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Nebraska Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens Dec. 1

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Excellent deer hunting opportunities remain in Nebraska as the muzzleloader season arrives, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The season runs Dec. 1-31.

The recently completed firearm season proved that plenty of deer and large bucks are available. Those firearm hunters were hampered somewhat by the lagging corn harvest, but conditions are improving for December as that harvest continues.

A muzzleloader permit is valid statewide and has a bag limit of one deer of either sex and one antlerless white-tailed deer. The limit may be filled in any order.

“We encourage hunters to take antlerless female white-tailed deer,” said Kit Hams, big game program manager with the Commission. “The use of binoculars or scopes will help hunters avoid buck fawns, which often are more visible than adult does or doe fawns. By this time of year, the small antler ‘buttons’ are 1-2 inches in length and visible.”

There is an unlimited number of muzzleloader permits available again this year. Last year, 15,199 permits sold and 6,946 deer were taken.

Now that the firearm season has closed, hunters again have the option of checking deer electronically or at a check station. Hunters may check electronically by going to NEdeercheck.com or calling toll-free (800) 405-7700 at any time.

The Deer Exchange remains available, too. Donors and recipients of venison may register for free at ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/programs/deerexchange/.

Open Fields and Waters Program lands, popular with firearm hunters, are a good option for muzzleloader hunters. This program has more than 36,000 acres of private land available for public walk-in hunting access. Check the 2009 Nebraska Public Access Atlas for tracts in each county.

Permits may be purchased at Commission permitting offices and at OutdoorNebraska.org. A habitat stamp is required of all deer hunters, except residents age 15 or younger.

For more information on deer hunting, visit OutdoorNebraska.org or read the 2009 Nebraska Big Game Guide.

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Early Muzzleloader Season Results are Reported

Ohio Division of Wildlife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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