Details are published in the 2009 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.

2009/11/11–Hunters in most parts of Missouri will find plenty of deer when the November Portion of Firearms Deer Season opens Nov. 14, but they need to check out changes in hunting regulations before the season starts.

This year’s firearms deer season includes 42 days in six portions:

§ Urban. Oct. 9-12

§ Early youth, Oct. 31-Nov. 1

§ November, Nov. 14-24

§ Antlerless, Nov. 25-Dec. 6

§ Muzzleloader, Dec. 19-29 and

§ Late youth, Jan. 2-3.

Hunters should note that the order of the antlerless and muzzleloader portions is reversed this year compared to what it has always been in the past. Other changes include:

§ Young hunters must be at least 6 years old to obtain landowner hunting permits.

§ Reduced-cost nonresident landowner permits no longer are available.

§ When mentoring a firearms hunter who is not hunter-education certified and not hunting on a landowner permit, all mentors, including landowners on their own land, must be at least 18 years old and hunter-education certified unless they were born before Jan. 1, 1967.

§ Qualifying nonresident students may purchase resident permits, except lifetime permits.

§ New areas with antler-point restrictions include Ste. Genevieve County and the parts of Cass and Jefferson counties not included in the new urban deer zones.

§ The part of Franklin County in the St. Louis Urban Deer Zone no longer is under the antler-point restriction.

§ Legal air-powered firearms may be used during firearms managed deer hunts.

§ Deer hunting seasons and methods are restricted on some conservation areas this year, and some area regulations have changed.

Details of these changes are explained in the 2009 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, which is available wherever hunting permits are sold. The same information is available at www.mdc.mo.gov/13924.

Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen says hunters will find deer plentiful throughout most of Missouri this year. Furthermore, he said they will find more mature bucks in much of the state, thanks to a regulation that went into effect in 2004. That is when the Missouri Department of Conservation implemented the “four-point rule.”

Under the regulation, hunters in 29 counties in northwest and central Missouri have not been allowed to take antlered deer unless they have at least four points measuring 1 inch or larger on one side of their antlers. Few deer achieve this degree of antler development before they are 2.5 years old. In effect, the antler-point restriction is a minimum age limit, giving bucks time to mature and grow larger antlers. They also gain experience, making them more wary and challenging to hunt.

Long-term studies show that white-tailed deer bucks’ antlers attain only 25 to 35 percent of their maximum size when they are 1.5 years old. The figure increases to 60 percent for 2.5-year-olds. Three and one-half-year-old bucks’ antlers are 75 to 80 percent of maximum size, while those 4.5 years old grow antlers that are 90 to 95 percent as large as they ever will grow.

Hansen said the total number of deer taken by hunters typically decreases the first year that antler-point restrictions are in effect in a particular area. However, the number of does taken may increase, improving the Conservation Department’s ability to control deer numbers. The total number of deer taken in antler-point restriction areas gradually climbs back to nearly its previous level as antlered deer mature and grow larger antlers, making them legal for hunters to shoot.

Hansen points to the ages of deer taken by hunters in counties with the antler-point restriction four years after the rule went into effect. The number of 2.5-year-old deer was up 20 percent compared to counties without the restriction. The number of 3.5-year-old deer was 62 percent greater in antler-point restriction counties, and the number of 4.5-year-old deer was up an astonishing 202 percent.

“You have to be a bit cautious about the big differences in 3.5- and 4.5-year-olds,” said Hansen. “The number of deer that hunters take in those age classes is small, so even a modest difference in the absolute number of deer shot translates into a big percentage difference. Nevertheless, a significant difference is attributable to the antler-point restriction.”

Not surprisingly, hunters who focus on mature bucks have been enthusiastic promoters of the four-point rule. This popular support has encouraged the Conservation Department to expand the regulation to 65 counties and parts of three more.

The Conservation Department reminds hunters that Missouri’s population of black bears, while still small, is growing. That means more hunters are likely to encounter bears.

Black bears are naturally shy and avoid human contact. If you see a bear, do not make eye contact. Back away slowly while speaking in a normal voice. If a bear visits your hunting camp in search of food, get in a vehicle and make noise to frighten the bear away. Always report bear encounters to the nearest Conservation Department office.

The Conservation Department also urges hunters to buy firewood locally and burn it before leaving their hunting areas. Moving firewood from place to place can spread devastating forest pests, such as the emerald ash borer and the gypsy moth.

This year’s abundance of firearms deer hunting opportunities represents an amazing change for those who remember the early days of modern deer hunting in Missouri. There was no deer hunting season from when the newly created Missouri Department of Conservation began deer-restoration work in 1937 until 1944. In the early years, the season was for bucks only and lasted just two days. Only 20 counties were open to deer hunting, and the season always was held in November.

As deer numbers grew, the Conservation Commission lengthened the season. The state’s deer population eventually grew large enough to justify a second season for hunters using muzzle-loading firearms. This season extended firearms deer hunting into early December.

By the 1990s, the number of deer in some areas grew large enough to create problems with crop damage and deer-vehicle accidents. This called for deer hunting regulations aimed at reducing deer numbers or maintaining them at desired levels, rather than increasing them. Shooting does is the key to controlling deer numbers, and this fact led to the first-ever antlerless-only deer season in January of 1997. The Conservation Commission later moved the antlerless season into December, following the muzzleloader season. This year, for the first time, the antlerless hunt will follow immediately on the heels of the regular November season, and the muzzleloader hunt will take place in late December, followed by the late youth portion of deer season in January.

Mourning Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove
Dec. 5-Dec. 30

Virginia and Sora Rail
Sept. 12-Nov. 20

Woodcock
Nov. 7-Dec. 21

Snipe
Nov. 1-Feb. 15

Late Canada Goose Statewide Season
Dec. 26-Jan. 30

Duck, coot and merganser
Nov. 21-29
Dec. 10-23
Dec. 26, 2009-Jan. 31, 2010

Youth waterfowl hunt
Dec. 5-6

Snow, blue and Ross’ goose
Nov. 7-Dec. 24
Dec. 26, 2009-Jan. 31, 2010

Conservation Order
Feb. 1-April 25, 2010

White-fronted goose
Nov. 14-Dec. 5, 2009
Dec. 12-24, 2009
Dec. 26, 2009-Jan. 31, 2010

Deer
Archery
Statewide: Oct. 1-Feb. 28

Muzzleloader
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4A, 5A, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15: Dec. 19-21
Zones 9, 12, 16, 16A and 17: Dec. 29-31
Zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B: Closed

Modern Gun
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 3, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 10 and 11: Nov. 14-Dec. 6
Zone 4: Nov. 14-15
Zone 5: Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-22
Zones 4A, 5A, 13, 14 and 15: Nov. 14-Dec. 13
Zones 4B and 5B: Nov. 14-22
Zones 9 and 12: Nov. 14-Dec. 20
Zones 16, 16A and 17: Nov. 14-Dec. 25
Christmas Holiday Modern Gun Deer Hunt is Dec. 26-28 statewide.
The Special Youth Modern Gun Deer Hunt is Jan. 2-3 statewide excluding certain WMAs where a modern gun or muzzleloader permit is required to hunt.

Bear
Archery
Zone 1: Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Zone 2: Sept. 15-Nov. 30
Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed

Modern Gun
Zones 1 and 2: Nov. 9-30
Zone 5: Dec. 5-13
Zone 5A: Nov. 28-Dec. 13
Zones 3, 4, 6 and 7: Closed

Fall Turkey Season
Closed

Elk
Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, A and B: Dec. 7-11 

Quail
Statewide: Nov. 1-Feb. 7

Rabbit
Statewide: Sept. 1-Feb. 28

Fall Squirrel Season
Statewide: Sept. 5-Feb. 28

Spring 2010 Squirrel Season
May 15-June 13

Crow
Statewide: Sept. 5-Feb. 20

Furbearers (2009-2010)
Gray fox, mink, red fox and striped skunk hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, Feb. 28
Opossum Hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1- sunset Feb. 28
Bobcat hunting: sunrise, Oct. 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through the last day of spring squirrel season.
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. 4-sunset, Feb. 28
Raccoon night hunting: sunset, July 1-sunrise, Aug. 31
Raccoon day or night hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, March 31
Muskrat, nutria, beaver hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, March 31
Badger, spotted skunk and weasel hunting: Closed
Furbearer trapping (other than beaver, coyote, muskrat, nutria): sunrise, Nov. 14-sunset, Feb. 21
Coyote trapping: sunrise, Aug. 1-sunset, March 31
Beaver, muskrat, nutria trapping: sunrise, Nov. 14-sunset, March 31

The 2010 deer season opening dates:

Deer (archery): Friday, Oct. 1, 2010
Deer (muzzleloader): Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010
Deer (modern gun): Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010

Upcoming Public Meetings:

2010-2011 General Public Meetings
Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

For further hunting changes regarding bag limits, deer zone boundaries, game checking and other information go to www.agfc.com.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has set deer season openings for 2010 but subject to change in case of emergencies. These opening dates are: Archery: Friday, Oct. 1, 2010. Muzzleloader: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010. Modern Gun: Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010.

10/28/2009 – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced two additional opportunities when hunters may obtain Deer Management Permits for the upcoming big game seasons.

Deer Management Permits allow hunters to harvest antlerless deer and are issued for specific Wildlife Management Units across the state to control deer populations (For locations of these WMUs, check the 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or the DEC’s website.)

Approximately 21,000 Deer Management Permits (DMPs) will be issued to hunters who were previously denied permits earlier this year during the initial DMP application period that ended on Oct. 1. Also, leftover DMPs will be available in several Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) beginning Nov. 1.

Previously denied applicants:

To issue the remaining 21,000 DMPs, DEC randomly selected recipients among applicants who were previously denied DMPs in some affected WMUs during the initial application period. An average of 20 percent of the hunters previously denied permits in the units listed below will receive a DMP through the mail:

3C, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3J, 3K, 3N
4A, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, 4T, 4W, 4Y
5R, 5S
6A, 6C, 6G, 6K, 6P, 6R, 6S
7A, 7H, 7J, 7P
8R, 8T, 8X, 8Y
9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9N, 9P, 9R, 9S, 9T, 9X, 9Y

Selection for one of these permits will not affect any preference points issued to hunters who were not selected for their first choice area during the original application period.

Additional DMP Opportunity:

In addition, DEC will also reopen the DMP application process starting Nov. 1 on a first-come, first-served basis for WMUs that have not reached target totals during the random selections. DMP applications will be accepted for the following WMUs: 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S (bowhunting-only), 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F.

Hunters may apply for up to two leftover DMPs in these units at any DEC license sales outlet beginning Nov. 1. Hunters are encouraged to obtain the additional permits to take antlerless deer from these units and use the Venison Donation program (http://www.venisondonation.com/) to help provide food for families in need. Leftover DMPs will not be available by phone, by mail or via the internet. During this extended application period, DEC will issue DMPs for an individual WMU all day once a WMU is opened for leftover issuance. The status of permits will be reviewed daily, and any filled units will be removed from the list of those available with no further applications accepted for those units. Applicants who previously paid the $10 application fee or are exempt from the application fee will not be charged for this additional application.

Commissioner Grannis also encouraged New Yorkers to consider purchasing a Habitat/Access Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support the DEC’s efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation. This year’s stamp features a drawing of a pair of red fox. Buying a $5 stamp is a way to help conserve New York’s fabulous wildlife heritage.

Individuals can also enhance DEC’s fish and wildlife programs through “Return A Gift To Wildlife” – a voluntary contribution line on the state income tax form to provide every taxpayer with an easy, simple way to support fish and wildlife conservation. Any whole dollar amount may be contributed whether taxes are owed or a refund is due, and all contributions are tax-deductible on the following year’s return.

Bobwhite quail hunting can be hit or miss in Texas considering these birds exist here on the very western edge of their distribution in the U. S. There are still vast expanses of suitable bobwhite habitat in the rangelands of South Texas and in the Rolling Plains, where in some years over a hundred thousand hunters flock to pursue these wary game birds. Bobs are limited in these regions by rainfall, more specifically the lack thereof.

This past winter was the second dry winter in a row. Dry conditions limit the availability of late winter and early spring greens, an important part of the quail diet. Of course some areas fared better than others and proper range management is also a part of the equation. Field reports indicate good carryover in parts of the Rolling Plains and to a lesser degree in northern South Texas.

The statewide quail season runs Oct. 31-Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is 15, with 45 in possession. Legal shooting hours for all non-migratory game birds are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The bag limit is the maximum number that may be killed during the legal shooting hours in one day.

Statewide surveys were initiated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1978 to monitor quail populations. This index uses randomly selected, 20-mile roadside survey lines to determine annual quail population trends by ecological region. This trend information helps determine relative quail populations among the regions of Texas. Comparisons can be made between the mean (average) number of quail observed per route this year and the long term mean (LTM) for quail seen within an ecological region. The quail survey was not designed to predict relative abundance for any area smaller than the ecological region.

According to TPWD wildlife biologists, the Rolling Plains region was not as dry this past winter as other areas of the state and scattered mid to late summer rains resulted in substantial production in some areas. Thick vegetation and late broods have likely resulted in an underestimate by TPWD roadside counts. Field reports are across the board this year, indicating localized effects of timely rainfall. Survey results and field staff observations predict a fair to average year. Due to the variation in weather conditions across this region it’s a good idea to scout ahead to be sure hunting areas are holding birds.

The average number of bobwhites observed per route was 6.6 compared to 18.7 last year. This is well below the LTM of 21.9. Despite low counts, enough young birds and coveys have been anecdotally reported that we suspect there will be good bobwhite hunter opportunity, especially in areas under good range management. Public hunting opportunities can be found at the Matador and the Gene Howe Wildlife Management Areas.

Unfortunately winter, spring and summer rains were lacking over most of South Texas, which likely increased over-winter mortality resulting in less carryover and also delayed nesting attempts by those birds that survived the winter. There has been scattered rainfall mid to late summer but not enough to trigger widespread nesting. September rains may spur some pairing and subsequent very late nesting. So there may be less than half grown birds at the beginning of the season. Overall, TPWD surveys predict a poor to fair season for South Texas. There will be fair to good opportunities on well managed sites that were proactive in grazing management decisions during this drought year.

The average number of bobwhites observed per route was 5.2 compared to 6.6 last year. This is well below the LTM of 18.9 and is predictive of a below average hunting season. The Chaparral and the Daughtrey Wildlife Management Areas provide public quail hunting opportunities.

The Trans-Pecos ecological region of Texas received great weather conditions midsummer that spurred scale quail reproduction. Greatly improved numbers have been confirmed by field reports and are reflected in our survey results. Reports from the western edge of the Edwards Plateau (the Stockton Plateau) indicate poorer production than the rest of the region. We expect an average to good scaled quail season out west.

The average number of scaled quail observed per route was 16.9 compared to 6.7 last year. This is very close to the LTM of 17.8. Public hunter opportunities can be found at Elephant Mountain and Black Gap Wildlife Management Areas.

TPWD surveys indicate that bobwhite numbers in Gulf Prairies are down considerably from last year. Hunters should focus on the central and lower coast in native prairie habitats. The Cross Timbers and Edwards Plateau are well below their respective LTM’s. Although there are certainly areas within each region where some quail hunting opportunity remains, this survey is not designed to detect changes in localized populations, especially in fragmented landscapes.

High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Opening weekend saw fast shooting over playa lakes for teal, gadwalls, wigeons and a few pintails. The season opens again Oct. 30, and prospects remain solid with back-to-back cold fronts forecasted for this week. Dark geese continue to trickle to the Panhandle, though they are not legal game until Nov. 7. Prospects are good.

North Zone Duck Forecast: Conditions are wet throughout the North Zone, with rivers, sloughs, bayous and reservoirs brimming with water. That bodes well for hunters compared to past years of drought when ducks bypassed East and Northeast Texas. Lots of teal, gadwalls, wood ducks and a few wigeons have been seen. Very few mallards have been reported, but that could change quickly if cold fronts continue to make it to Texas. The first split runs Oct. 31-Nov. 29. Prospects are good.

South Zone Duck Forecast: What had been a severe drought across the coast during the summer has quickly turned into life-giving rainfall for the past six weeks. The coastal prairies and marshes have benefitted tremendously from the rain, and waterfowl will reap the rewards this winter. Some outfitters are reporting more teal now than during the special September season. Pintails, gadwalls, wigeons and shovelers are the species most abundant along with greenwings and bluewings. Snow geese should show en masse sometime this week with back-to-back cold fronts and a bright moon forecasted. Coastal flats from Port O’Connor to Rockport still need a good push of redheads to make for good shoots opening day. Specklebellies should be solid for opening day. The first split runs Oct. 31-Nov.29. Prospects are good.

South Zone Dove: Torrential rainfall early this week hurt the dove flight in South Texas and along the coast. Participation has waned with the upcoming deer and duck season on the horizon. Another round of cold air should push new birds to the region. The Rio Grande Valley continues to be the hotspot, with good shoots posted in McMullen, Live Oak, Webb and Uvalde counties, too. The season runs through Nov. 3. Prospects are fair to good.

The clinic is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $40 for adults. Children 16 years and younger are free but must be accompanied by a paid parent or guardian.

The clinics provide information on hunting turkeys in the winter and fall. Topics include hunting regulations, huntable lands, proper types of firearms and ammunition, proper clothing, habits and habitats of wild turkeys, turkey hunting safety, hunter responsibilities and ethics, game care and cooking. People of all skill levels are welcome to attend.

The lead instructor is John Massie, a 40-year veteran of DFG’s Wildlife Management Division with more than 20 years experience with wild turkeys. Massie was the DFG’s State Upland Game Coordinator for several years and has trapped and relocated wild turkeys throughout the state. Massie is an avid turkey hunter who has completed the Wild Turkey Grand Slam twice (the Grand Slam is accomplished by successfully hunting all five subspecies of wild turkey: the Rio Grande, Eastern, Merriam, Gould’s and Osceola). Massie has also served as the California technical representative to the NWTF and has judged calling contests for the organization’s Bakersfield chapter in the past.

Participants can register online at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced or request a registration form by mail by calling (916) 358-4356. Registered participants will be provided with a workshop agenda, a map to the facility and a list of items to bring.

According to the 2009 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide, snares may be used for taking beaver Dec. 1 through March 31. That information is incorrect. Snares may now be used throughout the season.

All additional information concerning cable sizes and allowable sets in the guide are correct.

Indiana waterfowl hunters have a lot to be excited about this year, according to DNR waterfowl biologist Adam Phelps.

“Conditions have been good this year on the northern prairies for breeding ducks, much wetter than last year. This is important because more water equals more ducks. Indiana’s breeding Canada geese have also had a strong breeding season due to favorable weather,” Phelps said.

Phelps, however, also cautioned that waterfowl hunting in Indiana is weather-dependent.

“As a migration state, Indiana needs strong cold fronts from the north to push ducks to us. Without strong fronts, ducks are more likely to trickle south a few at a time, rather than in the big pushes we like to see.”

An estimated 17,466 duck hunters harvested approximately 118,500 ducks in Indiana last season. The top five duck species in Indiana were: mallard, 72,400; wood duck, 16,500; gadwall, 6,900; green-winged teal, 5,200; and blue-winged teal, 3,900. An estimated 14,581 goose hunters harvested approximately 67,700 Canada geese.

Waterfowl hunting season in Indiana is divided into three zones: North, South and Ohio River. Each zone has different a season for ducks and Canada geese. Light (snow/Ross) geese, brant and white-fronted geese are regulated statewide.

The North zone is defined as that part of Indiana north of a line extending east from the Illinois border along Indiana 18 to U.S. 31; north along U.S. 31 to U.S. 24; east on U.S. 24 to Huntington; and southeast on U.S. 224 to the Ohio border. Duck season in the North zone is Oct. 17, 2009 – Dec. 15, 2009. Canada goose seasons are Oct. 17, 2009 – Oct. 18, 2009, and Nov. 7, 2009 – Jan. 17, 2010.

The South Zone is that portion of the state south of the North zone boundary and north of the Ohio River zone. Duck seasons in the South zone are Oct. 24, 2009 – Nov. 1, 2009, and Nov. 25, 2009 – Jan. 14, 2010. Canada goose seasons are Oct. 24, 2009 – Nov. 1, 2009, and

Nov. 25, 2009 – Jan. 28, 2010.

The Ohio River zone is that portion of the state south of a line extending east from the Illinois border along Interstate 64 to New Albany; east on Indiana 62 to Indiana 56; east on Indiana 56 to Vevay; along Indiana 156 along the Ohio River to North Landing; north on Indiana 56 to U.S. 50; and northeast on U.S. 50 to the Ohio border. Duck seasons in the Ohio River Zone are Oct. 31, 2009 – Nov. 1, 2009, and Nov. 28, 2009 – Jan. 24, 2010. Canada geese seasons are Oct. 31, 2009 – Nov. 1, 2009, and Nov. 21, 2009 – Jan 31, 2010.

The daily bag limit for ducks is six. This includes any combination of goldeneyes, ruddy ducks, ring-necked ducks, buffleheads, gadwalls, long-tailed ducks, scoters, teal, wigeon and shovelers. There are additional bag limit restrictions on numerous duck species. Review these restrictions online at

http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3569.htm.  The possession limit for Canada geese, white-fronted geese and brant is two times the daily limit. There is no possession limit for light geese.

The statewide season for Light (snow/Ross) geese is Oct. 17, 2009 – Jan. 29, 2010, with a daily bag limit of 20 and no possession limit. Brant season is Oct. 17, 2009 – Jan. 29, 2010 with a daily limit of one and a possession limit of two. White-fronted geese season is Nov. 7, 2009 – Jan. 31, 2010, with a daily limit of one and a possession limit of two.

The youth waterfowl seasons are also zone specific. The North zone season is Oct. 10, 2009 – Oct. 11, 2009, South zone is Oct. 17, 2009 – Oct. 18, 2009, and Ohio River is Oct. 24, 2009 – Oct. 25, 2009. The youth seasons are open to hunters 15 years of age or younger. To participate, youths must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. An adult may accompany more than one youth. The accompanying adult may not hunt waterfowl that day (except snow geese or brant when and where the season is open). Bag and species limits are the same as those allowed in the regular season.

A hunter must possess a hunting license, resident youth consolidated hunting license, disabled American veteran’s hunting license, or lifetime hunting license in addition to a state waterfowl stamp privilege and HIP registration number. Any hunter 16 years or older must have a signed federal duck stamp when hunting ducks and geese.  Resident landowners or lessees, hunting on farmland they own or lease, are exempt from the state license requirement except that a federal duck stamp and HIP registration are still required.

See www.wildlife.IN.gov for additional waterfowl hunting regulations.

Hunters must possess a completed and signed deer hunting, youth, lifetime comprehensive hunting, or apprentice license to legally pursue deer. Hunter education is required for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986. However, individuals of any age may buy an apprentice license without having to take hunter education. Individuals are limited to three apprentice hunting licenses in their lifetime. Special apprentice hunting license rules apply.

Legal archery equipment includes long bows, compound bows and recurve bows. A bow must have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds. Arrows must be tipped with broadheads that are metal, metal-edged, or napped flint, chert or obsidian. Crossbows are not legal for use in the early season, but are legal in the late season.

According to Chad Stewart, Indiana’s deer biologist, “Our deer herd is very strong. Hunters have every reason to be excited before they go out in the woods each morning.”

Stewart anticipates a high deer harvest number this fall. 

“In terms of early archery season, the harvest has exceeded 25,000 the past three years, and I anticipate similar numbers this year,” he said. “As for the total deer season, I expect at least another 125,000 deer to be harvested this year, with a chance for the statewide harvest to exceed 130,000 for the first time ever.”

Anyone with questions regarding deer hunting rules and regulations should first consult the Indiana 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is available at most sporting goods retailers and online at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2343.htm. If further assistance is needed, contact a conservation officer at North Region Headquarters (765) 473-9722 or South Region Headquarters (812) 837-9536.

Resident hunters who have yet to obtain an Any-Season White-tailed Deer permit may still obtain one at Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) offices, select license vendors, or online at www.kdwp.state.ks.us (click “License/Permits” in the top right-hand corner of the page).

Resident hunting licenses, required of anyone age 16 through 64, cost $20.50. Resident Any-Season White-tailed Deer permits cost $32.50. Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permits, which may be purchased only after an antlered deer permit has been purchased, cost $17.50.

There is no minimum age to apply for and receive a big game permit, and youth younger than 16 may hunt without hunter education, if supervised by an adult. For more information, visit the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us or phone 620-672-5911.

Early archery deer season provides a different experience from the more popular firearm season for deer.

“Archery season is a great time to be out,” Stewart said.  “The woods are far less crowded, the weather is cool but not too cold, and best of all, the deer are active because the season typically overlaps the pre-rut and rut, when deer are most active.”

 ”Rut” refers to breeding season for deer. 

In assessing the prospects for this year’s deer seasons, Stewart said that EHD (epizootic hemorrhagic disease), an insect-borne virus suspected to be present in more than 30 of the state’s counties last year, should have little effect on this year’s hunting.

 ”We have had several EHD reports this year from the south central and west central counties, but nothing to the extent to what we received the past two years,” Stewart said.  “Much like the counties with EHD two years ago rebounded last year, the counties affected last year should rebound this year, though there may be some properties that are still feeling the effects into this year.”

Stewart said that the overall deer harvest for the last three years has averaged around 124,400 to 125,500, numbers he expects to be met or exceeded this year. 

“In terms of early archery season, the harvest has ranged from about 23,000 to about 26,000, and I anticipate similar numbers this year,” he said.

 
“Allen Vitt, a DOW biologist, will teach the basics on duck hunting with subject matter geared for the novice hunter,” said Steve Lucero, and education coordinator with the DOW. 

 
Topics include hunting tactics, regulations, duck ID, hunting techniques, and where to go and what to look for in a hunting location.

 
The class is free, but space is limited to 50, so participants must call (719) 227-5200 to pre-register.

 
The Division of Wildlife office is located at 4255 Sinton Road.  The classroom entrance is located at the rear of the building.

Each year, Department of Natural Resources wildlife staff report the number and size of game bird broods they observe in the field from mid-June through late August. At the end of the survey period, these reports, known as the 10-Week Brood Survey, are complied and summarized by the wildlife research program.

“This year’s brood rearing conditions were slightly cooler and significantly dryer compared to last year,” said Scott Hull, DNR upland wildlife ecologist. “Statewide this year’s brood rearing season was on the whole better than 2008, but 2008 was a fairly poor year because of significant spring rain events.

“These surveys provide a rough estimate of game bird brood production. Combined with other spring surveys and harvest information it can help us determine the overall status of game birds in the state.”

The following are preliminary survey results for the turkey, ring-necked pheasant and ruffed grouse brood surveys.

Turkeys
Turkeys showed an 11 percent decrease in the number of broods seen per observer and no change in the size of the broods seen. In 2009, DNR field personnel averaged 0.034 turkey broods seen per hour, down from the 0.038 broods observed per hour in 2008. Three of the five DNR regions showed a decrease in broods observed in 2009 from 2008 levels, northern (minus 37 percent), southeast (minus 16 percent), and the west central (minus 62 percent), while increases were reported in the south central (70 percent) and the northeast (94 percent) regions. The average size of a brood seen in 2009 was 4.4 young per brood, exactly the same as in 2008.

“We expect brood production to vary regionally and even locally depending upon weather and habitat conditions,” said Hull. “The important thing to remember is that statewide turkey production in 2009 remains above the long-term mean.”

Ring-necked Pheasants
Pheasant broods observed per hour were up 25 percent compared to 2008 but remain below the long-term average. Average size of a brood was also up in 2009 with 5.3 young per brood in 2009 compared to 4.6 in 2008.

“Pheasant hunters should expect similar numbers on the landscape as in 2009. While brood production was up this year, overall pheasant numbers are down according to spring survey results”, according to Hull.

Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed grouse populations continue to do well as this popular game bird approaches the peak of its 10-year population cycle. The average number of broods seen per hour increased 31 percent from 2008 levels, up for the second year in a row. Brood size remained the same in 2009, 4.4 young per brood, as in 2008.

“There was also a statewide increase in the number of breeding ruffed grouse shown in the spring drumming counts,” Hull says. “Ruffed grouse hunters should expect a good season this year with brood production and overall grouse numbers up.”

More information is available on the Hunting in Wisconsin pages of the DNR Web site and in the 2009 Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast.

Other than on opening days, the hunt begins a half hour before sunrise.

Northern Zone: Opens at 9 a.m. Sept. 26 through Nov. 24.

Southern Zone: A split season opens at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 through Oct. 11 and reopens at 9 a.m. Oct. 17 through Dec. 6.

“Wisconsin waterfowlers should have a good hunting season,” said Kent Van Horn, migratory game bird ecologist for the state Department of Natural Resources. “Overall, continental populations of waterfowl game species are healthy and abundant.”

Bag limits
The daily bag limit is six ducks in total, not to include more than four mallards of which only one may be a hen, three wood ducks, one black duck, two redheads, two scaup, one canvasback, and one pintail. Two important federal regulation changes from 2008 are that the canvasback season is open for 60 days and the scaup season will allow a 2-bird daily bag for the entire 60 days. These changes are in response to good breeding conditions and increased duck populations recorded during the 2009 continental waterfowl surveys.

The daily bag limit for mergansers is five to include no more than two hooded mergansers. The daily bag limit for coot is 15.

“Breeding and brood rearing habitat in Wisconsin was about average this spring, but lately conditions have become drier,” said Van Horn. “As always, hunters who do the early legwork – scouting for good wetland conditions, current duck use, and securing landowner permissions, will be the ones having a good hunt.”

Many of the ducks harvested in Wisconsin come from birds that breed in the state’s wetlands.

“The four most abundant ducks in Wisconsin’s fall hunting harvest are mallards, wood ducks, green-winged teal and blue-winged teal,” Van Horn said.

Licenses and stamps
Licenses and stamps required include a Wisconsin small game license, a Wisconsin waterfowl stamp and a federal migratory bird stamp. The $15 federal stamp can be purchased at a post office or hunters have the option of purchasing the federal stamp at license vendors for a $2.50 surcharge. The purchase will be noted on their license and the stamp itself will arrive weeks later in the mail. State licenses, permits, and stamps are also available through the Wisconsin Online Licensing Center.

Harvest Information Program
Waterfowl hunters must also register each year with the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP), which places them on a list of hunters that may receive a mailing asking them to provide a summary of their waterfowl harvest. They are also reminded of the new law which allows “mentored” hunting opportunities for 10-11 year olds or anyone who has not yet taken Hunter Education.

Bag checks will be performed at select hunting locations in the state again this fall. Avian influenza testing will also occur at these sites.

Additional information is available on the Waterfowl in Wisconsin pages of the DNR Web site and in the 2009 Wisconsin Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast.