image linking to 100 Top Bass Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Saltwater Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Fly Fishing Sites image linking to 100 Top Walleye Sites image linking to 100 Top Small Game Sites image linking to 100 Top Birds and Waterfowl Sites hunting and fishing clubs monster list by state
Browse > Home /
1 Vote down Vote up

Wisconsin’s 2008 Black Bear Season Harvest

November 21, 2008

Permits to increase by 50 percent for 2009 season
Black Bear - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service PhotoMADISON — Preliminary figures indicate hunters harvested more than 2,900 black bears in Wisconsin during the 2008 bear hunting season. This figure is expected to increase slightly in the next month as remaining registration data is entered and is very close to the 2,950 harvest goal for the 2008 season.

Price, Sawyer, and Marinette counties led the state with 259, 220, and 209 bears registered respectively. The preliminary harvest by Bear Management Zone is Zone A: 1,029, Zone B: 657, Zone C: 621, and Zone D: 582.

Hunters submitted 34,529 applications for 4,660 Class A Bear Harvest permits. A total of 81,453 hunters applied for either a harvest permit or a preference point, 1.5 percent more than in 2007. 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, it currently takes five to ten preference points in order to draw a harvest permit.

Population study results in; biologists recommend 50 percent more harvest permits
The results of a two-year cooperative study of Wisconsin black bears indicate the population is likely more than two times larger than previously thought. The DNR-funded mark-recapture study was conducted by the University of Wisconsin – Madison Wildlife Ecology graduate student, Dave MacFarland, under the guidance of Dr. Timothy Van Deelen. Members of the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association provided valuable assistance by gathering data and providing research supplies and funding.

“This is a great example of the benefits of working with our partners to complete a large and important project,” said Keith Warnke, Department of Natural Resources deer and bear ecologist.

The DNR’s Bear Committee, comprised DNR wildlife biologists and representatives from various groups such as USDA-APHIS, the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, met this week to establish recommended harvest permit levels for the 2009 bear season.

“With this new information we can confidently make more bear permits available next year-that’s good news for bear hunters.” The following harvest permit levels are proposed, taking the results of the bear population study into consideration: Zone A: 2,585, Zone B: 1,100, Zone C: 2,040, and Zone D:1,230. The total of 6,950 permits is an increase of 50 percent over the number of permits available for the 2008 season. The bear harvest permit recommendations will be reviewed by the Conservation Congress Bear Study Committee and final quota and permit levels will be approved by the Natural Resources Board at the January 27-28, 2009 Natural Resources Board meeting.

“Over the next couple years, we will be working with our partners to re-write the bear management plan to incorporate this new information and structure our goals to address future bear management,” Warnke said.

2009 Season Applications
The deadline for 2009 Black Bear hunting season applications is Dec. 10, 2008. Hunters can apply 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).

The 2009 bear hunting season will run Sept. 9 through Oct. 13. The opening week of Wisconsin’s bear hunting season alternates between those hunting bear over bait and those hunting with trailing hounds. Hunters using trailing hounds will go first in 2009 in management zones A, B, and D, where the use of dogs is permitted. Hunting over bait will have the first week of the season again in 2010.

Information on bear hunting, hunting seasons, and links to online application information can be accessed at bear hunting page of the DNR Web site or at any DNR Service Center or license vendor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: contact Keith Warnke - (608) 264-6023 or Linda Olver (608) 261-7588



Related posts

Filed Under Hunting Reports · Leave a Comment  

1 Vote down Vote up

Missouri Opening-day Deer Harvest Dips Slightly

November 21, 2008

Blustery weather caused hunters to fall 2 percent short of last year’s figure.

Missouri Opening-day Deer Harvest Dips SlightlyJEFFERSON CITY—Cold, blustery weather may have cut into the opening-weekend harvest of Missouri’s main firearms deer season, but hunters still posted a two-day total of nearly 100,000.

Hunters checked 98,386 deer Nov. 15 and 16. That is down 2,049, or about 2 percent from last year’s number. The record for opening weekend of the November hunt was set in 2004, when hunters checked 133,136 deer.

High counties for the opening weekend were Macon with 1,992 deer checked, Benton with 1,967 and Callaway with 1,693. The top counties in 2007 were Callaway with 1,984, Benton with 1,962 and Texas with 1,817.

Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen said he considers the opening-weekend harvest surprisingly good, considering the weather and a significant change in deer hunting regulations that went into effect this year.

“Opening morning felt colder than it really was, because the wind was so gusty,” Hansen said. “Lots of areas had snow flurries. That might have reduced the amount of time hunters spent in the woods on Saturday.”

Hansen noted that deer are more skittish in windy weather, because they can’t see movement or hear as well as on calm days. This probably made hunting more difficult.

Deer-kill statistics from the first two days of the season seem to confirm that hunting was tougher than usual. Hunters killed 52,131 deer on the first day of the season this year, compared to 64,206 last year.

The weather was much more favorable for hunters on the second day of this year’s season, with temperatures in the 50s and moderate winds. On that day, hunters checked 46,255 deer, compared to 36,229 last year.

Hansen said expansion of the area where hunters could only take antlered deer if they had at least four points on one side also played a role in the slight drop in deer harvest.

“The doe harvest was up on opening weekend compared to last year, and the buck harvest was down,” said Hansen. “The fact that hunters in 36 new counties had to pass up shots at younger bucks could account for the entire difference in last year’s opening weekend harvest and this year’s.”

The November Portion of Firearms Deer Season runs from Nov. 15 through 25. The opening weekend harvest typically accounts for approximately half of the total November portion harvest. The November firearms deer harvest usually accounts for approximately 70 percent of all deer taken by hunters throughout the various firearms and archery hunting seasons.

The Conservation Department recorded one firearms-related deer-hunting accident during the opening weekend. The nonfatal accident was classified as self-inflicted.



Related posts

Filed Under Hunting Reports · Leave a Comment  

6 Vote down Vote up

2008 Firearm Deer Season Opens This Week in Illinois

November 20, 2008

Firearm hunters in the field Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7

2008 Firearm Deer Season Opens This Week in IllinoisSPRINGFIELD, IL – The 2008 Illinois Firearm Deer Season, the state’s most popular hunting season, begins this week with hunters in the field Friday through Sunday, Nov. 21-23, followed by four days of hunting on Dec. 4-7.  Nearly 350,000 permits have been issued to hunters for the firearm season. 

“As hunters take to the field this week, we hope for a successful harvest and encourage hunters to make safety a priority,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Sam Flood.  “Hunters need to take extra care, especially with firearm and tree-stand safety.”

Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 117,425 deer during the seven-day firearm deer hunting season in 2007 and 114,835 deer during the 2006 firearm season.

The legal hunting hours for the firearm deer season are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Hunters successful in taking a deer during the firearm season in most counties must register – or “check in” – the deer they harvest by going online at www.dnr.state.il.us/vcheck or by phoning 1-866-IL-CHECK (1-866-452-4325).  Hunters using the online or phone-in system must register their harvest by 10 p.m. on the day they take the deer.  It is recommended that hunters using cellular phones to register their harvest wait until they are out of the field and have a clear cell phone signal before attempting to make the harvest report phone call.

Hunters in nine northern Illinois counties where IDNR is conducting chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling must take deer they harvest to a deer check station by 8 p.m. on the day they take the deer.  The check stations in counties where CWD sampling is provided are listed below:

Hunters who participate in the CWD sampling can check the status of their deer through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/cwd/. Hunters who provide samples from deer that test positive are notified by the IDNR.

While not believed to be contagious to humans or livestock, chronic wasting disease is known to spread from animal to animal among deer and elk. The disease affects the brain of the infected animal, causing them to become emaciated, display abnormal behavior, lose coordination and eventually die.  Illinois expanded its CWD surveillance effort in 2002 following the discovery of the disease in neighboring Wisconsin.

2008 Firearm Deer Season Opens This Week in IllinoisHunting quick facts:

  • Illinois law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1980, must successfully complete a hunter safety course before a regular Illinois hunting license is issued.
  • The number one cause of hunting accidents in Illinois is falling from a tree stand.
  • Last year in Illinois, there were 29 reported hunting accidents; 12 were the result of tree stand falls.  28 hunting accidents (2 fatalities) were reported in Illinois in 2006.

When using a tree stand, remember the following:

  • Check ladder stands before you climb to make sure they are secure.
  • Wear a safety harness when climbing a tree and when in a tree stand.
  • Use a haul line to raise an unloaded firearm or bow into a stand.

When hunting with a firearm, sportsmen should remember three primary rules of firearm safety:

  • Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
  • Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
  • Know your target and what is beyond your target.


Related posts

Filed Under Hunting · Leave a Comment  

0 Vote down Vote up

Texas Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report - 11/19/2008

November 19, 2008

Texas Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report - 11/19/2008Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.

High Plains Mallard Management Unit: The front brought new birds to the region but mild temperatures quickly returned. Outfitters have said temperatures in the 70s have not prompted geese to feed heavily, which has hurt decoying action. Many outfitters have said there are plenty of Canadas and snows to hunt; but, weather has been the ingredient to harvest them. Duck numbers look good on playas and feed lots. More mallards showed with the front. Knox City and Haskell County hunters have taken limits of wigeons, teal, gadwalls and a few mallards. Water conditions look better in the northern region of the Panhandle compared to the southern. Sandhill cranes numbers are strong and a few good hunts have been posted. Again, mild conditions and high skies have limited hunters. Prospects are good.

North Zone Duck: More ducks showed with the front. Gadwalls, teal and woodies continue to be most consistent in bags, but more mallards showed this week. Lots of woodies have been seen early in the river bottoms. Locales say they are seeing many more wood ducks than a year ago, probably due to better water conditions. Area lakes and reservoirs are holding more divers than normal. Divers like scaup and redheads are late getting to the coastal bayfronts, but many have begun their migration since the front. Lake Wright-Patman has been fair for gadwalls, teal and a few divers. Lots of ringed-necks on Caddo Lake. Power plant lakes, where hunting is prohibited, are holding large concentrations of birds. The river bottoms have water but could use another doze of soaking rains. Fields in Brookshire, Winnie, Nome, Sealy and Katy received rain that recharged duck ponds. Second-cropped rice fields have been best for teal, gadwalls, shovelers and mottled ducks. Many hunters have reported seeing more mottled ducks on inland fields on the east side of Houston, probably due to deteriorating marsh conditions brought about by Hurricane Ike. The first split of duck season runs through Nov. 30. Prospects are fair to good.

South Zone Duck: Duck hunters have seen consistent action on prairie ponds, especially since three to seven inches of rain fell last week. The recent front deposited new birds to the region, including more green-winged teal. Lots of bluewings still hanging around, especially in the marsh near Collegeport. Wharton, Garwood, Eagle Lake, East Bernard and El Campo ponds have been steady, with the odd specklebelly being taken out of duck blinds. Action on local wildlife management areas had been slim, but action picked up with the front and new water to fill freshwater compartments. Port O’Connor and Rockport hunters saw an influx of redheads, scaup and pintails. The hard north wind associated with the front blew some of the pintails from the prairie to the marsh. A stiff southerly wind should send them back, quickly. Goose numbers continue to build. The front pushed many more snow geese to the coast which hit fresh cut second-cropped rice fields. Good hunts were posted with a little fog and south winds that blew before the front. A good ration of young to old birds has helped decoying action—the same can be said for specklebellies. No reports of Canada geese, yet. The first split of duck season runs through Nov. 30. Prospects are good.



Related posts

Filed Under Hunting Reports · Leave a Comment  

0 Vote down Vote up

Special Areas Accessible to Physically Challenged Hunters With Class Q/QQ Permit

November 18, 2008

Physically challenged hunters possessing a Class Q/QQ hunting permit may hunt on designated roads throughout the Monongahela National Forest, portions of the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest, and on certain state-owned Wildlife Management Areas, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

“This is a cooperative program between the U.S. Forest Service and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, providing access to suitable hunting areas for sportsmen who possess a Class Q/QQ permit. These Class Q/QQ roads have been well received by physically challenged hunters,” Taylor said.

Both resident and nonresident hunters who qualify and obtain a West Virginia Class Q/QQ permit may now participate in special Class Q/QQ hunts (see 2008-2009 Hunting Regulations Summary or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov) and use designated Class Q/QQ hunter access roads. Nonresidents must have an applicable nonresident annual hunting license and Conservation Stamp in addition to the Class QQ permit. Resident hunters must possess a Class A and Conservation Stamp or a Class X, XL, A-L or AB-L license in addition to the Class Q permit.

Both resident and nonresident hunters with a Class Q/QQ permit must apply in person or by mail at the appropriate National Forest Ranger District Office or appropriate WVDNR District Office. Hunters applying by mail must include a copy of their Class Q/QQ permit. Approved hunters will be issued a letter of authorization, which must be in possession while hunting.

The Class Q/QQ permit holder may be accompanied by no more than one assistant, at least 16 years of age, when hunting within a designated area. Assistants may change from one trip to the next, but all assistants must be listed on the letter of authorization. The assistant may hunt with the Class Q/QQ permit holder, but must be out of the vehicle while hunting, and possess appropriate hunting licenses as required by state law. A hunting license is not required for the assistant if he is not hunting.

All state hunting regulations are to be observed while hunting these designated areas. Authorized hunters will have access to specific gates via a special lock, for which the hunter will be issued a key. While behind the gate, hunters must observe all National Forest and state Wildlife Management Area regulations. All off-road driving is prohibited.

For specific information about applying for a key to access National Forest Class Q/QQ roads, including location and road length, contact the respective National Forest Ranger District.   For information on State Wildlife Management Area Class Q/QQ roads, call the Division of Natural Resources office in Elkins at 304-637-0245 or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov.

Class Q/QQ Roads Available on National Forest Lands.

Cheat/Potomac Ranger District, Parsons, WV (304-478-3251)

Greenbrier Ranger District, Bartow, WV (304-456-3335)

  • Little Beech Mountain (Forest Road #385, 183A) Randolph County
  • Burner Mountain Sale Road (Forest Road #803) Pocahontas County

Gauley Ranger District, Richwood, WV (304-846-2695)

  • Left Branch (Frosty Gap) (Forest Road # 731) Pocahontas County
  • Spice Run (Forest Road #787) Webster County

Marlinton/White Sulphur Ranger District, Marlinton, WV (304-799-4334)

North River Ranger District, Bridgewater, VA (540-432-0187)

State Wildlife Management Areas with available roads

Bluestone WMA, Burnsville Lake WMA, Elk River WMA, Hughes River WMA, Lewis Wetzel WMA, McClintic WMA, Sleepy Creek WMA, Stonewall Jackson Lake WMA, and Wallback WMA.

            The U.S. Forest Service and WVDNR are committed to providing quality hunting opportunities for physically challenged hunters and welcome comments and concerns from participating hunters.



Related posts

Filed Under Hunting Rules · Leave a Comment  

0 Vote down Vote up

When The Going Get’s Rough

November 18, 2008

By Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Statewide Information Officer

Zach, Christopher and Cooper Austin. This was taken 20 miles east of Miles City on the Powder River. It has been an autumn to remember, whether you’ve been watching the weather or the financial news. Fortunately, the weather has been spectacular because the financial news hasn’t been good.

The financial world and the condition of the economy have many people worried about their futures these days.

Recently some Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks employees were asked if their close relationship with the outdoors helps them weather bad news and uncertainty.

The natural world was, not surprisingly, on everyone’s list of   “assets.”

Vanna Boccadori, a wildlife biologist in Butte, said a rough economy makes it doubly important to her to spend time outdoors hunting and gathering wood.

“I also like to follow game trails to see where they lead, or poke around looking for sheds, bones and scat piles,” she said. “It’s all pretty simple, inexpensive stuff, but like the commercial says, priceless.”

Zach, Christopher and Cooper Austin. This was taken 20 miles east of Miles City on the Powder River. Friends and neighbors are important too, many said. One contributor summed up the situation by saying it is time to put away “things” and reach out to others. Things “leave us empty” until the next new, pretty, fast, flashy, better, or noisy thing comes along.

Jack Austin, a warden in Miles City, said he often sees people who are friendly and happy despite personal difficulties or the lack of what others consider “the basics.”

“If the world’s economy crashed down around us, in some parts of Montana people would just keep going as usual,” he said. “It’s comforting to realize that yes, there would be tough times, but I too could survive such a calamity.”

A fish culturist in Anaconda, Angela Smith, tunes out the bad news on TV, the Web and in newspapers and instead takes evening walks with her two labs.

“Around town there has been a pallet of bright oranges, yellows and reds and I’ve just tried to soak up the fall colors,” she said.

With more wood stored this year than ever, plenty of hay and food, too—Brian Shinn, a Helena FWP enforcement employee, said he tries to focus on what he can control.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a turn for the worse,” he said. “The best things in my life are still free.”

Tom Shoush, a state parks manager in eastern Montana, agrees. He enjoys those special moments that make memories.

  “Have you ever seen a Lab’s butt wiggle just before the rooster pops up,” he asked. “The look in their eyes when they’re bringing that bird back makes lean times seem fat.”

Living in the moment works for Jack Austin too. He recently took two of his three sons antelope hunting.

“Cooper found so many cool rocks, bones and snake skins that they were interfering with carrying his bb gun, which he wanted to pack from the start and promised not to make me eventually carry,” he said. “We explored some caves and a bunch of freshly dug coyote dens too. Cooper made me a proud dad when he correctly identified a deer track in the mud and knew it wasn’t an antelope because it had dew claws.”

His son Christopher took two practice shots with the .243 to prepare for his first year of hunting next year.

“We didn’t see a single antelope and I was not the least concerned about the economy.   With enough gas money to go even short distances, we will continue to find great adventures without missing a beat,” Austin said.



Related posts

Filed Under Featured Article · Leave a Comment  

-1 Vote down Vote up

Pseudorabies Suspected in Hunting Dogs at Corbett WMA in Florida

November 14, 2008

Pseudorabies Suspected in Hunting Dogs at Corbett WMABiologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are warning hunters using the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Palm Beach and Martin counties to be cautious about wild hogs. 

“At least three hunting dogs have died after displaying symptoms consistent with the pseudorabies virus (PRV) after tangling with wild hogs,” said Dr. Mark Cunningham, a veterinarian with the FWC. “Tests to confirm the diagnosis of PRV are pending, and we are investigating unconfirmed reports from hunters that other dogs have died of the disease.”

No new cases have been reported to the FWC since Nov. 7. The disease is no threat to humans but always fatal in dogs.

Reports indicate the dogs that died were in the area between trails 1 and 2, behind “N” camp, and south of Corbett’s south check.

Pseudorabies has been present in this country the past 150 years and claims a small number of hunting dogs every year. Wildlife officials are unsure of the cause for the spike in cases at Corbett, but it may be due to environmental stress.

There are no plans to cancel the WMA’s hog hunt, which will end Nov. 16.

PRV is carried by wild hogs and is always present throughout Florida. The virus also has been reported in at least 10 other states. Moving hogs to new areas can spread the disease.

PRV is an extremely contagious herpes virus.  Despite its name, PRV is not related to rabies, and it is not contagious to humans; however, other animals and pets, particularly dogs, are susceptible to infection.

“Only dogs that are directly exposed to feral swine or consume raw feral hog meat are at significant risk for pseudorabies,” Cunningham said.

Dogs can become infected with PRV after exposure to infected hogs.  Symptomatic dogs will scratch themselves uncontrollably.  Death normally occurs within 48 hours. 

It is unlikely that dogs or other animals would be in danger of contracting PRV unless there has been direct contact through a bite wound or through consumption of raw wild hog meat.

Hunters can minimize risk by keeping their dogs away from hogs and from hog carcasses.

A modified-live vaccine is labeled only for domestic swine and is available only to veterinarians through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Consult a licensed veterinarian for further information regarding vaccination and prevention for domestic swine.

FAQ’s About Pseudorabies



Related posts