03 Dec 2008 - Arkansas Weekly Waterfowl Reports
December 3, 2008
LITTLE ROCK – Just before sunrise this Saturday, duck season officially arrives in Arkansas. Hunters have already turned their attention to the state’s countryside looking for the flash of mallard’s wings. One weapon in the waterfowl hunter’s arsenal is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission waterfowl report.
View the Current Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Waterfowl Report
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Newest Arkansas Elk Season Set to Begin in January
December 3, 2008
LITTLE ROCK – During last week’s monthly Arkansas Game and Fish Commission meeting, the Commission approved a third elk season – Jan. 12-16 – on private land in zone 4 in Searcy County. The quota is five antlerless elk; two either-sex permits also will be issued.
“Anyone with landowner approval and a valid application gets a permit for the antlerless elk hunt,” Shook said. Two either-sex permits will be chosen by random draw, although a landowner who granted permission to hunt has the option to choose among certified hunters.
The hunt is a step to help landowners who have had problems with elk damaging property. Hunts and habitat work are tools used to control and contain the elk population. “We’re pretty conservative (with quotas and permits) when we start a hunt in any zone,” Shook said. “We’re trying to improve the habitat, steadily reshaping it to attract elk.”
Applications will be accepted through Dec. 15 and are available from the Little Rock office, Calico Rock regional office or license dealers within elk zone 4. For more information on the hunt go to: http://www.agfc.com/hunting/huntingseasons/elk/privatelandelkpermit.aspx.
The first elk hunt of the season was Sept. 22-26; the second is Dec. 8-12.
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2009 Bear and Spring Turkey Application Deadline Dec. 10
December 3, 2008
MADISON — Hunters are reminded they have until Dec. 10 to apply for a permit for the 2009 Wisconsin spring turkey hunting season or for the 2009 Wisconsin black bear hunting season.
Applications and the required $3 permit application fee may be can be purchased: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236); at license sales locations; or DNR service centers during their regular business hours (check service center link for hours of operation, which vary by service center; service centers are closed Saturdays).
221,034 permits available for 2009 spring turkey season
Preliminary permit levels for the spring turkey season are set at 221,034 permits, an increase from 211,425 total permits available for the 2008 spring season.
Hunters are reminded that as of the fall 2008 season, turkey management zones (pdf; 452kb) in Wisconsin were consolidated into seven large zones instead of the previous 46 zones. There is still the same amount of total turkey hunting area. Each of the new zones combine a number of the smaller zones to give hunters more flexibility to move about in search of wild turkeys. Zone maps are available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site and at DNR Service Centers.
The 2009 spring turkey season begins April 15 and consists of six, 5-day periods (Wednesday through Sunday) that end on May 24. Applications postmarked after the Dec. 10 deadline or filled out incorrectly will not be considered for the drawing.
Successful spring permit winners can expect to receive a postcard by early February notifying them of the zone and time period they have drawn. Permit winners must then obtain their permit from any license vendor beginning March 4, 2009. A tie-on carcass tag will be printed at this time. Except for Conservation Patron or Senior Citizen Recreation Card holders, all applicants successful in drawing a permit must also purchase 2009 Spring Turkey License and 2009 Turkey Stamp approval. Permits remaining after the initial drawing will be issued for sale one zone per day on a fist-come first-served basis. Leftover permit sales will begin after March 4, 2009 at a date to be announced later.
Youth turkey hunt April 11-12
The third annual spring turkey youth hunt will be held April 11-12, the weekend prior to the opening Wednesday of the first regular season. The hunt is open to youths 12 through 15 years of age (residents and nonresidents) who possess a hunter education certificate of accomplishment and a spring turkey license, stamp, and a valid permit (carcass tag) for the 2009 spring turkey hunting season. Permits used during the youth hunt can be for any hunting period of the spring 2009 season, but youth hunters are restricted to the turkey management zone for which the permit was issued.
For example, a youth hunter with a valid permit for Zone 1, Time Period B may use that tag during the special two day youth turkey hunt only in Zone 1. If unsuccessful during the two day youth hunt, the youth may use the unfilled permit during the time period and in the zone for which it was issued (e.g., Zone 1, period B). A permit that was used to tag a turkey during the two day youth hunt may not be reused to harvest an additional turkey during the time period for which the permit is valid. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older during the two-day youth hunt. The bag limit for the two-day youth hunt is one male or bearded turkey. For additional details, please refer to the Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Regulations.
Applications for special turkey hunts for hunters with disabilities also due Dec. 10
As a reminder to those hunters with disabilities who wish to turkey hunt next spring on private lands, there is an alternate opportunity available using a separate application and authorization form. Applications to conduct a Spring Wild Turkey Hunt for People with Disabilities on private land need to be submitted on DNR Form 2300-271 and 2300-271A. Forms need to be submitted by Dec. 10 to the local DNR wildlife biologist or department office for the county within which the hunt will take place. Any hunter applicant who applies for a disabled turkey hunt on private lands using the above forms may NOT also apply for a permit through the regular spring turkey hunting drawing. For additional information, please visit the DNR’s Wild Turkey Web site.
Free turkey hunter education clinics begin in February
Free turkey hunter education clinics will again be offered statewide, occurring February through April. Clinics cover turkey biology and behavior, turkey hunting methods, regulations, safety precautions, and hunter/landowner ethics. Clinic sites and dates are still being finalized. Information on where clinics will be held will be available on the DNR’s Wild Turkey Web site in early January, at DNR service centers , or by calling (608) 261-8458. Additional clinics may be added after the initial listing. Hunters that initially do not find a clinic in their area should periodically check the Internet or at a DNR Service Center for updates.
Black bear permits to increase 50 percent for 2009 season
Based on the results of a two-year cooperative study of the black bear population in Wisconsin that found the population is likely more than two times larger than previously thought, the DNR bear committee has decided to substantially increase the number of permits available for the 2009 season.
The DNR-funded mark-recapture study, conducted by the University of Wisconsin – Madison Department of Wildlife Ecology, estimates the black bear population in Wisconsin is actually closer to 26,000 animals, nearly double previous estimates that were based on observations.
Based on this information the bear committee has recommended a total of 6,950 permits for the 2009 season, an increase of 50 percent over the number available in 2008. Permit levels proposed, by the committee include: Zone A: 2,585, Zone B: 1,100, Zone C: 2,040, and Zone D:1,230.
The 2009 bear hunting season begins Sept. 9, the first Wednesday after Labor Day, and runs through Oct. 13. Hunters who hunt with the aid of dogs will go first next year in those management zones open to hunting bear with dogs. The opening week of Wisconsin’s bear hunting season alternates to allow those who hunt over bait to go first one year and those who hunt with aid of dogs to go first the next year.
Preliminary harvest figures indicate hunters harvested just over 2,900 black bears in Wisconsin during the 2008 bear hunting season. There were 34,529 hunters who submitted applications for 4,660 available Class A Bear Harvest permits in 2008. A total of 81,453 hunters applied for either a harvest permit or a preference point. Hunters who apply for but do not receive a Class A harvest permit will receive a preference point for the next year’s drawing.
Depending on the zone applied for, currently takes 4 to 10 preference points in order to draw a harvest permit.
Information on bear hunting, hunting seasons, and links to online application information can be accessed on the bear hunting page of the DNR Web site, at any DNR Service Center or license vendor, or by calling 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463).
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TURKEY PERMITS CONTACT: Sharon Fandel - (608) 261-8458 or Scott Hull (608) 267-7861
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BEAR PERMITS CONTACT: Linda Olver – - (608) 261-7588
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Wisconsin Antlerless Deer Only Hunt Set For Dec. 11-14
December 3, 2008
Hunt to include central forest deer management units
MADISON – Following the traditional nine-day deer hunting season several deer hunting opportunities remain. The Dec. 1-10 muzzleloader hunt immediately follows the nine-day season and leads to the statewide four-day, Dec. 11-14, antlerless deer hunt.
The antlerless deer only hunt is open to bow and gun hunters and will take place in Regular, Herd Control (HC), Earn-a-Buck (EAB), Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), metro and some state park deer management units. Antlerless deer carcass tags in HC and EAB units are available in unlimited numbers at $2 each.
Hunters are reminded that the Dec. 11-14 antlerless hunt will include the Central Forest deer management units 53, 54A, 55, 56, 58. These units had been excluded from an October antlerless deer hunt in 2008 because hunters in these units had met a 2:1 antlerless to antlered deer harvest ratio over the previous two seasons. These units could be included in future October antlerless hunts if the 2:1 ratio is not met during the 2008 seasons.
In regular deer management units hunters will need a unit specific $12 antlerless carcass tag. These are limited in number but are still available in 8 of 22 regular units in this year’s hunt. A list of units with permits still available can be found on the DNR Web site.
Hunters are advised to consult the 2008 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations for specific tagging and weapon regulations for the deer management unit or state park in which they plan to hunt.
The statewide December antlerless hunt was created in 2006 following hunting groups’ request for additional opportunity to hunt antlerless deer. Hunters also requested, and the Department of Natural Resources made available, a limitless supply of $2 antlerless deer carcass tags in Herd Control and Earn-a-Buck units to assist hunters in pressuring overpopulated deer management units downward, closer to population goals.
Customer Service Call Center
Most questions regarding the antlerless hunt can be answered by the 2008 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations pamphlet or by the online Customer Service Center through the DNR Web site. Hunters can also call the toll-free DNR Customer Service Call Center 1-888-WDNR INFo (1-888-936-7463) anytime between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days per week and speak to an operator who either will have the answer or can access it quickly. During the recently completed nine-day gun deer hunt, the call center received thousands of calls from hunters in the field asking questions about properly tagging a deer, where was the closest registration station, and to report game law violations.
CWD Management Zone
Like the rest of the state, both gun and archery deer hunters in CWD Management Zone units are limited to shooting antlerless deer only during the Dec. 11-14 period. There is an unlimited supply of free antlerless deer carcass tags available for CWD units (limit 4 per hunter per day) from deer registration stations, participating license vendors and DNR Service Centers. The $2 herd control and Earn-a-buck antlerless deer carcass tags may also be used in the CWD units. Hunting rules for the CWD Management Zone will return to unlimited earn-a-buck EAB rules for the remainder of the archery season from Dec. 15-Jan. 4th, and during a Dec. 24- Jan 4 “Holiday Gun Deer Hunt”.
Venison donation option
“If your freezer is full, consider hunting for the venison donation program,” said Laurie Fike, donation program coordinator. “Fifty-five counties have participating meat processors in 2008. A list of participating processors is on the DNR Web site and you can also locate the closest processor by calling the DNR Information Line 1-888-WDNR-INFo.”
Since 2000, hunters have donated more than 63,000 deer and 2.8 million pounds of venison to this program. There is no cost to the hunter other than transporting the registered carcass to a participating processor.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023
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3 Dec 2008 - Texas Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report
December 3, 2008
Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Goose hunting has been better with the cooler temperatures. Lots of Canadas have been decoying, but many of the concentrations are spread throughout the region due to the abundance of water. Some days snow geese work, and some days they do not. There are lots of juveniles in the flock which has helped put more white in the bag this year. Sandhill cranes have decoyed well when the wind blows. Best hunts have been in plowed ground and corn. Outfitters report lots of ducks on playas, but with the abundance of water, ducks have many places to go. Hunters are hoping for colder weather that freezes these shallow playas and congregates the ducks on open water. Waterfowl hunting will really turn on when the first freeze or snow falls. Pheasant season opens Dec. 6 and roadside reports indicate a good population of birds. Prospects are good.
North Zone Duck: The first split ended at sunset Nov. 30 and generally the first 30 days of the season were fair at best. Many hunters in traditional mallard counties did not see many greenheads. Mild conditions in Texas and the northern states played a major role in the absence of the prized duck. Gadwalls and wood ducks were the most prevalent birds harvested on lakes and reservoirs. The region could use some rain to fill sloughs and backwaters. Divers like scaup and ringed-necks were taken on deep water on Caddo Lake, Lake O’the Pines and Toledo Bend. Canvasbacks are building on Toledo Bend and Lake O’The Pines. Lake Palestine was good for gadwalls. Hunting slowed along inland ponds around the coast. The season began fair then slowed to almost a halt as mild temperatures did not prompt birds to migrate. Lots of blue-winged teal still showing which echoes the warm weather notion. The second split opens Dec. 13*.
South Zone Duck: Duck hunting along the coast did improve during the last weekend of the first split. What had been a lackluster Thanksgiving week, picked up steam with stiff north winds. The ardent winds seemed to disperse wads of bluewings and greenwings, which helped marsh hunters and prairie hunters. The most consistent hunting during the first 30 days occurred in Wharton County near Wharton and East Bernard. Outfitters said hunter numbers were down by approximately 30 percent on the coastal prairie. Hunters near Port O’Connor and Rockport saw fair hunting. Many outfitters say bird numbers are down. Redheads, wigeons, gadwalls and pintails were the species most harvested. Inland ponds in Calhoun County faired better as of late. Goose hunters have enjoyed steady shooting for snows and specklebellies. A strong hatch of juvenile snows has helped decoying action tremendously. Specklebellies have been a given for experienced goose hunters, but their attitude has become a bit wary as of late. A few Canada geese are beginning to show, but don’t expect them in force until a significant cold front pushes through. Most of the geese are feeding in fresh-cut rice fields. There are still some fields that are being harvested, which is much later than in years past. The second split of duck season opens Dec. 13.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Finalizes Light Goose Conservation Rules
December 3, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently finalized rules allowing the use of expanded hunting methods and implementation of a conservation order to increase light goose harvest. The regulations have been in place in the Central and Mississippi Flyways on an interim basis since 1999, when the Arctic Tundra Habitat Emergency Conservation Act was passed. The final rule makes the regulations permanent in those flyways, and also makes Atlantic Flyway states eligible to implement them. To finalize the regulations, the Service published a Record of Decision and Final Rule that completes the National Environmental Policy Act process for light goose management in the November 5, 2008, Federal Register.
“The overabundance of light geese is harming their fragile arctic breeding habitat,” said H. Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The damage to the habitat is, in turn, harming the health of the light geese and other bird species that depend on the tundra habitat. Returning the light goose population to sustainable levels is necessary to protect this delicate habitat, and every species dependent on it.”
During the last few decades, populations of greater and lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese, collectively called “light geese,” have grown to historic highs. The current breeding population of mid-continent light geese likely exceeds 5 million birds, an increase of more than 300 percent since the mid-1970s. Historic numbers of central arctic light geese have denuded portions of their fragile tundra breeding habitat to the point many areas may take decades to recover. The geese are showing lower-than-normal body size and suffering a decrease in gosling survival due to habitat degradation. The deteriorating habitat is also having a negative impact on some local populations of other bird species. For example, the number of semi-palmated sandpiper and red-necked phalarope nests have declined at La Perouse Bay, Manitoba, where habitat has been severely degraded by the geese. Overabundant greater snow geese have also damaged natural marsh habitats and caused agricultural depredations on migration and wintering areas in eastern Canada and Atlantic coast states. Decreasing the light goose population will help ease the pressure on the arctic and migration habitats, improving the health for all its associated wildlife populations, including light geese.
Since implementation of the conservation order in 1999, the harvest of mid-continent light geese has more than doubled, and the population growth rate as measured by the midwinter index has been reduced. The management goal is to reduce the number of mid-continent light geese by 50 percent, and to reduce the greater snow geese population to 500,000 birds.
The final rule authorizes the use of new hunting methods, such as electronic calls and unplugged shotguns, to harvest light geese during normal hunting season frameworks. These regulations are allowed during a light-goose-only hunting season when all other waterfowl and crane hunting seasons, excluding falconry, are closed. Further, the rule authorizes States to implement a conservation order to allow the harvest of light geese outside of traditional hunting seasons. In addition, the conservation order allows shooting hours to continue until one-half hour after sunset and removes the daily bag limit for light geese.
The Service published two rules in 1999 to authorize 24 southern and Midwestern States to increase the harvest of light geese in order to reduce the population. The rules were the result of an extensive study of arctic light goose populations completed in 1997 by the Arctic Goose Habitat Working Group, as well as dozens of scientific papers describing the burgeoning light goose population and subsequent degradation of arctic habitat and associated wildlife health. The rules were withdrawn to prevent further litigation following a court challenge by the Humane Society of the United States, Animal Alliance of Canada, Canadian Environmental Defence Fund, and The Animal Protection Institute. However, Congress subsequently passed the Arctic Tundra Habitat Emergency Conservation Act in 1999 to reinstate the rules while the Service completed an Environmental Impact Statement on light goose management. The Service published the Final Environmental Impact Statement in June of 2007 after undergoing public comments and hearings on the Draft EIS. The EIS examined five alternatives for managing light goose populations, ranging from no action, direct agency population control, to the preferred alternative of authorizing regulations to increase harvest.
The Final Rule that implements the preferred alternative in the EIS is available on the internet at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/fedreg/MGBHR.HTML.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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Bear Hunters Harvest Stands at Fifth Highest in Pennsylvania History So Far
December 2, 2008
Archery bear hunt results in a harvest of 68
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission preliminary bear harvest figures show that 2,936 bears were taken during the recently completed three-day season (Nov. 24-26), and an additional 68 bears were harvested during the two-day archery bear harvest (Nov. 19-20).
So far, the total bear harvest of 3,004 for the two seasons preliminarily ranks as the fifth highest statewide harvest. However, with the extended bear season in certain Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) continuing through Dec. 6, the total preliminary harvest will increase. Concurrent with the first week of the firearms deer season, there is an extended bear season that is open Dec. 1-6, in WMU 3C and portions of 3B, 2G and 4E; and Dec. 3-6, in all of WMUs 4C, 4D and 4E.
Preliminary total bear harvest figures – including the ongoing extended bear seasons that end Dec. 6 – are expected by Dec. 10. Official total bear harvest figures for all three seasons won’t be available until early 2009, after a thorough review of all bear harvest reports.
The preliminary three-day bear harvest by Wildlife Management Unit was as follows: WMU 1A, 20 (7 in 2007); WMU 1B, 67 (29); WMU 2A, 1 (1); WMU 2C, 216 (217); WMU 2D, 163 (91); WMU 2E, 114 (49); WMU 2F, 236 (223); WMU 2G, 676 (525); WMU 3A, 305 (177); WMU 3B, 289 (113); WMU 3C, 69 (49); WMU 3D, 199 (126); WMU 4A, 142 (98); WMU 4B, 41 (41); WMU 4C, 65 (54); WMU 4D, 307 (180); WMU 4E, 25 (24); and WMU 5C, 1 (0).
County harvests by region for the three-day season, followed by the three-day 2007 preliminary harvests in parentheses, are:
Northwest: Clarion, 63 (24); Venango, 63 (39); Jefferson, 60 (38); Forest, 58 (55); Warren, 57 (71); Crawford, 31 (4); Butler, 11 (9); Erie, 10 (2); Mercer, 6 (0); and Lawrence, 1 (0).
Southwest: Somerset, 98 (79); Indiana, 63 (30); Armstrong, 50 (41); Fayette, 40 (67); Cambria, 35 (10); and Westmoreland, 35 (37).
Northcentral: Potter, 288 (100); Tioga, 231 (116); Lycoming, 214 (123); McKean, 134 (100); Clearfield, 109 (80); Clinton, 106 (158); Elk, 89 (61); Centre, 88 (58); Cameron, 72 (116); and Union, 40 (27).
Southcentral: Huntingdon, 114 (70); Bedford, 78 (60); Blair, 37 (34); Mifflin, 42 (20); Snyder, 33 (19); Juniata, 18 (14); Fulton, 13 (8); and Perry, 13 (6).
Northeast: Sullivan, 93 (22); Pike, 73 (59); Wayne, 58 (25); Monroe, 54 (19); Bradford, 52 (38); Luzerne, 46 (35); Lackawanna, 34 (18); Wyoming, 30 (10); Carbon, 25 (28); Susquehanna, 18 (19); Columbia, 11 (20); Northumberland, 2 (2); and Montour, 1 (0).
Southeast: Schuylkill, 24 (14); Dauphin, 8 (6); and Northampton, 4 (2); Lehigh, 2 (0); Berks, 1 (0).Â
The two-day archery season harvest by WMU (with 2007 figures in parenthesis) was: WMU 1A, 1 (0); WMU 2C, 11 (12); WMU 2D, 3 (1); WMU 2E, 3 (0); WMU 2F, 9 (0); WMU 2G, 23 (3); WMU 3A, 5 (2); WMU 4A, 3 (2); WMU 4B, 1 (1); and WMU 4D, 9 (2).
County harvests for the two-day archery season (with 2007 figures in parenthesis) by region was:
Northwest: Butler, 2 (0); Clarion, 2 (0); Forest, 2 (0); Jefferson, 2 (0); Warren, 2 (0); and Venango, 1 (0).
Southwest: Somerset, 5 (3); Fayette, 3 (5); Indiana, 3 (0); Cambria, 2 (0); Westmoreland, 2 (3).
Northcentral: Clinton, 8 (2); Tioga, 5 (0); McKean, 5 (0); Lycoming, 4 (0); Potter, 2 (2); Centre, 4 (1); Clearfield, 4 (0); Cameron, 1 (1); Elk, 1 (0); and Union, 1 (0).
Southcentral: Huntingdon, 3 (2); Bedford, 2 (1); and Perry, 1 (0).
Northeast: Bradford, 1 (0).
So far, the top 10 bears processed at check stations through Tuesday all had estimated live weights exceeding 600 pounds. Morgan C. Neipert, of Tobyhanna, harvested the largest bear, which was a male that weighed in at 716 pounds (estimated live weight). The bear was taken in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 25.
Other large bears included: a 691-pound male taken by Ray E. Barrick, of McAlisterville, in Todd Township, Huntingdon County, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 24; a 680-pound male taken by Brian R. Clark Jr., of Olanta, in Pike Township, Clearfield County, at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 24; a 651-pound male taken by Ryan M. Miller, of Pittston, in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County, at 9:50 a.m. on Nov. 24; a 650-pound male taken by Walter Rupnik, of Breinigsville, in Green Township, Pike County, at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 24; a 642-pound male taken by James P. McDonough, of Moscow, in Spring Brook Township, Lackawanna County, at noon on Nov. 25; a 636-pound male taken by Albert C. Leddon II, of Pittsburgh, in Girard Township, Clearfield County, at 12:55 p.m. on Nov. 24; a 612-pound male taken by Jay P. Martin, of Lewisburg, in Hartley Township, Union County, at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 25; a 611-pound male taken by Matthew N. Shirk, of East Earl, in Union Township, Huntingdon County, at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 24; and a 607-pound male taken by Mark B. Blough, of Stoystown, in Shade Township, Somerset County, at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 24.
Brian Ristau, of Clarendon, harvested the largest bear during the two-day archery bear season. Ristau harvested a male that weighed in at 575 pounds (estimated live weight) in Glade Township, Warren County, at 7:15 a.m. on Nov. 19.  Also, Terry D. Rothrock, of Wallaceton, harvested a 550-pound male in Boggs Township, Clearfield County, at 4 p.m. on Nov. 20, during the archery bear season.
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TPWD Seeking Public Input on Possible Pheasant Season Changes
December 1, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas — Any doubts that the Panhandle pheasant hunting season opener is a big deal need only spend some time at the Amarillo airport — it’s their busiest weekend of the year.
As multitudes of hunters descend upon the Panhandle for the Dec. 6 opener, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is asking folks to consider possible changes to the traditional first weekend in December opening date.
“The purpose of this discussion is to gain feedback from hunters and landowners regarding the possibility of opening future pheasant seasons the Friday after Thanksgiving to afford hunters a three-day holiday weekend to enjoy pheasant hunting,” said Vernon Bevill, TPWD game bird program director.
The current pheasant season framework calls for opening the first Saturday in December for 30 consecutive days.
No immediate changes to the pheasant season framework are being considered in order to ensure the public has ample opportunity to weigh in on the discussion. TPWD will continue to gather public input through December and will conduct informal scoping meetings in the Panhandle during January before considering initiating a formal proposal.
TPWD will present all rule change proposals to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission for consideration in January. The Commission will determine which rule change proposals will be published in the Texas Register for public comment and only after additional public comment is received next spring will the Commission decide whether or not to take final action.
Any change to pheasant season could take effect Nov. 27, 2009 or be delayed until Nov. 26, 2010 to give hunters and outfitters ample time to make travel plans.
The public is encouraged to participate in an informal online scoping survey available on the TPWD home page http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ by clicking on the Public Comments link. Public input can also be made in writing to Vernon Bevill, TPWD Game Bird Program Director, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744 or at one of the upcoming scoping meetings; locations and dates to be determined.