 and have increased their range in the state. They were removed from the state endangered species list in 2002. Full details of open counties, checking and permit requirements can be found in the Ohio River-Otter Trapping Regulations.

In most regions of Ohio, hunting and trapping seasons for fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel open November 10 and close January 31. The trapping season for mink and muskrat is open November 10 through February 29. Exceptions are Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky counties, and in Lucas County east of the Maumee River where raccoon, opossum, skunk, weasel, mink and muskrat trapping seasons will remain open through March 15,

Ohio’s beaver-trapping season opens statewide December 26 and ends February 29.

There are no daily bag limits or restrictions on hours for hunting and trapping furbearers, with the exception of river otters, where bag limits are dependent on the county where the trapping occurs. Special hunting regulations for coyotes apply during the one-week, statewide deer-gun season, November 28-December 4, and the deer-gun weekend of December 17-18.

A fur-taker permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license to hunt or trap furbearing animals, except for coyotes, which may be hunted or trapped year round without a fur-taker permit. A special ODNR Division of Wildlife permit is required to trap beaver and otters on state public hunting areas.

Otters that are accidentally captured, either in excess of bag limits or in closed counties, must be released unharmed. Otters that cannot be released must be turned over to the Division of Wildlife.

Beaver trappers in particular are advised to watch for otter sign and modify set placements where necessary. The Ohio State Trappers Association and the Division of Wildlife have published a guide on how to recognize otter sign and use various otter avoidance techniques while trapping for beaver in areas closed to otter trapping. A copy of the publication and reports about observing otters in Ohio can be ordered by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Ohio is among the nation’s leading producers of raw furs. Currently, there are 70 licensed fur dealers and more than 11,000 licensed fur takers in the state.

Additional hunting information is contained in the 2011-2012 Ohio Hunting Regulations brochure, available where Ohio hunting licenses are sold, on the Internet at wildohio.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-WILDLIFE.

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

New Jersey Fall Turkey Season Opens Saturday, October 29 2011

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is reminding turkey hunters that a change in the Game Code adopted this year added a second Saturday to the fall turkey season.

The season opens this Saturday, October 29, and continues through Saturday, November 5, 2011 for those hunters who have purchased a Fall Turkey Season (N). Permits are available at license agents and online.

Please note that the following turkey check stations will NOT be available to check in birds this year: Big Daddy’s Sports Haven (Cumberland County); Ralph-Anthony Automotive (Hunterdon County); Lakeside Deli (Hunterdon County); and R & S Sports (Morris County).

Information about the fall season can be found on page 67 of the 2011 Hunting Digest ( http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/dighnt11.htm ). Hunters should also note that the boundary for Turkey Hunting Areas 22 was also changed, affecting adjoining areas. A revised Turkey Hunting Area map, as well as text descriptions of the new boundaries, can be found on the Wild Turkey in New Jersey page at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/turkey_info.htm on the division’s website.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters harvested 362 wild turkeys during the first week of Ohio’s fall wild turkey hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The fall wild turkey season opened on October 8 and will run through November 27. Hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. The bag limit is one turkey of either sex per hunter for the fall season. A fall turkey permit is required in addition to a current Ohio hunting license.

Last year, hunters killed 417 birds in the same time period. The top 10 counties for wild turkeys killed to date are: Noble-18, Knox-17, Guernsey-15, Monroe-14, Coshocton, Holmes, and Richland-13, Ashtabula and Highland-12, and Tuscarawas-11.

Wild turkeys can be hunted in 48 counties during the fall season. More than 20,000 hunters pursued wild turkeys in Ohio last fall.

Turkeys must be checked by 11:30 p.m. the day of harvest. Hunters can complete the automated game check and permanent tagging process in one of three ways:

• Call 1.877.TAGITOH (1.877.824.4864)
• Visit wildohio.com. Click on “Wild Ohio Customer Center” and then click on “Game Check: Report a Deer or Turkey Harvest.” To game check a harvest online, make sure to use a computer hooked to a printer. A game check receipt will be issued and should be printed. When using a smartphone for game check you must write down the 18-digit permanent tag number provided at the end of the transaction on the permanent tag in the spaces provided.
• Visit any authorized license sales agent. A list of sales agents can be found at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543). Authorized license sales agents will be available for game check during normal business hours, call for exact hours of business operation before you go.

Hunters can find their completed game check transactions by accessing their customer account at wildohio.com by clicking the Wild Ohio Customer Center button and then selecting “Manage Your Customer Account.”

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.

(EDITORS NOTE: The following is a breakdown by county of wild turkeys killed through October 16. The number taken during the 2010 fall turkey season is marked in (_): 2011 (2010). A final tally will be provided at the close of the season.)

Adams -9 (6); Ashland –3 (13); Ashtabula –12 (28); Athens –7 (4); Belmont –10 (1); Brown –9 (8); Carroll –8 (6); Clermont – 5(14); Columbiana –10 (11); Coshocton –13 (28); Cuyahoga -0 (0); Defiance –4 (5); Gallia –10 (15); Geauga –10 (12); Guernsey –15 (13); Harrison –8 (14); Highland –12 (14); Hocking –3 (4); Holmes –13 (7); Jackson –9 (8); Jefferson –3 (4); Knox –17 (22); Lake –3 (0); Lawrence –4 (5); Licking –7 (12); Lorain –7 (3); Mahoning –4 (5); Medina –1 (8); Meigs –6 (14); Monroe –14 (5); Morgan –6 (5); Morrow –1 (3); Muskingum –7 (9); Noble –18 (10); Perry –7 (6); Pike –4 (4); Portage –6 (9); Richland –13 (9); Ross –5 (8); Scioto –6 (6); Stark –5 (7); Summit -2 (4); Trumbull –10 (15); Tuscarawas –11 (10); Vinton –9 (8); Washington – 6 (10); Wayne -2 (2) and Williams -8 (3). Preliminary total –362 (417).

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Every fall, hunters head into Pennsylvania’s forests and woodlots in pursuit of wild turkeys.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, it’s one of autumn’s greatest competitions as hunters try to call in their quarries. It’s also a time when hunters really need to be in tune with their surroundings.

“Staying alert and making sound shooting decisions will go a long way toward ensuring your safety and the safety of others in turkey season this fall,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief.

“So, too, will always handling your sporting arm in a safe and responsible way.

“The Game Commission has worked with the National Wild Turkey Federation and the agency’s cadre of volunteer hunter-trapper education instructors over the past decade to reverse what was a growing number of turkey hunting-related shooting incidents. Today, Pennsylvania’s woods are safer for turkey hunters. But hunters must remain vigilant. Paying attention and hunting safely ensure that your trip afield remains an enjoyable one.”

Snyder said that the Game Commission and NWTF offer the following safety tips:

• Positively identify your target! Be certain the bird is fully and plainly visible before pulling the trigger. Don’t shoot at sounds or movement!
• Never stalk a turkey! Movement or sounds you think are a turkey may be another hunter. Be patient, and let the bird come to you.
• Protect your back! Select a large tree, rock or other natural barrier while calling. Hunt in open woods.
• Shout “STOP” to alert approaching hunters! Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert others of your position.
• Dress to be safe! Never wear red, white, blue or black clothing. These are the colors found on mature gobblers.
• Cover up! Don’t carry harvested birds in the open. Cover them with fluorescent orange or completely conceal from view in a game bag.
• Be seen! Wear or display the required amount of fluorescent orange, particularly when moving.

In addition, while wearing orange is required for all fall turkey hunters while moving, hunters should consider wearing or posting orange at all times. For orange requirements, please see pages 68-69 of the 2011-12 Digest.

Pennsylvania’s Fall Turkey Season Features Split Season

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission is expecting hunters to encounter a sizeable wild turkey population when they head afield for the fall turkey season.

However, hunters will need to carefully review the fall turkey season dates, which are outlined on page 35 of the 2011-12 Digest, as date structures have changed from previous years.

Season lengths vary in the state’s Wildlife Management Units for fall turkey hunting: WMUs 1A, 1B and 2A (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) – Oct. 29-Nov. 12, and Nov. 24-26; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) – Oct. 29-Nov. 18, and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 4A, 4B and 4D – Oct. 29-Nov. 12, and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C and 4E – Oct. 29-Nov. 18, and Nov. 24-26; WMU 5A – Nov. 1-3; and WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D – Closed to Fall Hunting.

Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist, said the fall turkey population is excellent. Even though early spring weather was cool and wet, it moderated quickly enough for most hens to successfully hatch broods. Fall flock sizes are slightly smaller than average, but there are plenty of flocks afield. The challenge hunters face will be to locate the turkey’s food source due to the lack of a good acorn crop in many areas. Turkeys will seek out and concentrate in areas where food is available. Hunters who find these food sources also will find the flocks.

The second year of an open season during the Thanksgiving holiday also should improve hunter opportunities. This Thanksgiving holiday season, which will be held Nov. 24-26 in most WMUs, is designed to provide additional hunting opportunities for youth and families when schools and many businesses are closed and, hopefully, to reverse the declining trend in fall turkey hunters.

Also, hunters in WMU 5A again have a three-day (Nov. 1-3) season after seven years of a closed fall season that was implemented to allow the population to increase. The success in managing the WMU 5A turkey population is shown in re-opening the traditional fall turkey hunt. The conservative three-day season is structured to provide recreation without reversing the now expanding population.

“The statewide turkey population this past spring prior to nesting was similar to the 10-year average, about 340,000 birds, and a 25 percent increase from its low, in 2005, of 272,000, so there’s a bountiful population of turkeys in Penn’s Woods,” Casalena said. “This resurgence is due to several years of average to above-average reproduction coupled with generally conservative fall season lengths, which minimizes the overharvest of hens.”

Locating a flock is only part of the hunt, Casalena said. Properly setting up and bringing a turkey within range is another challenge, and is what makes turkey hunting simultaneously tricky and enjoyable. This challenge is revealed with a look at hunter success rates, which ranged from 12–16 percent during the last five years.

“Overall, I expect turkey hunters to enjoy higher success rates than last year when only 10 percent of fall turkey hunters harvested turkeys because of abundant mast crops, which dispersed flocks making them difficult to locate. Success this fall is expected to be much higher, at about 15 percent, similar to the previous five-year average,” Casalena said. “Hunter success has been as high as 21 percent in 2001, which was a year with excellent recruitment, and as low as four percent in 1979.”

Last fall’s overall turkey harvest was below-average, 15,884, which is 34 percent less than the previous five-year average of 24,049. Fall harvests have been declining steadily for the last nine years, mainly due to a decrease in the number of fall turkey hunters and shorter fall season lengths. To view maps of turkey harvest by WMU, go to the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over “Hunt/Trap,” then click on “Hunting” in the drop-down menu listing, and select “Harvest Data and Maps” in the “Big Game” section.

The preliminary spring 2011 harvest, calculated from hunter report cards, was about 41,000, which is five percent below last year, but slightly higher than the previous five-year preliminary average of 40,000. Additionally, during the spring season, hunters harvested about 2,045 gobblers using the second tag, or “special turkey license.” Even though spring harvests are down from the record 49,200 of 2001, spring harvests have been back above 40,000 bearded turkeys for the last four years, exceeding most other states in the nation.

“Please remember to report any leg-banded and/or radio-transmittered turkeys harvested or found,” Casalena said. “Leg bands and transmitters are stamped with a toll-free number to call, and provide important information for the research project being conducted in partnership with the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State University, with funding from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pennsylvania Chapter of NWTF. These turkeys are legal to harvest and the information provided will help determine turkey survival and harvest rates. Rewards for reporting marked turkeys are made possible by donations from the national and state chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and a portion of the state’s share of the federal Pittman-Robertson program.”

In both spring and fall turkey seasons, it is unlawful to use drives to hunt turkeys. Hunters may take only one turkey in the fall season.

Shot size is limited to No. 4 lead, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron or No. 2 steel. Turkey hunters also are required to tag their bird before moving it and to report their harvest within 10 days of taking a turkey.

Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information, please see page 14 of the 2011-12 Digest for the legal hunting hours table. Also, it is lawful to use a dog to pursue, chase, scatter and track wild turkeys during the fall wild turkey season. Hunters are prohibited from using dogs to hunt any other big game animal, including spring gobbler. For minimum orange requirements, please see pages 68-69 of the 2011-12 Digest, as the requirements differ depending on the Wildlife Management Unit.

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Temperatures were comfortable for the first few days of the archery deer, squirrel, turkey, and exterior goose seasons last Saturday, but rain on Sunday made many hunters stay home.

Youth waterfowl hunters reported good success during their two-day hunt, with mostly blue-wing teal, mallards and wood ducks harvested, along with some geese.

Turkey hunters report turkeys are still flocked up in family groups.

Archery hunters had some success on opening weekend in southern Wisconsin, with a number of registration stations having some deer brought in, with most of the bucks having polished antlers and gray winter coats. Bucks are still grouped up and many are still in summer patterns, but the cooler weather is starting to get deer moving, so drivers should start being more aware of deer crossing roads.

The northern duck zone and new Mississippi duck and Canada goose zone seasons open this Saturday, and waterfowlers out scouting are reporting increasing numbers of migratory geese moving into the state and just a few northern ducks starting to show up. Wildlife crews have been out activating banding locally breeding ducks at major wildlife areas, and are reporting good numbers of mallards and wood ducks. Hunters that shoot a banded duck are asked to go online to www.reportband.gov and report the band number and where the bird was harvested.

With so many hunting seasons open, fishing pressure showed a sharp drop on many waters. In the north, there have still been quite a few musky anglers out and they have been seeing quite a bit of action along the deep weed edges. Some anglers have started dragging suckers with only mediocre success due to the warm early fall water temperatures. Walleye fishing has been steadily improving. Bass continue to be found in relatively shallow water with the best action late afternoons after the water has warmed up.

Bluegills were being caught throughout the Mississippi River backwaters. White bass and walleye were being caught below dams on the Rock River and catfishing has been good on the Crawfish River.

Strong southeast winds in the last week have made fishing on Green Bay and Lake Michigan difficult. Anglers continued to report some walleye and perch on the west shore off Oconto and some perch action at Little Sturgeon Bay on the Door County. Salmon were scattered up the Manitowoc and Twin rivers, but only a small number were seen by the dams with few caught. Similarly, despite some rain in the last week, water levels remain low on southeastern Lake Michigan tributaries, and few salmon have started to move upstream yet, though some were reported on the Sheboygan and Root rivers.

Sandhill cranes are flocking up and some large groups are being seen. Blackbirds are forming some very large flocks also. There have been several reports in southern Wisconsin of collared whooping cranes being seen. Waterfowl hunters are being cautioned to make sure they watch out for whooping cranes and trumpeter swans.

Fall color is really starting to come on in the north, with about a dozen counties now reporting colors at 25 to 50 percent and Vilas County reporting color at 50 to 75 percent on the Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report (exit DNR).

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 deer-hunting season kicks off in Michigan Thursday, Sept. 15, with a five-day early antlerless-only deer season in part of the state.

Hunting will be allowed only on private land in portions of the Lower Peninsula.

See the 2011 Antlerless Deer Hunting Digest available at license agents or www.michigan.gov/deer for a map of the areas open.

Only private-land antlerless deer licenses for appropriate Deer Management Units (DMUs) or deer management assistance permits (DMAP) for appropriate DMUs are valid.

The season will be followed immediately by a four-day youth antlerless deer season, Sept. 20-23. This season is open throughout Deer Management Unit (DMU) 486, which encompasses most of the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. See the 2011 Antlerless Deer Hunting Digest or the 2011 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest, available at license agents or www.michigan.gov/deer, for a map of DMU 486. An appropriate public- or private-land antlerless license or DMAP valid within DMU 486 is required.

For both of these seasons, firearms, archery gear, or crossbows may be used, but hunter orange is mandatory. Hunters must have permission from the landowner or leaseholder before hunting on private land.

For more information on hunting opportunities in Michigan, go to www.michigan.gov/hunting.

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.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

GLASGOW, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) invites hunters, landowners, outfitters, and others to get involved in helping to set hunting seasons for 2012 and 2013.

The public can comment online now and at a series of open houses set for Mon., Aug. 29 in all seven FWP administrative regions.

In Region 6, the public open house will run from 7-9 p.m. at the meeting room in the Valley County Courthouse in Glasgow.

The open house will include a brief overview of the season-setting process, and the public can stop by any time during the meeting to visit with FWP staff members about hunting regulations and other details and ways that Montana’s hunting seasons can be improved.

The agency will use the information as it prepares new tentative hunting season proposals. The deadline to submit comments is Sept. 6. To file comments online, go to fwp.mt.gov and click on the “For Hunters” section and follow links to the Hunting Homepage.

Proposals that emerge for the 2012 and 2013 hunting seasons will be presented to the FWP Commission in December, followed by public comment opportunity in January 2012. The Commission will adopt final rules next February. For more information, call the FWP Region 6 office in Glasgow at 406-228-3700.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

DOVER, Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- Delaware hunters will be able to start honing their wing shooting skills on Thursday, Sept. 1 with the opening of the mourning dove and resident Canada goose seasons.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, hunters can start adding teal to their bag. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many early season hunting opportunities on its wildlife areas throughout the state.

In some locations, hunting hours may be more restrictive due to other activities taking place on the wildlife areas.

New Castle County

Dove
In New Castle County, sunflower fields have been planted at the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area on the Rocks, Guestford and Bell tracts. The sunflower field at the Rocks Tract has been relocated this year to approximately100 yards further down the driveway past the old field. Hunting spots are chosen by a lottery held at noon at the Cedar Swamp check station located on Collins Beach Road. Hunting days will be Thursday, Sept. 1, Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5, and all Saturdays in September. Hunting hours are 1 to 5 p.m. All other areas of Cedar Swamp outside of zones 1, 2, 8 and 9 are open daily to dove hunting according to all state and federal regulations.

The Baxter Tract of the Augustine Wildlife Area has one sunflower field open throughout dove season with no special permits required. Shooting hours for this field are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. All other tracts of the Augustine and C&D Canal Wildlife Areas are open to dove hunting throughout the season with no special permits required.

Resident Canada Geese
Resident Canada goose hunting will be available on the C&D Canal Wildlife Area and on and around Reedy Island in the Delaware River. No special permits are required.

September Teal
Eleven blinds on the Port Penn Tract of the Augustine Wildlife Area will be open for the early teal season. These blinds are available by permit only through lottery drawings held at the Augustine check station at the end of North Congress Street in Port Penn. Lotteries are held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with drawings taking place 1 ½ hours before legal shooting time throughout the season.

Kent County

Dove
Kent County state wildlife areas offer several dove hunting opportunities with both lottery and non-lottery hunts. Lottery permit hunts are available at the Milford Neck Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Penuel Tract, the Norman G. Wilder WMA Caulk Tract and the Ted Harvey WMA Logan Lane and Buckaloo tracts. Permits to hunt the sunflower fields on these areas are issued through a noon lottery at the Little Creek check station on Route 9/Bayside Drive just south of Little Creek. These areas are hunted on opening day, Labor Day and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in September only.

For those not interested in the lottery hunts, dove hunting opportunities are available at both the Blackiston and Norman G. Wilder wildlife areas where sunflower fields have been planted. These sites are open all days of the dove season with hunting hours from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Resident Canada Geese
Several Kent County wildlife areas have resident Canada goose hunting opportunities. At the Milford Neck WMA, all of the waterfowl hunting blind sites will be open on a first come-first served basis. In addition, Blackiston, Norman G. Wilder (Petersburg and Willow Grove Tracts), Milford Neck and Little Creek (Davy Crockett Tract) will be open for September goose hunting with no restriction to blinds or blind sites. Additionally, at the Woodland Beach and Roberts tract permit-required blinds, resident goose hunting will be allowed while hunting September teal.

September Teal
Daily lotteries for blinds will be held at the Woodland Beach WMA for marsh blinds, blinds on the Taylor’s Gut impoundment and the McKay Tract. At the Ted Harvey WMA, Roberts Tract and river blinds 32-44 will be available through a daily lottery at the Little Creek WMA. Lotteries will be held 1 ½ hours before legal shooting time at the Woodland Beach Check Station and 2 hours before legal shooting time at the Little Creek Check Station. Other wildlife areas open for teal hunting include Milford Neck WMA, and the Little Creek Davey Crockett Tract. All teal hunting on the above areas will be every day of the September season from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Sussex County

Dove
Dove hunting on managed fields will be available on the Assawoman and Nanticoke wildlife areas. At Assawoman, permits will be issued from the check station beginning at noon on the first Saturday in September with hunting hours from 1-6 p.m. Dove fields are located on the Muddy Neck portion of the Short Tract. Hunting on this area will be on Saturdays only during the month of September. Hunters will be hunting over sunflowers in 2011. Dove hunting will be allowed on other unmanaged areas with a permit.

At the Nanticoke WMA, dove hunting will begin on opening day, Sept. 1. Corn and sunflowers are planted at the George Adams Field and the Dirt Pit Fields. No permits or check out are required and there are no limits on the number of hunters. Dove hunting is allowed on other unmanaged areas without a permit.

All other wildlife areas in Sussex County are open for dove hunting with no permits required.

Resident Canada Geese
No resident goose hunts are planned for Sussex County on state wildlife areas. No resident goose flocks are present on areas accessible for hunting.

September Teal
Prime Hook State Wildlife Area is open to teal hunting this year. Hunting days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. State blinds 1-8 will be open. Permits are free and will be issued on a first come-first served basis from the tag board on Prime Hook State Wildlife Area at Little Neck Road. All federal blinds are closed, and no drawings or check out will occur. No other Sussex County state wildlife areas fall within the September teal season zones.

General Hunting Information for the 2011-2012 seasons:

September season dates are:

• Doves: Sept. 1-Oct. 1
• Resident Canada Geese: Sept. 1 –24
• Teal: Sept. 10 –28.

Non-toxic shot must be used for all dove hunting on state wildlife areas during the month of September.

In addition to a Delaware hunting license, teal, dove and goose hunters will need to have registered with the Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) to get a registration number. Hunters can call toll free 1-855-335-4868 or go to www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt to register for an HIP number.

If hunting from a blind that was selected through a lottery, all hunters in the blind are required to have the $20 annual blind permit that can be purchased where hunting licenses are sold. This permit is waived for hunters participating in Division of Fish and Wildlife-designated youth hunting days.

Hunting maps for state wildlife areas are available online at www.fw.delaware.gov or by calling 302-739-9912.

A legislative change that hunters should be aware of this year is that businesses licensed to operate as a commercial game preserve may now operate on Sundays. This change only applies to for-profit businesses and not to licensed shooting preserves that release game solely for hunting purposes.

For additional information, hunters should consult the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide and the Delaware Migratory Game Bird Season Summary. The Division would like to note that Sunday, Oct. 2 is not a deer hunting day as listed in the print version of the guide. The Division apologizes for any confusion this error may cause. It has been corrected in the online version of the Guide that can be viewed at www.fw.delaware.gov.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. --(Ammoland.com)-   West Virginia’s 2011 – 2012 waterfowl seasons will begin statewide on Sept. 1, 2011, with the opening of the early Canada goose season, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Section.

The early season will end on Sept. 17. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

All other general waterfowl hunting regulations apply to the September season. Hunters must possess a federal waterfowl stamp and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card in addition to their regular hunting license. HIP registration is free and available from DNR offices and all hunting license outlets.

“Canada geese are found throughout West Virginia, but the largest concentrations are in the major river valleys where agriculture and suburban landscapes provide an abundance of open land,” Taylor said. “A recently harvested crop field near water would be an ideal and obvious place to hunt. However, hunters should not overlook those out-of-the way spots such as an isolated pasture or strip bench with a small pond.”

Hunters also should seek out hunting opportunities near towns, golf courses and similar areas that may like to see local goose populations reduced. Regular scouting, not only before the season but also during the season, is important because geese are very mobile and will move to isolated areas to avoid hunting pressure.

Because most goose hunting is found on private lands, it is important for hunters to maintain a good relationship with landowners. Some wildlife management areas also offer goose hunting, and hunters should contact the appropriate DNR District Office with questions about specific areas.

Waterfowl hunters are reminded of two important toll free numbers. Federal waterfowl stamps may be purchased with a credit card by calling 1-800-782-6724. Also, hunters who harvest a banded bird may call 1-800-327-2263 to report the bird and find out when and where it was banded. Banded birds may also be reported online at www.reportband.gov.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) wants to remind citizens that a valid Louisiana hunting license is still required to take outlaw quadrupeds including feral hogs with the new laws that went into effect today, Aug. 15.

Legislation passed during the 2011 Legislative Session, provides additional options for citizens to take outlaw quadrupeds (armadillos, coyotes, feral hogs) and nuisance animals (nutria and beaver).

House Bill 294, signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal as Act 95, makes it legal beginning today, to take outlaw quadrupeds, nutria and beaver at night from March through August on private property with any legal firearm.

Anyone taking part in these activities at night is required to notify the parish sheriff’s office 24 hours in advance of any such hunt.

Additionally, House Bill 169, signed into law by Governor Jindal as Act 29, allows the take of nuisance quadrupeds at night using sound suppressors on the firearm(s) utilized, beginning today. Anyone using such a weapon must have in possession a valid permit issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The use of sound suppressed weapons is restricted to the take of outlaw quadrupeds, including coyotes and feral hogs, from March through August on private property.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that the agency has made its selections for the 2011-12 migratory game bird hunting seasons and bag limits.

Annual waterfowl seasons are selected by states from a framework established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Game Commission selections were made after reviewing last year’s season results, waterfowl survey data, and input gathered from waterfowl hunters and the public. Final approval from the USFWS is expected by late September.

Roe also noted that the Game Commission will post the annual waterfowl and migratory bird season brochure and zone maps on its website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) the week of Aug. 15. However, the agency will not be mass-producing brochures to be distributed to U.S. Post Offices.

“Many hunters already have purchased their hunting licenses and federal waterfowl stamps in anticipation of the season,” Roe said. “For their convenience, hunters will be able to obtain this important information from the Game Commission’s website.

“However, to improve efficiency and reduce printing and postage costs, the Game Commission will not be mass producing the brochure and mailing copies to U.S. Post Offices.”

Kevin Jacobs, Game Commission waterfowl biologist, said the federal frameworks are again allowing for a 60-day duck season, with a six bird daily limit.

“In response to public input, we are keeping the duck season open in the Northwest Duck Zone during the two-week firearms deer season (Nov. 28-Dec. 10),” Jacobs said. “We incorporated this request into the 2010 season dates, and have responded to public comments received in 2011 to have no split season in the Northwest Duck Zone. Based upon these recommendations, the Northwest Duck Zone seasons will run from Oct. 8-Dec. 16.”

Jacobs also noted that hunters will see changes in the regular snow goose and snow goose conservation hunts.

In the Atlantic Population and Southern James Bay Population goose zones, the regular snow goose season will be Oct. 25-Jan. 25, with a snow goose conservation season to run from Jan. 26-April 27. The Resident Population Goose Zone regular snow goose season will run Oct. 25-Feb. 25, and the snow goose conservation season will run Feb. 27-April 27.

To participate in the snow goose conservation hunts, hunters will need to obtain a free conservation hunt permit, in addition to their other required licenses, and file a mandatory report of harvest/participation. In late 2011, the Snow Goose Conservation Hunt website will be available on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) so that hunters can apply for and print out the free conservation permit.

New this year, young Pennsylvania hunters will be provided with two special days of waterfowl hunting, on Saturday, Sept. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 24. The Youth Waterfowl Days will be open to those 12 to 15 year olds who hold a junior hunting license. To participate, a youngster must be accompanied by an adult, who may assist the youth in calling, duck identification and other aspects of the hunt. During these two special hunts, youth can harvest Canada geese, ducks, mergansers, coots and moorhens. The daily bag limit for youth participating in the Youth Waterfowl Days is the same as for the regular season daily limit in the area being hunted. The only exception is when September Canada goose daily bag limits exceed the regular season limit for the area being hunted, youth then can take the September daily limit.

Also, the Game Commission again will hold a special youth-only waterfowl hunting day at the controlled hunting blinds at both Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area. The youth day for Middle Creek is Nov. 19; for Pymatuning, Nov. 26. A special drawing of applications submitted by junior license holders will be held immediately before the regular drawing for goose blinds. Interested youth should use the same application on page 28 of the 2011-12 Digest. Only one application will be accepted per junior hunter.

In addition to a regular Pennsylvania hunting license, persons 16 and older must have a Federal Migratory Bird and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as a “Duck Stamp,” signed in ink across its face. All waterfowl hunters, regardless of age, must have a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License to hunt waterfowl and other migratory birds, including doves, woodcock, coots, moorhens, rails and snipe. All migratory game bird hunters in the United States are required to complete a Harvest Information Program survey when they purchase a state migratory game bird license. The survey information is then forwarded to the USFWS.

“By answering the questions on the survey card, hunters will improve survey efficiency and the quality of information used to track the harvest of migratory birds for management purposes,” Jacobs said.

Hunters must use non-toxic shot while hunting ducks, geese or coots in Pennsylvania. The use of decoys powered or operated by batteries or any other source of electricity is unlawful in Pennsylvania, except during the snow goose conservation seasons. Also, the use of any sort of artificial substance or product as bait or an attractant is prohibited.

Jacobs noted that, although hunting hours have been extended to one-half hour after sunset for big game (except spring gobbler), as well as small game and furbearers, federal regulations prevail for waterfowl and migratory game birds. Therefore, shooting hours for these species will continue to close at sunset. The only exceptions are during the September Canada goose season (Sept. 1-24) and the Snow Goose Conservation Seasons, in which the USFWS has permitted states to extend the hunting hours to one-half hour after sunset.

Also, during the first part of the dove season (Sept. 1-Oct. 1), hunting hours are from noon through sunset.

For complete early Canada goose season information, as well as webless migratory game bird seasons, please see News Release #084-11, which the agency issued on July 26.

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.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The beginning of squirrel season is just around the corner, are you ready? Often revered as a celebrated American fall tradition, squirrel hunting provides the perfect opportunity to introduce youth or a novice to the sport of hunting.

Unlike some big game hunts, the pursuit of bushytails often involves more action for energetic youth, providing a greater level of interaction with the outdoors.

Georgia Squirrel Hunting Season Opens August 15Th

Beginning August 15, 2011 and lasting through February 28, 2012, hunters can pursue both gray and fox squirrels. The maximum daily bag limit is 12 per hunter.

“Prior to the successful restoration of white-tailed deer, pursuing squirrels in the fall became a significant cultural hunting tradition in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s Game Management assistant chief. “Squirrel hunting provides one of our best opportunities to introduce youth to hunting, instill in them our responsibilities to wildlife conservation and provide exposure to the outdoors. Additionally, it’s fun, inexpensive and provides constant action.”

Squirrel hunting, especially with squirrel dogs such as feists, terriers and curs, is a great way to introduce youth to hunting and the outdoors. In terms of number of hunters and harvest, squirrels are the second most pursued small game species in Georgia, behind doves.

Georgia’s wildlife management areas offer access to nearly one million acres of hunting opportunity for only $19 a year, and squirrel hunting is allowed on WMAs at specified times during the statewide squirrel season. Hunters are advised to check the hunting regulations for specific WMAs and dates.

The two species
Both the gray and fox squirrels can be found throughout Georgia. The gray squirrel, abundant in both rural and urban areas is the most common species. Though mostly associated with hardwood forests, grays also can be found in mixed pine/hardwood forests. Predominantly gray, with white under parts, gray squirrels appear more slender-bodied than fox squirrels, weighing anywhere from 12 ounces to one-and-a-half pounds.

Fox squirrels have several color phases, varying from silver-gray with a predominantly black head, to solid black, to a light buff or brown color tinged with reddish-yellow. Generally larger than grays, fox squirrels range in weight from one pound to nearly three, and are more closely associated with mature pine and mixed pine/hardwood habitats and especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.

For more information on the 2011-2012 squirrel hunting season or other small game hunting seasons, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com . To renew or purchase a hunting license, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/recreational-licenses .

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011-2012 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is available online and in print announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.

This guide provides information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas and much more and is available to view, download and print at www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/regulations .

Printed copies are available at Wildlife Resources Game Management and Law Enforcement offices and license vendors throughout Georgia.

“The Hunting Seasons and Regulations publication is designed to better inform hunters on the laws and regulations for hunting in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division Assistant Chief of Game Management. “We encourage all hunters to review the publication each year for any changes to their favorite hunting areas, seasons or activities.”

Members of the Board of Natural Resources enact hunting regulations by acting on recommendations made by the division’s professional wildlife biologists and field personnel. Georgia’s game and fish laws are enacted by the elected members of the General Assembly.

Regarding hunting regulations, some of the major changes for 2011-2012 include:

• Baiting of Deer & Feral Hogs: The Georgia General Assembly passed a legislation change to Georgia law relating to hunting deer and feral hog over bait. For complete information, review p. 24 in current regulations.
• Bear Season for Bibb, Houston and Twiggs Counties: In response to public desires and consistent with biological data, the Wildlife Resources Division is providing the opportunity to hunt bear on private land in Bibb, Houston, and Twiggs Counties.
• Bear Bag Limit (Northern Zone): In response to public desires and to facilitate stabilization of the mountain bear population, the bear bag limit in the Northern Zone has been increased from one (1) to two (2).
• Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP): In response to public input and to increase the self-sufficiency of providing certain recreational opportunities on WMAs and PFAs, a GORP may be required to utilize designated fee areas on state-owned WMAs and PFAs. Additional requirements exist for certain organized events involving more than eight individuals. Individuals that hold a valid lifetime, sportsman, honorary or WMA license are exempt from this requirement.
• Raccoon Zone Lines: In response to public input, the raccoon trapping and hunting zone lines have been eliminated.
• Special Coyote Hunts on WMAs: In response to public input, several WMAs will provide special opportunities to hunt coyotes. These WMAs are Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA, J.L. Lester WMA, Paulding Forest WMA and Pine Log WMA.
• Feral Hog Hunts on WMAs: In response to public input, opportunities to hunt feral hogs have been added or expanded on several WMAs.
• Woodcock: In response to changes in the Federal framework for this migratory bird and in response to public desires, hunting opportunity for woodcock has been increased by 15 days.

For more information on Georgia hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com/hunting/regulations contact a local Wildlife Resources Division,

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) voted to tentatively adopt proposed season dates, bag limits and shooting hours for the 2011-12 migratory waterfowl season at their Aug. 4 meeting.

The dates will be ratified by a declaration of emergency from the commission, after approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Following a comment period that began after the July commission meeting, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recommended a 60-day season for ducks, coots and mergansers. In the West Zone, the first segment will open on Nov. 12 and close on Dec. 4. The second segment will open on Dec. 17 and run through Jan. 22. In the East Zone, the first segment will go from Nov. 19 to 27. The second segment will last from Dec. 10 to Jan. 29.

A proposal to move the Youth waterfowl weekend to the weekend during the splits was revised by LDWF based on a majority of public comments received. Those comments favored keeping that weekend opportunity for youth prior to the season opening dates in both zones. The revised Youth waterfowl weekend dates proposed by the department and adopted by the commission are Nov. 5-6 in the West Zone and Nov. 12-13 in the East Zone.

The daily bag limit on ducks is six and may include no more than four mallards (no more than two of which may be females), two pintails, one canvasback, one mottled duck, one black duck, three wood ducks, two scaup and two redheads.

The daily bag limit on coots is 15. The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, of which only two may be hooded mergansers. The merganser limits are in addition to the daily bag limit for ducks.

The possession limit on ducks, coots and mergansers is twice the daily bag limit.

Light geese and white-fronted geese will have a 74-day season. The first segment in the West Zone will open on Nov. 12 and close on Dec. 4. The second segment in the West Zone will run from Dec. 17 to Feb. 5. The first segment in the East Zone will open on Nov. 5 and run until Nov. 27. The second segment will run from Dec. 10 to Jan. 29. The daily bag limit on light geese is 20, with no possession limit. The daily limit on white-fronted geese is two, with a possession limit of four. When the Canada goose season is open, the limit is two dark geese (white-fronted and Canada) of which no more than one can be a Canada goose.

The Canada goose season will be 44 days and run from Dec. 17 to Jan. 29 statewide, except for a small closure area in southwest Louisiana. The daily limit for Canada geese is one in aggregate with white-fronted geese and the possession limit is two in aggregate with white-fronted geese. So the daily bag limit will allow two dark geese (white-fronted and Canada geese), no more than one of which may be a Canada goose.

The Statewide Conservation Order for light geese will open in the West Zone on Dec. 5, and the first segment will close on Dec. 16. The second segment in the West Zone will run from Feb. 6 to March 11. The first segment in the East Zone will run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, and the second segment will be from Jan. 30 to March 11. During this time, only snow, blue and Ross geese may be taken and daily bag and possession limits are eliminated. The use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns is permitted. Shooting hours during the Conservation Order begin one-half hour before sunrise and extend until one-half hour after sunset.

Rails may be taken from Sept. 10 to 25 and again from Nov. 12 to Jan. 4. For King and Clapper rails, the daily limit is 15 in the aggregate with a possession limit of 30. Sora and Virginia rails have a daily and possession limit of 25 in the aggregate.

Gallinule season will be open from Sept. 10 to 25 and again from Nov. 12 to Jan. 4. The daily bag limit is 15 with a possession limit of 30.

Snipe may be taken in the West Zone first segment from Nov. 5 to Dec. 7 and from Dec. 17 to Feb. 28 in the second segment. In the East Zone, the first segment will run from Nov. 5 to 30 with a second segment running Dec. 10 to Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is 8 and the possession limit is 16.

An extended falconry season for ducks, rails and gallinules will take place from Nov. 5 to Feb. 3.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters interested in learning the age of the bear they harvested during the 2010 seasons can log onto the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

To access the database providing this information, click on “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, then click on “Hunting,” scroll down and click on “Black Bear” in the “Big Game” listing, and then scroll down and click on “Black Bear Age Data” in the “Reference” listing.

“As a cost-cutting measure, the Game Commission no longer mails a certificate and letter to successful bear hunters notifying them of their bear’s age,” said Carl G. Roe, agency executive director.

“To maintain this valued customer service, however, we provide hunters with a certificate at the check station when their bear is processed, and information about how and when they can find the age data, which is determined by examining a tooth from the bear that is extracted as part of the check station processing, on our website.”

Ages are available only for bears from which a tooth was pulled. To access the data and learn the age of their bear, a hunter will need to have their legal seal number from the check station certificate. If the hunter no longer has the seal number, age data also is provided in charts broken down by county of harvest.

In 2010, Pennsylvania’s 161,119 licensed bear hunters took 3,090 bears, which is the state’s fifth highest harvest recorded in Pennsylvania. The record bear harvest of 4,164 was set in 2005.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Early Canada goose and dove hunters will be able to take to the fields of Penn’s Woods on Sept. 1, as part of Pennsylvania’s 2011-12 migratory bird seasons announced today by Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe.

Dove hunters will have the opportunity to participate in a triple-split season, which will see some shifts due to the way the calendar falls this year.

During the first season (Sept. 1-Oct. 1), hunting will start at noon and close at sunset daily. The second and third splits will be Oct. 29-Nov. 26, and Dec. 26-Jan 4, with hunting hours a half-hour before sunrise until sunset. In all three seasons, the daily bag limit will be 15, and the possession limit will be 30.

The early statewide season for resident Canada geese will open Sept. 1, and continue through Sept. 24. The early season retains a daily bag limit of eight Canada geese and possession limit of 16. However, Kevin Jacobs, agency waterfowl biologist, noted that these bag limits are restricted in certain areas.

In the Southern James Bay Population Canada goose Zone, and on the Pymatuning State Park Reservoir and the area extending 100 yards inland from the shoreline of the reservoir, excluding the area east of SR 3011 (Hartstown Road), hunters will have a daily limit of three and a possession limit of six.

Also, in a portion of western Crawford County, the daily bag limit is one goose and possession limit of two geese in the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to intersection of SR 18, SR 18 south to SR 618, SR 618 south to US Route 6, US Route 6 east to US Route 322/SR 18, US Route 322/SR 18 west to intersection of SR 3013, SR 3013 south to the Crawford/Mercer County line. The exception to this is on State Game Land 214, where September goose hunting is closed. This restriction does not apply to youth participating in the expanded youth waterfowl hunting days, which are set for Sept. 17 and 24, when regular season regulations apply.

The controlled hunting areas at the Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lebanon-Lancaster counties, as well as all of State Game Land 46, will remain closed to September goose hunting to address the decline in the resident Canada goose flock. And, in the area of Lancaster and Lebanon counties north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike I-76, east of SR 501 to SR 419, south of SR 419 to Lebanon-Berks county line, west of Lebanon-Berks county line and Lancaster-Berks county line to SR 1053 (also known as Peartown Road and Greenville Road), west of SR 1053 to Pennsylvania Turnpike I-76, the daily bag limit is one goose, possession limit two geese. This restriction does not apply to youth participating in the youth waterfowl hunting days, which are set for Sept. 17 and 24, when regular season regulations apply.

Jacobs noted that recent liberalizations in Canada goose hunting opportunities, along with control programs being implemented by many municipalities and public and private landowners, appear to be stabilizing the growth of the state’s resident Canada goose population. The 2011 Pennsylvania spring resident Canada goose population was estimated at 245,100, which is statistically similar to the recent eight-year average of 274,300. However, populations remain significantly above the management goal of 150,000.

“Hunting remains the most effective and efficient way to manage resident Canada geese, provided hunters can gain access to geese in problem areas,” Jacobs said.

As noted, young Pennsylvania hunters will be provided with an extra day of waterfowl hunting on Saturday, Sept. 17 and 24. The Youth Waterfowl Days, which previously were limited to one day, are open to those 12- to 15-years-old who hold a junior hunting license. To participate, a youngster must be accompanied by an adult, who may assist the youth in calling, duck identification and other aspects of the hunt. During this special two day-long hunts, youth can harvest ducks, mergansers, coots and moorhens.

In addition, because the Youth Waterfowl Days and the early Canada goose season overlap this year, youth and the adults accompanying them may harvest Canada geese. The daily limit for the Youth Waterfowl Days for Canada geese is the same as the daily limit for adults in the area being hunted.

Youth Waterfowl Days bag limits for ducks, mergansers and coots will be consistent with the limit for the regular season, which will be announced in mid-August, after the annual Waterfowl Symposium on Aug. 5.

Pennsylvania’s woodcock season also has been expanded an extra two weeks. This year, woodcock season will open Oct. 15, and continue through Nov. 26. The daily limit remains three, and the possession limit is six.

A season for common snipe will run from Oct. 15 to Nov. 26, which is the same structure as previous years. The daily limit is 8, and the possession limit is 16.

Virginia and sora rail hunting will run Sept. 1-Nov. 9. Bag limits, which are singly or combined, are 3 daily or 6 in possession. The season for king and clapper rails remains closed.

Hunting for moorhen and gallinules will run from Sept. 1 to Nov. 9, and the bag limits are three daily and six in possession.

Migratory game bird hunters, including those afield for doves and woodcock, are required to obtain and carry a Pennsylvania migratory game bird license ($3.70 for residents, $6.70 for nonresidents), as well as a general hunting, combination or lifetime license. All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older also must possess a federal migratory game bird and conservation (duck) stamp.

Roe noted that, although general hunting hours have been extended to one-half hour after sunset for big game (except spring gobbler), as well as small game and furbearers, federal regulations prevail for waterfowl and migratory game birds and shooting hours for these species will continue to close at sunset. The only exception to this is during the early September Canada goose season, in which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has permitted states to extend the hunting hours to one-half hour after sunset.

Annual migratory bird and waterfowl seasons are selected by states from a framework established by the USFWS. The Game Commission is expected to announce in mid-August the regular and late waterfowl seasons, after the agency holds its annual Waterfowl Symposium, Aug. 5.

The “Pennsylvania 2011-12 Guide to Migratory Bird Hunting” brochure will be posted on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) in mid-August, and the mass-produced brochure should be available at U.S. Post Offices in the state by the end of August.

Hunters are encouraged to report leg-banded migratory game bird recoveries online at www.reportband.gov, or use the toll-free number (1-800-327-BAND). Hunters will be requested to provide information on where, when and what species were taken, in addition to the band number. This information is crucial to the successful management of migratory game birds.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS --(Ammoland.com)- As the old song goes, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a good friend of mine…”

Well, no one’s planning on eating Jeremiah, but he’d probably make some mighty fine fry. And for those who think viewing bullfrogs as drinking buddies is absurd, they’re right. But hunting them is a great way to beat the summer heat in the cool of the night with a fun outdoor adventure for young and old alike.

And the resulting table fare will make the most hardcore “oldies” fan get up and dance. So get ready to boogie; the season begins July 1.

Bullfrog hunting, or “frogging,” as many people call it, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors after days have sweltered close to 100 degrees through much of June. The freedom of summer nights beckons with the call of the bullfrog in July. At this time, shorts and a T-shirt are all that’s needed to cool off in the water and pursue this popular quarry.

Froggers enjoy a season that runs July 1 through Oct. 31 although most frogging activity is in the hotter months of July and August. The daily creel limit is eight, with a possession limit of 24. While bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, dip net, gig, bow and arrow, or crossbow (firearms not allowed), many froggers prefer to take them by hand. All that’s needed is a flashlight or headlamp, a mesh sack, an old pair of tennis shoes, and some stealth. The only other necessary ingredient is access to a local pond, lake, or stream. A valid fishing license is needed, if required by law.

The best method is to walk quietly through the water at night and shine a bright light along the bank until a pair of glowing eyes appear. Temporarily blinded by the light, frogs can be grabbed or netted.

The fruits of this effort are not only fun times but good food. Frog legs are regarded as a delicacy and have a taste and texture resembling a cross of shrimp and fish. A popular way to cook them is to dip the legs in egg and then into a mixture of flour and corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper. Then the legs are fried to a golden brown in oil.

This gourmet meal is a bonus to a great summer evening that both kids and adults will always remember.

Add a great old Three Dog Night song written by Hoyt Axton, and you’ll be singing “joy to the world.”

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- A $25 raffle ticket could put an Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s special big game permit for elk or bighorn in your pocket.

How would you like a chance to pursue mule deer during the rut on the Kaibab for just a $20 ticket?

Welcome to the Big Game Super Raffle, where your dreams can come true.

A consortium of nonprofit conservation groups partner together to raffle off one each of the 10 special big game tags (issued by the commission) to raise funds for wildlife conservation projects that directly benefit those species (and many others indirectly) in Arizona.

Winners will be able to hunt for 365 days almost anywhere in the state of Arizona during a special 2011-12 hunting season.

To cover the administrative costs of the raffle there are two bonus items: an incredible Swarovski optic package valued at $7000, ticket cost of only $10; and, a guided trophy elk hunt in New Mexico valued at $6,500, ticket cost of only $20.

For $150, you get one ticket for each of the 12 items up for raffle, that’s only $12.50 a ticket.

Now that you’re excited, here is the icing on the cake. While there will obviously be 12 very happy winners, the real winners are Arizona’s wildlife and habitats. The money raised from the Super Raffle goes right back on the ground to wildlife conservation in Arizona. So buy a ticket, support wildlife and we all win.

Tickets can be purchased by mail or online. The deadline for mail orders is July 15. Online orders are available until July 17. The public drawing will be held July 21.

For more details, order form, and deadlines, visit www.arizonabiggamesuperraffle.com.

To learn how funds raised through the raffle are benefiting wildlife, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee webpage at www.azgfd.gov/w_c/hpc.shtml.

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 Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment, remain the backbone of 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.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

MALTA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Based in part on lessons learned from the state’s first regulated wolf hunt in 2009,

Commissioners approved a harvest quota of 186 wolves across 13 wolf management units for the 2010 season, which was blocked by a federal court.

“This season proposal is very similar to the season considered last year and it’s one that is properly balanced,” said Ken McDonald, FWP’s chief of wildlife.

McDonald explained that the state’s 14 WMUs are generally situated in the western portion of Montana to target areas where impacts on elk and deer populations have occurred and where recurring livestock depredations are predicted. A new WMU is proposed to be added in the Bitterroot Valley where wolves have contributed to a significant drop in the elk population.

“We carved out smaller-sized wolf management units to allow for a more widely distributed harvest,” McDonald said.

In addition, subquotas are proposed in three areas to limit harvest during early season backcountry hunts, including the area directly north of Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife managers also asked the commission to consider a wolf archery season to run Sept. 3 through Oct. 16, which coincides with Montana’s deer and elk archery seasons.

McDonald said a harvest quota of 220 is projected to reduce the wolf population to a minimum of 425 wolves, or by about 25 percent. These projections include anticipated reductions due to livestock depredation and mortalities from other events, like accidents and natural causes.

Public comments on the 2011wolf season proposal are due by 5 p.m. on June 20. Final quotas and seasons will be adopted by the FWP Commission on July 14. Send comments beginning Friday, May 13 via FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov . Click “For Hunters”. Or mail to FWP Wildlife Bureau, Attn: Public Comment, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

Montana FWP Seeks Comment On 2011 Wolf Hunting Season

2011 Wolf Season Basics
Wolf Management Units & Quotas—Northwestern and central Montana would have nine WMUs with a total quota of 123 wolves; western Montana would have two WMUs with a total quota of 54 wolves; and the three proposed WMUs in the southwestern portion of the state would have a total quota of 43 wolves. Two of Montana’s 14 WMUs would stretch across the eastern portion of the state.

Wolf Hunting Season Dates—Wolf hunting seasons would correspond to Montana’s early backcountry big game hunting season, which runs Sept. 3—14 for archery and Sept. 15—Nov. 27 for rifle hunting; and the big game archery and general rifle seasons set for Sept. 3—Oct. 16 and Oct. 22—Nov. 27 respectively. Wolf seasons could run through Dec. 31 if quotas are not reached. Hunting licenses will cost $19 for residents and $350 for nonresidents. License sales should begin in August.

Montana Wolf Season Background
In 2009, during Montana’s first ever regulated wolf hunt, hunters harvested 72 wolves during the fall hunting season. As hunters approached the overall harvest quota of 75 wolves, FWP closed the hunt about two weeks before the season was scheduled to end to ensure the quota would not be exceeded.

Montana’s 2010 hunting season was blocked by a federal court ruling in August 2010 that returned wolves to the federal endangered species list.

On April 15 the U.S. Congress enacted a new federal law that provided for the delisting of wolves in Montana and Idaho—and in portions of Washington, Oregon and Utah.

The law authorizes Montana to manage wolves under the state’s federally approved Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan.

Federal Wolf Recovery Goal for the Northern Rockies & Current Population
The recovery goal for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs—successfully reproducing wolf packs—and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years.

This goal was achieved in 2002, and the wolf population has increased every year since. The northern Rockies’ “metapopulation” is comprised of wolf populations in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.

Today, about 1,650 wolves in 244 packs and about 111 breeding pairs, live in the region, where wolves can travel about freely to join existing packs or form new packs. This, combined with wolf populations in Canada and Alaska, assures genetic diversity.

Montana’s Wolf Population
In Montana, officials estimate that at least 566 wolves, in 108 verified packs, and 35 breeding pairs inhabited the state at the end of 2010.

Delisting allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, guided completely by state management plans and laws.

To learn more about Montana’s wolf population, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click “Montana Wolves”.

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that on February 8, 2011, the New Jersey Fish and Game Council recommended and the Director approved an extension for the 2010-2011 Semi-wild hunting season through Sunday, April 3, 2011.

The extension was granted due to this winter’s extended periods of deep snow and the inability to stock and pursue game birds.

This revision will only apply to the 2010-2011 hunting season, and does not apply to subsequent hunting seasons. Prior to this extension, the season was scheduled to close on March 15, 2011.

For information on Semi-wild Hunting Preserves visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/semi-wild_preserves.htm on the division’s website.

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.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminds trappers that the general trapping season for raccoon, fox, bobcat, mink and muskrat ends Feb. 28, 2011.

The trapping season for beaver will end March 31, 2011. Beaver trappers are reminded that it is illegal to make sets other than fully submerged body-gripping trap sets for beaver during the month of March.

All beaver and bobcat pelts are required to be checked at an official game checking station within 30 days of the close of season.

Trappers, hunters and fur dealers are reminded that furs shipped out of West Virginia must have a fur shipping tag, which is available at Division of Natural Resources district offices and most game checking stations.

The public is reminded that now, before the trapping season ends, is a good time to address any nuisance muskrat or beaver problems.

Trappers may be more likely to assist landowners with nuisance problems while they have their gear in working order and pelts are in prime condition.

Muzzleloader Hunting Season

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Ohio’s popular muzzleloader deer season is set to open statewide January 8-11 according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

Last year, hunters checked 24,078 white-tailed deer during the statewide hunt.

A total of 210,361 deer have been harvested so far this season when combining the adult and youth gun seasons, early muzzleloader season, gun weekend, and the first nine weeks of the archery season.

That compares to a total of 227,748 killed last year during the same time period. Hunters took a total of 261,314 deer during all of last year’s hunting seasons.

Prior to the start of the hunting season, Ohio’s deer population was estimated at 750,000. The Division of Wildlife expects as many as 210,000 hunters will hunt deer during the muzzleloader season.

Ohio deer hunters must possess the proper permits. Regardless of zone, method of taking or season, hunters may take only one antlered deer during the 2010-2011 deer hunting season.

Legal hunting hours during the statewide muzzleloader deer season are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Deer must be checked by 8 p.m.on the day after harvest, except those killed on January 11, which must be brought to a deer check station by 8 p.m.that day.

Ohio’s small game, furbearer and waterfowl seasons also will be open during the muzzleloader season. During those overlapping four days, small game hunters and deer hunters must visibly wear a coat, jacket, vest or coveralls that are either solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange in color.

Hunters have been encouraged to kill more does this season and donate extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has an $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of deer zones are contained in the 2010-2011 Ohio Hunting Regulations. This free publication is available where hunting licenses are sold and from the Division of Wildlife by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE or on the internet at wildohio.com.

The 2010-2011 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

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

Montana Mountain Lion Hunting to Reopen

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

MALTA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will reopen mountain lion Hunting District (HD) 204, 260 & 261 to include the harvest of one female lion, effective one-half hour before sunrise on Monday, December 13th.

This affects 11 holders of a special license for this district who have not already harvested a lion.

The special license authorizes a hunter to harvest one lion of either sex until the female sub-quota of two is met.

After two females are harvested, any special license-holders who have not yet harvested a lion are only allowed to continue hunting males.

FWP closed the season to the harvest of females in HD 204, 260 & 261 when a hunter reported harvesting the second female. However, upon inspection the lion was verified to be a male, and this prompted FWP to reopen the season for lions of either-sex until one more female is taken.

WhiteTail Deer Hunters Increase Kill on Opening Day of Gun Season

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)- COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio hunters had near ideal weather for the opening day of deer-gun season. Hunters took 37,805 white-tailed deer on Monday, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The deer-gun season remains open through Sunday, December 5, and then reopens for two days on Saturday and Sunday, December 18-19.

The preliminary figures from deer check stations throughout the state show an increase of 12.5 percent from last year’s opening day total of 33,607.

Counties reporting the highest numbers of deer checked on Monday included: Tuscarawas – 1,806; Coshocton – 1,536; Harrison – 1,439; Guernsey – 1,406; Holmes – 1,312; Licking – 1,259; Washington – 1,192; Ashtabula – 983; Muskingum – 930; and Athens – 886.

Combining the results of Monday’s harvest with those from the early muzzleloader season, the first six weeks of archery season and the recent youth deer-gun season, a preliminary total of 97,371 deer have been killed so far this deer hunting season. That number compares to 97,371 harvested last year at this time. In all, hunters took a total of 261,314 deer during all of last year’s hunting seasons.

Approximately 420,000 hunters are expected to participate in the statewide deer-gun season. Ohio’s deer population was estimated to be 750,000 prior to the start of the fall hunting seasons.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 8th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has an $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

Division of Wildlife Chief Dave Graham challenges all deer hunters to make this year special for Ohio’s hungry by labeling Saturday, December 4, as Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) Day. Last year, hunters showed they cared by donating nearly 467,000 meals to Ohioans in need.

Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

Hunters who wish to share their success can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they killed this year for publication on the Division of Wildlife’s Web page.

A detailed listing of deer-hunting rules is contained in the 2010-2011 Ohio Hunting Regulations, available wherever licenses are sold, and online at wildohio.com.

The 2010-2011 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

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

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE NUMBER OF DEER CHECKED AND TAGGED BY HUNTERS DURING THE FIRST DAY OF DEER-GUN HUNTING SEASON. THE NUMBER TAKEN DURING THE 2009 SEASON IS MARKED IN ( ): 2010 (2009)

Adams –502(481); Allen –90(118); Ashland –793(619); Ashtabula –983(836); Athens –886(925); Auglaize –87(80); Belmont –844(640); Brown –364(240); Butler –121(89); Carroll –680(691); Champaign –150 (232); Clark –100(87); Clermont –420(297); Clinton –191(186); Columbiana –851(628); Coshocton –1,536(1,353); Crawford –306(288); Cuyahoga –30(25); Darke –68(55); Defiance –425(293); Delaware –199(179); Erie –96(112); Fairfield –499(609); Fayette –37(74); Franklin –62(68); Fulton –188(123); Gallia –607(455); Geauga –268(188); Greene –64(63); Guernsey –1,406(1,284); Hamilton –99(72); Hancock –119(153); Hardin –198(169); Harrison –1,439(1,374); Henry –203(88); Highland –490(543); Hocking –703(793); Holmes –1,312(1,165); Huron –477(367); Jackson –720(776); Jefferson –774(767); Knox –700(761); Lake –83(63); Lawrence –406(320); Licking –1,259(1,182); Logan –333(255); Lorain –233(210); Lucas –72(76); Madison –55(42); Mahoning –307(238); Marion –114(96); Medina –200(146); Meigs –717(569); Mercer –98(79); Miami –37(35); Monroe –638(670); Montgomery –52(37); Morgan –610(579); Morrow –354 (260); Muskingum –930(799); Noble –741(745); Ottawa –19(12); Paulding –322(140); Perry –681(631); Pickaway –149(188); Pike –211(300); Portage –177(122); Preble –60(39); Putnam –242(196); Richland –449(404); Ross –734(638); Sandusky –43(67); Scioto –450(249); Seneca –341(255); Shelby –165(141); Stark –602(487); Summit –88(62); Trumbull –639(572); Tuscarawas –1,806(1,763); Union –165(125); Van Wert –125(55); Vinton –629(548); Warren –172(117); Washington –1,192(1,010); Wayne –285(220); Williams –364(253); Wood –138(99); Wyandot –231(167); TOTAL: 37,805(33,607)

Georgia Firearms Deer Season Opens October 16

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- It is finally that time of the year again for Georgia hunters.

Firearms deer season opens Saturday, Oct. 16 and lasts through Jan. 1, 2011 in the Northern Zone and in the Southern Zone, through Jan. 15, 2011.

“Regulated hunting is the most cost effective and efficient means of managing the deer herd,” says John W. Bowers, assistant chief of Game Management for the Wildlife Resources Division. “In addition, sportsmen and women provide more than $30 million each year to fund wildlife conservation in the state through license fees and self-imposed excise taxes collected on the purchase of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment and fishing equipment.”

More than one million acres of public hunting land is available to hunters in Georgia, including more than 100 state-operated wildlife management areas. In addition to traditional hunters, many special hunts are offered, including ladies-only and adult/child hunts. Dates and locations for these hunts, as well as WMA maps, are available in the 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

During the 2009-2010 firearms deer season, 305,000 licensed hunters harvested more than 398,000 deer in Georgia.

Hunters are allowed a season total of ten antlerless deer and two antlered deer (one of the two antlered deer must have a minimum of four points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers).

A valid hunting license is required to hunt deer during firearms season, as is a big game license and a deer harvest record. In most cases, a separate WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA. All deer hunters must wear at least 500 square-inches of fluorescent orange above the waist to legally hunt during firearms season, except on archery-only areas.

Georgia is considered the top destination in the country for non-resident hunters and continues to draw tens of thousands of hunters from across the country each year. The state’s quality deer herd and the availability of vast acres of public hunting land serve as the main appeal.

For more information on deer hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. –-(Ammoland.com)- South Dakota antelope hunters and some West River deer hunters can take the field on opening day, Saturday, Oct. 2.

The 2010 Firearms Antelope hunting season will run from Oct. 2-17 in most units.

Hunters with antlerless deer tags for the West River Deer season will be able to hunt in their respective units during the same period.

“We are not only able to expand the opportunity for deer hunters to take additional antlerless deer, but we can also provide a unique opportunity to hunt both antelope and deer at the same time,” said Chad Switzer, game program manager in the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

There are unsold licenses still available for both the Firearms Antelope and West River Deer hunting seasons.

The licenses are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis by application through the GFP License Office.

Leftover license lists may be accessed online at http://www.gfp.sd.gov/hunting/licenses/limited/leftover/default.aspx

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Washington --(Ammoland.com)- Some of Washington’s most popular hunting seasons will get under way Oct. 16, when hunters will take to the field for ducks, geese, deer and elk.

Other hunting seasons opening this month include those for pheasant, quail, chukar and gray partridge.

Big game populations have benefitted from a mild winter, and recent rainfall should also improve hunters’ success in the field, said Dave Ware, game manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

“Fall hunting seasons generally look very promising,” said Ware. “All we need now is a little more wind to knock more leaves off the trees for better visibility.”

All hunters must carry a valid 2010-11 hunting license for the species they are hunting. Detailed information on upcoming hunting seasons is available in WDFW’s Big Game Hunting pamphlet and the Waterfowl and Upland Game Regulation pamphlet, both available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/ .

For more information on these and other fishing, hunting and wildlife-viewing opportunities available in the next few weeks, see the regional reports below:

Hunting: The region’s popular waterfowl hunting season gets under way in mid-October. The duck season will be open from Oct. 16 through Oct. 20, and then re-open again Oct. 23. Goose hunts will be open Oct. 16 through Oct. 28 in the region, and then start again Nov. 6. However, snow, Ross and blue geese seasons in Goose Management Area 1 (Skagit and Snohomish counties) will run from Oct. 16 through Jan. 30 without a break.

Hunters who would like to participate in the Snow Goose Quality Hunt program on Fir Island and in the northern Port Susan Bay area should visit WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/snow_goose/ for information on the rules and requirements.

Meanwhile, the muzzleloader-only season for deer runs through Oct. 3, while the cougar hunt is open through Oct. 15. Beginning Oct. 2, muzzleloaders can go afield for elk . The modern firearm season for deer gets under way Oct. 16, when hunters using any weapon can go afield for cougar.

Hunting seasons are under way in the region for bear and grouse , while the California quail, bobwhite and pheasant seasons get started Oct. 2.

Before heading out, hunters should check the Big Game Hunting pamphlet and the Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlet online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/ for details. Also, area-by-area summaries of the hunting prospects throughout the state are available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/prospects/ .

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. --(Ammoland.com)- Good news for Nebraska grouse hunters this fall. The hunting season for this upland game species will be a month longer than in past years.

Grouse hunting season opens in Nebraska on Sept. 18 and runs through Jan. 31, 2011. This aligns the season with the close of pheasant and quail seasons and allows more opportunities for late-season mixed bag hunting of all three species.

Grouse may be hunted statewide, but a free special permit is required for hunting east of U.S. Highway 81 (east zone).

Approximately 90 special permits remain for hunting in the east zone. They are limited to one per hunter and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a special permit, call Game and Parks at (402) 471-5597, visit the Lincoln headquarters, or send a postcard to: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Attn: Grouse Permits, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503.

The postcard must include the following: name, address, date of birth, telephone number, and 2010 hunting permit number or lifetime hunting permit number. Residents ages 12 to 15 must submit a hunter education number. Those not required to purchase a hunting permit must provide documentation of such exemption.

The daily bag and possession limits in the east zone are three birds. The daily bag and possession limits west of U.S. 81 (west zone) are three and 12, respectively.

A Nebraska hunting permit and habitat stamp are required of all grouse hunters in the state, except residents younger than 16 years.

Nebraska hunting permits and stamps may be purchased at Game and Parks offices and OutdoorNebraska.org.

Nebraska Fall Turkey Season Opens Sept. 15

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. --(Ammoland.com)- Fall turkey season opens Sept. 15 across Nebraska, and hunters of all ages have the opportunity to pursue the abundant gobblers.

Getting new hunters into the field could be even easier this year, however, as reduced-price permits are available for youth.

Fall turkey permits are $24 for residents, $91 for nonresidents and $6 for youth younger than 16 years (residents and nonresidents), including issuing fee. The reduced-price youth permits were a big success during the spring turkey season, when youth permit sales more than doubled from the previous spring.

Adult and youth hunters may shoot turkeys through Dec. 31 with either archery equipment or shotgun. A fall turkey or youth fall turkey permit allows the take of two turkeys with either archery equipment or shotgun. Permits are unlimited in number, but no hunter may have more than two fall turkey permits.

The bag limit is two turkeys per permit.

Turkey hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest and back when hunting during the November firearm deer season, which is Nov. 13-21.

Nebraska Fall Turkey Season Guide

Permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Doves and Waterfowl Usher in West Virgina's Fall Hunting Season

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- September 1st signals the beginning of another hunting season in West Virginia.

For many years now, September 1st is the traditional opening of dove season across a wide swath of the United States. These early seasons provide extra opportunities to get out and enjoy good shooting before the regular seasons kick in.

For such a small bird, dove hunting, or better phrased, dove shooting, is a major event. The farther south you go the bigger event it becomes with cookouts featuring the day’s bag of morning doves. Many southern plantations in the Carolinas, Old Virginia and Mississippi host extravagant bar-b-que after the day’s shooting. In West Virginia, we have a couple of shooting preserves in the Eastern Panhandle and in Monroe County that conduct dove shoots with blinds and shooting butts set up for visiting hunters.

In reality, we talk about dove shooting instead of dove hunting because there is normally very little hunting for the birds, but more shooting once the field is located. For years it has been published by the arms and ammunition companies that on the opening day of dove season there will be more shotgun shells fired than there will be the rest of the entire season. The reason is that the birds are small, fast flying with a very erratic flight pattern.

The early goose season should be good this year with an abundance of geese. While goose hunting, remember that your gun must be plugged to hold no more than three shells total. If using a repeater, that means one in the chamber and two in the magazine. And also remember that steel or lead alternative shot must be used. So no lead shot when hunting waterfowl.

To read the rest of this column, visit:

http://blogs.wvcommerce.org/blogs/West-Virginia-WILD/topic/Doves-and-Waterfowl-Usher-in-Fall-Hunting-Season/39/default.aspx

Dove Hunting

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters statewide can celebrate the beginning of dove season at noon Saturday, Sept. 4.

Long-awaited opening day is traditionally considered the beginning of the fall hunting season, and with the numerous wildlife management area hunts scheduled, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce children and grandchildren to the sport.

“Georgia has some fantastic public areas for dove hunters. In fact, many WMAs provide fields managed specifically for dove hunting opportunities,” says John W. Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division’s assistant chief of Game Management.

“In addition to being the ‘kick-off’ to the fall hunting season, dove hunting is a prime time to introduce family and friends to hunting, as it typically is a fun-filled day.”

Most WMA public dove fields are quota only on opening day. As such, hunters are encouraged to review dove hunting rules and regulations to ensure the availability of the field they plan to visit.

The official 2010-2011 dove seasons are Sept. 4-19, Oct. 9-17 and Nov. 25 – Jan. 8. Shooting hours are noon until sunset on opening day (Sept. 4) of the first season and one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for the remaining two seasons. Sunrise and sunset times for each day are found in the 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide or online at www.georgiawildlife.com .

The daily bag limit is 15 doves per hunter. Additionally, there have been some reports of white-winged doves in Georgia. White-winged doves may be harvested, but count toward the daily bag limit of 15.

Any autoloading or other repeating shotgun must be plugged to hold no more than three shotshells while hunting doves. As always, hunters must obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property and please respect the land by cleaning up spent shells, leaving gates the way they were found and removing all trash.

Dove hunters 16 years of age and older must possess a Georgia hunting license and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Permit (HIP Permit). Those hunting WMAs also must possess a WMA license. Hunters may purchase licenses online at www.georgiawildlife.com , by phone at 1-800-366-2661 or at more than 650 license agent locations (list of agents available online).

For more information on dove hunting rules and regulations, public dove fields and conditions, or adult/child dove hunts, hunters should review the 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide, available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com or at any Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office.

Updated and accurate harvest rate estimates facilitate the successful management of doves. As such, the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Research Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with several states, including Georgia, initiated a dove trapping and banding project in 2003.

Hunters can participate in this conservation effort by examining harvested doves for bands and reporting band numbers to the USFWS by calling 1-800-327-BAND.

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

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is available online and in print announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.

This guide provides information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas and much more and is available to view, download and print at www.gohuntgeorgia.com . Printed copies are available at Wildlife Resources Game Management and Law Enforcement offices and license vendors throughout Georgia.

“The Hunting Seasons and Regulations publication is designed to better inform hunters on the laws and regulations for hunting in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division Assistant Chief of Game Management.

“We encourage all hunters to review the publication each year for any changes to their favorite hunting areas, seasons or activities.”

Members of the Board of Natural Resources enact hunting regulations by acting on recommendations made by the division’s professional wildlife biologists and field personnel. Georgia’s game and fish laws are enacted by the elected members of the General Assembly.

Changes for the upcoming season include:

• In an effort to encourage youth participation in hunting and enhance youth hunting opportunities, the Georgia General Assembly passed SB 474. This legislation included language that establishes a special youth hunting opportunity that allows youth under 16 years of age to hunt deer during the primitive weapons season with any firearm legal for hunting deer. This includes primitive weapons hunts on wildlife management areas.
• Tugaloo State Park, near Lavonia on Lake Hartwell, hosts a quota archery deer hunt in December 2010. Apply online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
• Mistletoe State Park, near Augusta on Clarks Hill Lake, hosts a quota firearms deer hunt in December 2010. Apply online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
• Alligator quota hunt opportunities have expanded. The number of available permits has increased from 700 to 850. Quota opportunities were increased in each of the nine zones. Details and applications may be found at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .

For more information on Georgia hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com contact a local Wildlife Resources Division, Game Management Office or call Hunter Services at (770) 761-3045.