More than 100,000 Deer Harvested in 2008-2009

Annapolis, Maryland – Deer hunters in the state of Maryland harvested over 100,000 deer in a single season for the first time since modern deer management began in the early 1900’s. The record 100,437 deer taken during the 2008-2009 deer season eclipsed the previous record of 94,114 deer set in 2002-2003 and is 9% higher than last year’s harvest of 92,208 deer. Reaching this numerical milestone is consistent with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) goal to reduce or stabilize deer numbers in most of the state.

This year’s antlered harvest increased 8% from 32,221 deer (898 sika deer) in 2007-2008 to 34,725 deer (1,076 sika deer). The antlerless harvest increased 10% from 59,987 deer (956 sika deer) last year to 65,712 deer (1,103 sika deer) this year.

“Hunting license sales increased slightly this year, but we believe the major factor for the record harvest was that hunters increased their efforts to put more venison in the freezer during these lean economic times,” said DNR Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “The 10% increase in the antlerless harvest is great news and will aide us in managing deer numbers across the state.”

In Deer Management Region A (Garrett and Allegany counties), hunters reported 9,876 deer this year, a 10% increase over the 9,004 deer taken last year. The antlered harvest of 5,367 deer this year was slightly higher than the 2007-2008 harvest of 5,208 deer, while the antlerless harvest of 4,509 deer was a 19% increase over last year’s harvest of 3,796 deer. The large increase in the Region A antlerless harvest can be partially attributed to an additional day of antlerless firearm hunting on private lands beginning with the 2008-2009 season. The extra day for antlerless deer hunting was provided at the request of landowners in the region who wanted more opportunities to effectively manage deer numbers on their land.

The reported deer harvest in the remainder of the state (Region B) increased in most counties. Hunters in Region B reported taking 90,561 deer for the year. The antlered harvest of 29,358 deer was 9% higher than the 27,013 antlered deer taken last year, while the antlerless harvest also increased 9% from 56,191 deer last year to 61,203 deer this year. Washington County led the harvest totals for 2008-2009 with 9,227 deer, followed by Frederick County with 8,238 deer, and Baltimore County with 7,016 deer.

The deer harvest in Maryland’s suburban counties (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s) also increased in 2008-2009. Hunters in these counties took an average of 15% more antlerless deer this year than in 2007-2008. In recent years, DNR has liberalized antlerless harvest regulations in these counties in an effort to address the impacts that high deer populations have had on Maryland’s suburban landscape and residents.

“Controlling the deer population in the suburban areas of the state is a challenging task. Fortunately, Maryland’s hunters have taken advantage of the liberalized antlerless deer hunting opportunities in these areas” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Acting Director Jonathan McKnight. “Without their efforts, deer management in the suburban areas would be much more difficult.”

###

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.DNR.Maryland.gov.

Media Contact:
Ray Weaver
(410) 260-8002
Cell: (410) 507-7526
rweaver@dnr.state.md.us

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Current and approaching seasons in Arkansas:

Deer:
Archery – All zones: Oct. 1, 2008 to Feb. 28, 2009.
Modern Gun – Zone 4A, 5A, 13, 14 and 15: Nov. 8-Dec. 7.
Zones 9 and 12: Nov. 8-Dec. 14.
Zone 16, 16A and 17: Nov. 8-Dec. 25.
Muzzleloader- Zones 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15: Dec. 13-15.
Zones 9, 12, 16, 16A and 17: Dec. 29-31.
Zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B: Closed.
The statewide Christmas holiday modern gun deer hunt will be Dec. 26 to 28.

Duck:
Dec. 6-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 25.
The youth waterfowl hunt will be Jan. 31-Feb. 1.

Statewide Canada goose season:
Dec. 26, 2008 – Jan. 30, 2009 (bag limit two).

White-fronted goose season:
Dec. 6-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 30 with a bag limit of two.

Snow, blue and Ross’ goose season:
Nov. 8-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 30 with a bag limit of 20.

Snow goose Conservation Order:
Feb. 2-April 25 with no bag limit.

Dove:
Dec. 13, 2008-Jan. 2, 2009

Spotted Skunk, Weasel Hunting:
Closed

Fall Turkey:
Archery: All Zones: Oct. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009.

Bear:
Modern Gun: Zone 5: Dec 6-14
Zone 5A: Nov 29-Dec 14
Zones 3, 4, 6 and 7: closed

Furbearers:
Trapping (other than coyote, beaver, muskrat, nutria): sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 22.
Coyote trapping: sunrise, Aug. 1-sunset, March 31.
Beaver, muskrat, nutria trapping: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, March 31.
Gray fox, mink, opossum, red fox, striped skunk hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, Feb 28.
Raccoon day or night hunting: sunrise, Sept 1-sunset, March 31.
Raccoon night hunting: sunset, July 1-sunrise, Aug. 31.
Bobcat hunting: sunrise, Oct. 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through June 8.
Coyote hunting: sunrise, July 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through June 14.
River otter hunting: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 28.
Muskrat, nutria, beaver hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, March 31.
Badger, spotted skunk and weasel hunting: Closed.

Elk:
Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, A and B: Dec. 8-12.
Zone 4 private lands: Jan. 12-16. The quota is five antlerless elk; two either-sex permits also will be issued.

Quail:
Statewide: Nov. 1-Feb. 8.

Rabbit:
Statewide: Sept. 1-Feb. 28.

Squirrel:
Statewide: Sept. 6, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009 and May 16-June 14, 2009.

Crow:
Statewide: Sept. 6-Feb. 23.

Projected opening dates for the 2009-2010 deer hunting season.

Archery:
Oct. 1, 2009

Muzzleloader:
Oct. 17, 2009

Modern Gun:
Nov. 14, 2009

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Illinois Department of Natural Resources News Bits

Highlighting IDNR programs and upcoming events for the month of November

Deer Permit Application Deadline: The last day to apply for 2008 firearm and muzzleloader-only season deer permits is Fri., Nov. 7.  Hunters may apply online through DNR Direct (link through the DNR Direct button on the IDNR home page at http://dnr.state.il.us).  Permit application forms are also available on the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/. The Illinois Firearm Deer Season is Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7.  The Illinois Muzzleloader-only Deer Season is Dec. 12-14 (and the second firearm weekend of Dec. 4-7).

Late-Winter Deer Season: The deadline to apply for permits for the 2009 Illinois Late-Winter Firearm Antlerless-Only Deer Season is Fri., Nov. 14.  The Late-Winter season is scheduled for Jan. 16-18, 2009.  Counties that will be open for the Late-Winter season are: Adams, Bond, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Edgar, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Knox, LaSalle, Lawrence, Lee, Logan, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Massac, McDonough, McLean, Menard, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Randolph, Richland, Rock Island, Saline, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, St. Clair, Stephenson, Tazewell, Union, Vermilion, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne, White, Whiteside, Williamson, and Woodford.  Hunters may apply for a permit online through DNR Direct at http://dnr.state.il.us or print out a copy of the permit application at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/late.htm.

CWD Deer Season: Hunters in Boone, DeKalb, McHenry, and Winnebago counties and that portion of Kane County west of Ill. Rt. 47 can participate in the special Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Deer Season Jan. 16-18, 2009 to help control deer densities and the spread of chronic wasting disease. Special CWD season antlerless-only permits will be available over-the-counter beginning in mid-December for $5 each at participating DNR Direct license and permit vendors. In addition, hunters with unfilled 2008 firearm, muzzleloader, youth deer hunt, or archery deer permits valid for one of the open counties may use those permits to hunt during the CWD season. Hunters using unfilled permits from the 2008 firearm, muzzleloader, youth, or archery season may take deer appropriate for that permit (antlerless-only or either-sex). Check stations will be manned during the CWD season in the open counties. Successful hunters will be required to bring their deer to a check station prior to 8 p.m. on the day of harvest. Hunters who submit samples for CWD testing will be given an additional permit valid for the remainder of the season. Check station locations for the CWD Deer Season, Jan. 16-18, 2009 are listed below:

• • Boone Co. – Boone County Fairgrounds, Rt. 76 and Business Rt. 20, Belvidere
  • DeKalb Co. and Kane Co. (west of Ill. Rt. 47) – Shabbona Lake State Park, 4201 Shabbona Grove Rd., Shabbona
  • McHenry Co. – McHenry Dam Day Use Area, Moraine Hills State Park, east of McHenry on River Road, 2.2 miles south of Route 120
  • Winnebago Co. – Rock Cut State Park, 6425 Hart Road (one mile east of Perryville Rd. on Hart Rd.), Loves Park

Deer Pins:  Hunters successful in taking a deer during the 2008-09 deer seasons in Illinois can pick up a free deer pin at one of the hundreds of IDNR license and permit vendor locations throughout the state.  For deer pin locations, check the IDNR web site at the following link: http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/harvest.htm.  Deer pins are also available during regular business hours at the IDNR Headquarters in Springfield, the IDNR Regional offices in Sterling, Bartlett, Clinton, Alton and Benton, and the IDNR Chicago office.

Upland Prospects: For information on prospects for the 2008-09 pheasant, quail and rabbit seasons in Illinois, check the IDNR web site for the annual hunting prospects reports prepared by the IDNR Division of Wildlife Program Development.  The link to the reports is available through the IDNR home page at http://dnr.state.il.us.  Click on the Hunting and Upland/Small Game links.

Spring Turkey First Lottery:  Resident hunters may now apply for the first lottery for 2009 Illinois Spring Wild Turkey Season permits online through DNR Direct.  Just go to the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us and click on the Hunting and Turkey Hunting links.  The application deadline for the first lottery for 2009 resident spring turkey permits is Dec. 1, 2008.

OutdoorIllinois:  Illinois’ first state park, Fort Massac State Park in Massac County, was dedicated 100 years ago this month, and is the subject of the cover and a feature article in the November 2008 issue of OutdoorIllinois. Other stories include the work of Conservation Police Officers during deer season, deer hunting, leaf litter, youth goose hunting, tracking waterfowl by radar and the red-headed woodpecker.  For a summary of feature magazine articles, listen in on monthly podcasts at www.dnr.state.il.us/OI.  OutdoorIllinois is a great tool for learning about Illinois’ natural, cultural and recreational resources and a bargain at only $15 for a one-year, 12-issue magazine subscription that includes an information-packed annual calendar in the December issue. Visit www.dnr.state.il.us/OI or call 1-800-720-3249 to subscribe. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. For information on advertising in OutdoorIllinois, call 217/785-8610 or e-mail michelle.silver@illinois.gov.

Landowner Honors:  The IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources has honored four landowners as 2008 recipients of the Illinois Landowner of the Year award for their efforts to restore and develop wildlife habitat on their private properties. The program is one of the ways the IDNR recognizes some of the great efforts of private property owners who do extraordinary work in developing their property for wildlife. The property owners recognized this year participate in the Acres for Wildlife program and have developed properties that showcase how land can be managed for the benefit of wildlife.  The award winners are:

• • Dr. Bob Benningfield, property in Knox County, recognized by District Wildlife Biologist (DWB) Kevin Oller
  • Ron and Donna Scudder, property in Champaign County, recognized by DWB Dan Newhouse
  • Norman and Anita Dicks, property in Adams County, recognized by DWB Brad Poulter
  • Tom and Roxie Blasdel, property in Wayne County, recognized by DWB Steve Kern

Utilizing a variety of conservation programs including the IDNR Acres for Wildlife, USDA Conservation Reserve Program, and assistance from private not-for-profit conservation organizations, these landowners have seen tremendous wildlife response to their efforts. Warm and cool season grassland development, construction of wetlands, bottomland hardwood plantings, exotic species control, and prescribed burning are examples of various habitat practices employed.  For more information on habitat enhancement for wildlife in Illinois, contact the IDNR Division of Wildlife Resources at 217/782-6384.

ICF Youth Scholarship Program Nomination Deadline Dec. 1: The Illinois Conservation Foundation Youth Achievement Scholarship program nomination deadline is Dec. 1. Ten high school juniors or seniors – one female and one male from each of the five IDNR regions in Illinois – will be selected. Students who have made significant contributions or exhibited unparalleled dedication in preserving, promoting, enhancing or supporting natural resources conservation in Illinois are eligible. Each student selected will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Applicants must be Illinois residents, a member of the high school class of 2009 or 2010, and must be nominated by a natural resource constituency group, community leader, school administrator, teacher or adult mentor. Those selected will be presented with the scholarships at the annual Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Feb. 28, 2009 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. The scholarship program is supported through funds raised at the banquet. For more information, call 217/785-2003. Nomination forms are available through the ICF web site at www.ilcf.org.

Historic Harvest: The Illinois State Museum in Springfield hosts “Historic Harvest,” a museum Super Saturdays program for youngsters, on Sat., Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  As Thanksgiving draws near, learn how the first farmers of Illinois harvested their crops without trucks, tractors, or other modern machines.  The program is free and open to the public.  It is especially recommended for children ages 4-8.  For more information, contact the Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., Springfield at 217/782-6044.

Collector’s Day: The Illinois State Museum’s popular “Collector’s Day” is scheduled for Sat., Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  Many of the finest pieces of the museum’s collections were donated by people with a passion for collecting. During this special event, meet local collectors who will display their unique collections, from typewriters to music boxes to antique pins to cameras to cartoon memorabilia. New this year:  A conservator will be on hand to answer questions about caring for collections.  No buying, selling, or appraisals will be allowed.  For more information, call 217/782-5993.  The ISM Collector’s Day is free and open to the public at 502 S. Spring St., Springfield.

Native Americans in Central Illinois:  The Illinois State Museum presents an archaeology lecture on “Oneota and Mississippian Cultural Traditions in the Central Illinois River Valley” on Wed., Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the ISM Research and Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash, Springfield.  Sometime in the late 1200s, the Oneota migrated into the region near Dickson Mounds in the Illinois River valley. In 2008, Michigan State University and the Dickson Mounds Museum staff began excavations at a nearby early Oneota site in order to learn more about this migration and the interactions between the Oneota and Mississippian groups.  Learn more about their findings at the program on Nov. 12.  For more information, phone 217/782-0061.

Great Gift:  Need 12 gift ideas for that special outdoorsman or outdoorswoman? How about a one-year gift subscription to OutdoorIllinois magazine? For just $15, friends and family members will receive 12 full-color issues of OutdoorIllinois, packed with state park features, how-to outdoors tips, hunting and fishing tales, IDNR news updates, and plenty more. It=s easy to subscribe: In Illinois, order toll-free at 1-800-720-3249 or online at www.dnr.state.il/oi.

Invasive Plant Posters: New Illinois Invasive Plant publications are available from the University of Illinois, Illinois Natural History Survey, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, and the River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area. There are five posters in the collection. The large poster is 17” by 38” highlighting the four major habitats of Illinois (grassland, woodland, wetland, agriculture) and the top four invasive plants in those habitats. In addition, there are four smaller (8.5” by 11”) posters corresponding to the four habitats on the large poster. Each small poster showcases 8 to 12 plants with a photo and distribution in Illinois on the front and information on identification and why the plant is considered invasive on the back. The posters are free of charge.  Contact Dawn Refsell at drefsell@illinois.edu with your name, shipping address and the quantity and titles you are requesting.

Arbor Day Poster Contest: The annual Arbor Day Poster Contest instruction and curriculum packet was recently mailed to Illinois schools with fifth-grade classes. Additional copies are available from the IDNR through the online ordering system at http://www.idnrteachkids.com. The deadline for the Illinois poster contest is February 20, 2009.  For more information, phone 217/785-8771.

Junior Duck Stamp – New Format: The 2009 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest rules, information and entry form are now available. To download a copy, go to the following web address:  http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck/ArtContest.htm. Teachers should note that the brochure was not printed for 2009 and they will not receive one by mail. Get started with this program now to ensure there is plenty of time for students to complete the artwork. Entries must be received by March 15, 2009. The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest is a program for students of grades K-12 that uses the fine arts to teach about waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife conservation. Illinois co-sponsors are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the IDNR.  For more information, email dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov or call 217/524-4126.

Attention Teachers:  Illinois DNR Urban Fishing Program coordinators will come to your school and conduct programs aimed at getting kids interested in fishing and the outdoors, while promoting environmental stewardship. One part of the program involves actually taking kids fishing during May and September, if a nearby lake is accessible. Teachers may continue the program on their own after the initial session, with the assistance of IDNR personnel. Contact the Urban Fishing Program Coordinator in your area. The urban fishing program is appropriate for any grade level.

Chicago: Brenda McKinney at 847/294­4137
Chicago Suburbs: IDNR Staff at 847/294­4137
Northwest Illinois: IDNR Staff at 815/625­2968
Central Illinois: Herb Dreier at 217/782­6424
Southern Illinois: Mark Yehling at 618/462­1181

OI Calendar:  The 2009 IDNR wall calendar, produced in conjunction with OutdoorIllinois magazine, once again will be available in the December issue of OI. The traditional favorite among readers measures 17 by 11 inches and includes seasonal photography from Illinois’ great outdoors by OI photographer Adele Hodde. The calendar grids feature information on fishing and hunting seasons, activities in state parks, reminders about license/permit/grant application deadlines and much more. Each month features a text-free image you’ll be tempted to save even after the calendar becomes history. Included in the 2009 lineup:

• • JANUARY: white-fronted geese and Canada geese take flight at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
  • FEBRUARY: federally endangered trumpeter swans at Pyramid State Park.
  • MARCH: a juvenile great-horned owl near Springfield
  • APRIL: wild geraniums at Mississippi Palisades State Park
  • MAY: a thirteen-lined ground squirrel at Chain O’Lakes State Park
  • JUNE: browsing whitetails in east-central Illinois
  • JULY: Halloween pennant dragonfly at Pyramid State Park
  • AUGUST: water snakes at Sanganois Conservation Area
  • SEPTEMBER: autumn colors amid cliffs at Ferne Clyffe State Park
  • OCTOBER: a whitetail hoofing it in central Illinois
  • NOVEMBER: ice-covered fungi at Giant City State Park
  • DECEMBER: a Virginia opossum takes a snowy stroll at Beaver Dam State Park

Single copies of the December issue are $3 and will be available after December 1 at the License and Permit counter at the IDNR Springfield headquarters, at various Illinois booksellers and selected IDNR sites. Interested persons also may call 217/785-0975 or send a check or money order payable to OutdoorIllinois to:  Illinois Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 19225 Dept. NL, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271. An even better value, especially as a gift for that outdoor enthusiast on your gift-giving list, is an annual subscription to OutdoorIllinois for $15 for a one-year (12 issues) subscription. Call 1-800-720-3249 or visit www.dnr.state.il.us/OI to subscribe. VISA and MasterCard are accepted. OutdoorIllinois is an indispensable guide to Illinois’ natural, cultural and recreational resources.

Oil and Gas Board Meeting:  The next meeting of the Illinois Oil and Gas Advisory Board will be held on Wed., Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at the Illinois Oil and Gas Association building located at 824 East Highway 15 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call 217-782-7756.

Related Articles:

• Illinois Joint Deer Population Task Force Makes Final Recommendations
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources Issues Reminder: Don’t feed Wild Deer
• 2008 Illinois Firearm Deer Season Opens This Week
• ILLINOIS DNR- DEER POPULATION TASK FORCE SCHEDULES PUBLIC MEETINGS
• Illinois State Police and Department of Natural Resources Offer Open Range Program
• Illinois PF and QF Seeking Youth Ambassadors
• Deer Decoy Demo Area New at Illinois Deer & Turkey Classic
• Hunters post near-record harvests for deer and fall turkey
• 2008-2009 ARKANSAS HUNTING SEASON DATES
• REGISTER NOW FOR CENTRAL ILLINOIS YOUTH GOOSE HUNT

2008 – 2009 HUNTING REGULATIONS

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2008 Deer Season Dates:

• Youth and Disability: Sept. 13 thru Sept. 21, 2008
• Early Muzzleloader: Sept. 22 thru Oct. 5, 2008
• Archery: Sept. 22 thru Dec. 31, 2008
• Early Firearm (DMU 19 only): Oct. 11 – Oct.19, 2008
• Regular Firearm: Dec. 3 – Dec. 14, 2008
• Firearm Extended Whitetail Antlerless Season: Jan.1 thru Jan.4, 2009 ( Open for Units 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 19 only)
• Special Extended Whitetail Antlerless Season: Jan. 5 thru Jan. 11, 2009 (Open north of highways K-9 and US-24 in Units 7 and 8 only)
• Archery Extended Whitetail Antlerless Season (DMU 19 only): Jan. 5 thru Jan. 31, 2009
• Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

2008 Ft. Riley Deer Season Dates:

• Special archery-only season: Sept. 1 – 21, 2008 (in addition to regular statewide archery season – Sept. 22 – Dec. 31, 2008)
• Muzzleloader season: (Same as statewide muzzleloader season – Sept. 22 – Oct. 5, 2008)
• Firearm seasons: Nov. 28 – 30, 2008; Dec. 19 – 23, 2008; and Dec. 27 – 30, 2008

2008 Smoky Hill ANG Firearms Deer Season

• Nov. 25 thru Dec. 6, 2008

2008 Ft. Leavenworth Deer Season (in addition to DMU 19 season dates)

• Nov. 22 thru Nov. 23, 2008
• Nov. 27 thru Nov. 30, 2008
• Dec. 6 thru Dec. 7, 2008
• Dec. 13 thru Dec. 14, 2008
• Dec. 20 thru Dec. 21, 2008

ANTELOPE

Firearm & muzzleloader permit application deadline: June 13, 2008;
Archery permit deadline: Oct. 30, 2008

2008 Antelope Season Dates:

• Firearm Season: Oct. 3 thru Oct. 6, 2008
• Archery Season: Sept. 20 thru Sept 28 & Oct. 11 thru Oct. 31, 2008
• Muzzleloader Season: Sept. 29 thru Oct. 6, 2008
• Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

ELK

Application Deadline: July 11, 2008
HUNT-OWN-LAND Application Deadline: March 14, 2009

Season dates OUTSIDE FORT RILEY:

• Muzzleloader Season: Sept. 1 thru Oct, 5, 2008
• Archery Season: Sept. 22 thru Dec. 31, 2008
• Firearm Season: Dec. 3 thru Dec. 14, 2008 and Jan.1, 2009 thru March 15, 2009

Season dates ON FORT RILEY:

• Muzzleloader and Archery Season: Sept. 1 thru Sept 30, 2008
• Firearm Season for Holders of Any-Elk Permits: Oct 1 thru Dec 31, 2008
• Firearm First Segment: Oct. 1 thru Oct. 31, 2008
• Firearm Second Segment: Nov.1 thru Nov 30, 2008
• Firearm Third Segment: Dec.1 thru Dec. 31, 2008

Related Articles:

• 2008-2009 Mississippi Deer Hunting Seasons
• Illinois State Police and Department of Natural Resources Offer Open Range Program
• Hunters Encouraged to Share Venison
• 2008-2009 SOUTH CAROLINA DEER HUNTING DATES

Sunday hunting allowed on private lands.

Archery allowed during all seasons.

Crossbows are considered archery equipment and are allowed during all seasons.

Limit of 2 antlerless deer on posted either sex days.

Limits listed include deer taken on private & WMA lands.

Individual Antlerless Deer Tags are not valid in Game Zone 1. Tags are valid in Game Zones 3-6 beginning Sept. 15 and in Game Zone 2 beginning Oct. 1. Individual tags are not valid on properties enrolled in the Antlerless Deer Quota Program. Tags do not alter the daily or seasonal limit or change the type of weapon that can be used during special weapons seasons.

In Game Zones 1 and 2 it is unlawful to pursue deer with dogs, and it is unlawful to bait for deer (50-11-310). Salt/minerals are not considered bait.

Private Lands

Game Zone 1

Limit 5 antlered deer for all seasons combined.

Archery & Muzzleloaders: Oct. 1 – Oct. 10, Limit 2 per day, 2 deer total. Archers may take either-sex during all seasons (archery, muzzleloader, and gun). Muzzleloader is buck only.

Gun Hunts: Limit: 2 per day, 7 deer total
Buck only: Oct. 11 – 16, Oct. 31. – Jan. 1
Either-Sex: Nov. 1, 8, 15

Game Zone 2

Limit 5 antlered deer for all seasons combined.

Archery: Sept. 15 – 30, Limit 2 per day, 3 deer total eithersex. Archers may take either-sex during all seasons (archery, muzzleloader, and gun).

Muzzleloaders: Oct. 1 – 10, Limit 2 deer total, buck only either-sex: Oct. 4

Gun Hunts: Oct. 11 – Jan. 1, Limit: 2 per day, 10 deer total
Either-Sex: Oct. 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 1

Game Zone 3

No Limit on antlered bucks.

Limit 2 antlerless deer on either-sex days.

Archery & Gun Hunts: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1, buck only
Either-Sex: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 1

Game Zone 4

No limit on antlered bucks.
Limit 2 antlerless deer on either-sex days.

Archery Only: Sept. 1-14, buck only
Gun Hunts: Sept. 15-Jan. 1, buck only
Either-Sex: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 1

Game Zone 5

No limit on antlered bucks.
Limit 2 antlerless deer on either-sex days.

Archery Only: Aug. 15-31, buck only
Gun Hunts: Sept. 1-Jan. 1, buck only
Either-Sex: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 1

Game Zone 6

No limit on antlered bucks.
Limit 2 antlerless deer on either-sex days.

Archery & Gun Hunts: Aug. 15 – Jan. 1, buck only.
Either-Sex: Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 1

Statewide Youth Day – Private lands
January 3rd
Limit 2 either-sex
No tags required

Related Articles:

• 2008-2009 KANSAS DEER HUNTING SEASON
• 2008-2009 Mississippi Deer Hunting Seasons

For Immediate Release

DEER HUNTING SEASON (ARCHERY) BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (Sept. 5, 2008) – Deer hunting remains the most
popular form of hunting in the state of Georgia, according to the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division.
Archery hunting season opens on Sat., Sept. 13 and runs through Oct. 10,
2008 (statewide). Last year, almost 94,000 archery hunters harvested
more than 34,000 deer.

More than one million acres of public land on more than 90
state-operated wildlife management areas and other state land is open
for hunting. Information about these WMAs and other public lands is
available at www.gohuntgeorgia.com , including a searchable database of
newly updated maps for each area. Various WMAs offer special hunts
throughout the season, including primitive weapons hunts, ladies only
hunts and adult/child hunts. For dates and locations of special hunts,
check the 2008-2009 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations guide
available on the WRD Web site and at all WRD Offices and license agents.

In addition to state-managed land, there is public National Forest land
and private land available for hunting in Georgia. Hunters wishing to
hunt on private property must get written landowner permission and have
it with them while hunting.

Georgia sportsmen and women must possess a primitive weapons license
and a big game license to hunt during the archery season and primitive
weapons seasons, unless they possess a lifetime, honorary or
sportsman’s license. A WMA license is required to hunt on a WMA.

Hunters may take a season total of 12 deer. No more than 10 may be
antlerless deer and no more than two may be antlered bucks (one of which
must have at least four points – one inch or longer – on one side of the
antlers).

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

For more information, contact:
Jennifer N. Barnes, Sr. Public Relations and Information Specialist -
(770) 918-6795, jennifer.barnes@gadnr.org
Melissa Cummings, Public Affairs Coordinator – (770) 918-6788,
melissa.cummings@gadnr.org

Related Articles:

• GEORGIA FIREARM DEER SEASON OPENS OCTOBER 18TH
• Georgia Students Prepare To Aim High At 3rd Annual Archery Tournament
• Hunting Stories to be Shared by Generations at Whitetail Expo
• Three From Georgia DNR Recognized For Whale Work
• Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish to Meet May 26th
• Outdoor Festival And J.A.K.E.S. Day Scheduled For May 16
• The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is Pleased to Continue its Relationship with Chevrolet
• Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff to Appear At Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Harrisburg, Pennsylvania February 7 – 15, 2009
• Illinois Joint Deer Population Task Force Makes Final Recommendations
• Ohio Statewide Muzzleloader Season Comes to an End

Related Articles:

• 2008-2009 ARKANSAS HUNTING SEASON DATES
• Archery Deer Season Opens September 26th in Ohio
• Dates for 2009-2010 Waterfowl Hunting Approved in Ohio
• Canada Goose Season Opening September in West Virginia
• Mourning Dove Season Opening September 1st in West Virginia
• Illinois Joint Deer Population Task Force Makes Final Recommendations
• Ohio Statewide Muzzleloader Season Comes to an End
• 20th Annual Garden State Deer Classic To Be Held January 8-11, 2009
• PUBLIC MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY REGARDING HUNTING REGULATIONS FOR 2009-2010 AND 2010-2011 HUNTING SEASONS
• Experts Reaffirm Boone and Crockett Club Position on Wolves

2008 MICHIGAN DEER HUNTING SEASONS AND DATES

Related Articles:

• ATA Contribution Helps Ignite Archery Participation in Michigan
• Special Antlerless Deer Seasons to Take Place In West Virginia
• Michigan DNR Biologist Awarded High Honor
• Hunters post near-record harvests for deer and fall turkey
• Iowa Final Either-sex Deer Season of the Year has Begun
• Help Feed the Hungry Donation
• DNR Announces Tentative Diagnosis for Deer Die-Off Affecting Oakland and Macomb Counties
• CWD DETECTED AT KENT COUNTY DEER BREEDING FACILITY- MICHIGAN’S FIRST CASE OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE
• CWD- CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CONFIRMED IN MICHIGAN
• MICHIGAN DNR HAS SPECIAL HUNTS AVAILABLE FOR 2008

2008 – 2009 Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits