Ohio’s Popular Deer-Gun Season Is Open Statewide From December 1 Through December 7
November 21, 2008
Additional weekend of gun hunting for white-tailed deer on December 20-21
COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio’s popular deer-gun season opens statewide on Monday, December 1, offering hunters a full week to harvest a whitetail. The upcoming season will again include an extra weekend of gun hunting on December 20-21, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
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Deer can be legally hunted with a gun from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset through December 7 and during the extra designated weekend. With a pre-hunting season population estimate of 700,000 white-tailed deer, the Division of Wildlife anticipates 115,000 to 125,000 deer will be killed during the nine-day season. Approximately 400,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season, including many out-of-state hunters.Â
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The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 6th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 4th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $1.5 billion economic impact in Ohio. Hunting related retail sales in Ohio total more than $700 million.
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Venison is delicious and nutritious meat, low in fat and cholesterol. It is the number one wild game served by hunters in Ohio. Deer hunters also contribute thousands of pounds of venison to organizations that help feed less-fortunate Ohioans through special programs.Â
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Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. A limit of one deer may be taken in Zone A (20 counties). Hunters may take a second deer in Zone B (30 counties). A total of three deer may be harvested in eastern and southeastern Ohio’s Zone C (38 counties). Any time a hunter is allowed to take more than one deer, they must purchase an additional permit. The antlerless deer permit will be valid for deer-gun week only in Zone C. Hunters may purchase up to four antlerless deer permits to take antlerless deer within the designated urban deer zones located around Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Toledo, Dayton, and Cincinnati. Antlerless deer permits must be purchased by November 30.
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Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. Hunters can harvest no more than seven deer total during the 2008-09 season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license.
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Hunters are encouraged to kill more does this season using the reduced-priced antlerless deer permit and donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The Division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org
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Additional hunting regulations and maps of the state’s deer zones are contained in the 2008-2009 Ohio Hunting & Trapping Regulations. This free publication is available wherever hunting licenses are sold, online at wildohio.com or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. For more information, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.gov.
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Flooding Prompts Changes in 2008-09 Waterfowl Season Operations for Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area in Illinois
September 25, 2008
GRAFTON, ILL. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced changes in this year’s waterfowl hunting program at the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area caused by significant flooding at the site.Â
Flooding at the site has occurred several times during the spring and summer, most recently last week following heavy mid-September rainfall. The changes in the IDNR waterfowl hunting program will be in effect for all blinds in Mississippi River Pools 25 and 26 under the management of the Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area.
The new operating rules for the 2008 waterfowl season are outlined below:
If all sites are at or within 12 inches of normal managed hunting season water levels by Monday, October 6, blind inspections will occur between October 6 and October 11. The inspection will be for structural safety and dimensions. Brushing and dog hide requirements will not be reason to reject approval of a blind. Those blind holders whose blinds fail inspection will be notified by letter and have until Sunday, October 19 to make repairs with the final inspection on October 20.
There will be no “red tag drawing” at the Mississippi River SFWA this year.
If all sites are not at or within 12 inches of normal managed hunting water levels by Monday, October 6, there will be no blind inspections this year. Hunting will be allowed from either the blinds or the staked site.
If all sites are not at or within 12 inches of normal managed hunting season water levels by Monday, October 13, there will be no check station operations at Mississippi River SFWA this season.
For more information on waterfowl hunting at Mississippi River SFWA, phone 618/786-3492.
For more information on Illinois waterfowl hunting season dates and regulations, check the Digest of Waterfowl Hunting Regulations 2008-09 through the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/waterfowl/Digest_08-09.pdf.
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Colorado DOW Will Be Holding Pronghorn Management Meetings in Trinidad and La Junta
September 19, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold public meetings Sept. 22 and 25 to gather input regarding potential changes to pronghorn hunting regulations. The Sept. 22 meeting is from 6 - 9 p.m. at Trinidad State Junior College, Sullivan Center all-purpose room in Trinidad. The Sept. 25 meeting is from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in La Junta (27994 W US Highway 50, La Junta).Â
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The DOW is considering adding additional seasons and increasing the number of pronghorn licenses in several areas in southeastern Colorado. The meetings are intended to gather input from landowners and hunters in Pueblo, Huerfano, Las Animas, Otero, Crowley, Lincoln and the western portion of Kiowa County.
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Persons who cannot attend a meeting in person can send written comments to Allen Vitt at 600 Reservoir Road, Pueblo, COÂ 81005.
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Crossbows: Coming to a Treestand Near You?
September 16, 2008
Did you know that only two states in the country do not allow the use of a crossbow for hunting? Did you know that only four states place an age restriction on crossbow use? Did you know that New Jersey is one of 17 states that allow physically challenged hunters to use crossbows? Did you know that a change is in the works?
The crossbow is a popular hunting tool throughout the United States. Since 2002, eight states have added crossbow hunting. New Jersey hunters have shown an increased interest in hunting with crossbows based on requests to Fish and Wildlife to add them as a legal sporting arm. New Jersey now has a proposal to expand the opportunity to use crossbows for deer hunting to all hunters beginning in the 2009-2010 deer seasons. Crossbows are NOT legal for the 2008-09 deer seasons except for hunters issued a physically-challenged hunting permit.
The Fish and Game Council, which sets Garden State hunting regulations via the Game Code, acknowledges this growing interest in crossbows, as well as an objection to crossbows among some hunters. Fish and Wildlife’s role is to provide the Fish and Game Council with scientific data upon which to make regulatory decisions.
To that end, Fish and Wildlife conducted an opinion survey in 2007 of resident hunting license holders about their preference regarding crossbow hunting. The report to the Council also compared the capabilities of crossbows and compound bows, plus reviewed the experience of other states that hunt with this equipment. In addition, Fish and Wildlife biologists examined the current research and literature to identify crossbow misconceptions.
For the survey, Fish and Wildlife biologists contacted a random selection of resident sportsmen and sportswomen representing all New Jersey hunters. Each license-holder type – i.e., all-around, archery, firearm, etc. – was sampled in the same proportion as they exist in the hunter population. This ensured all user groups were represented fairly. The survey demonstrated support for the expanded use of crossbows across all user groups. To view the survey results, go to www.NJFishandWildlife.com/pdf/2008/xbowsurvey07.pdf (pdf, 112kb).
Crossbows resemble a firearm in that their short limbs are transversely mounted on a rifle stock and they have a trigger with a safety. The shooting technique is similar to shooting a rifle and is simple to learn. After cocking, crossbows hold the bowstring in the cocked position without the shooter’s continued effort and are released mechanically with a trigger. With practice, crossbows are accurate and easily mastered.
However, the range and velocity of a crossbow is comparable to those of a compound bow. And just as with a compound, long or recurve bow, crossbow hunters must still develop shooting skills to be successful: correct cocking technique, proper stance, breath control, careful aim, smooth trigger pull and follow-through along with the ability to judge distance.
Data collected from the 48 states that currently have some type of crossbow hunting (including New Jersey) indicate that crossbows are as safe as other types of bows; their use does not increase either hunting accidents or wounding of game. The success rate of crossbow hunters is equal to – or only slightly better than – hunters with compound bows. No state with legalized crossbow use during the archery seasons has needed to reduce the bag limit nor shorten the archery seasons as a result of crossbow hunting.
The Council’s proposal to broaden crossbow use is based on the positive attributes of crossbow hunting. These benefits include improved hunter recruitment and retention, better deer management in areas of suburban/rural interface and increased agency revenue. Crossbows may encourage a greater participation by youths, women and others who have difficulty drawing a regular bow to engage in the sport and start (or maintain) a family hunting tradition.
Crossbows will also enable aging hunters with various physical limitations not defined as a handicap, to continue with or to come back to the sport they love. Crossbows can be a practical alternative in populated areas where firearms discharge has been restricted by local ordinance. This will assist Fish and Wildlife to achieve deer management objectives where hunter access has been limited. And while no additional fees will be charged to hunt with a crossbow, additional revenue is anticipated through an increase in archery license and Permit Bow Season permit sales.
After reviewing the survey results and the documentation provided by Fish and Wildlife biologists, the Fish and Game Council voted to amend the 2009-10 Game Code to broaden the definition of a bow to include crossbows, and allow their use for deer hunting in any open bow season for legal hunters of all ages. If adopted, this proposed amendment will not take effect until the 2009-10 hunting season.
Game Code changes to include crossbow hunting, as well as the other proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations (see Proposed Changes to Hunting in New Jersey) are subject to a public comment period whereby the citizens of New Jersey can express their opinion. Check periodically on Fish and Wildlife’s Web site (www.NJFishandWildlife.com) for details on the public comment period, public meeting dates and to view the proposed changes to the Game Code. And remember, crossbows are NOT legal during the 2008-09 deer seasons.
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Proposed Game Code Changes for 2009 - 2012 Hunting Seasons in New Jersey
September 16, 2008
The following first appeared in the August 2008 Hunting Issue of the Fish and Wildlife DIGEST, page 80.
Changes to hunting regulations are established by the Fish and Game Council through revisions to the Game Code. The Council voted to accept the following Game Code amendments on April 8,2008 (pdf, 24kb), which, if approved, are scheduled to be effective in 2009. They are presently under attorney review and will be published in the NJ Register when that review is complete. A public comment period will follow publication in the Register. NOTE: These changes WILL NOT be in effect for the 2008-09 seasons.
RABBIT and HARE
Opening day of rabbit season will move forward from the second week in November to the last Saturday in September.
The opening day of small game traditionally starts on the Saturday closest to November 10 to allow farmers time to harvest crops. This proposal maintains that tradition by keeping the November opening day timing for pheasants, chukar and quail. An earlier rabbit/hare season should not interfere with farming activities since rabbit hunting involves hedgerows, old fields and most often uses a dog to flush and chase game back to the stationary hunter. An earlier open also provides ample opportunity for rabbit/hare hunters to enjoy their sport when rabbit populations are most abundant plus will allow hunting on WMAs without encountering bird hunters and trappers. Private landowners can choose not to allow the earlier open on their property.
FISHER
Add fisher to the Game Code in the section covering raccoon, fox, opossum, weasel and coyote trapping, with a closed season.
New Jersey is at the southern portion of the fisher’s natural range; restoration projects are ongoing in New York and Pennsylvania. It is believed that fisher may be migrating southwest into New Jersey from New York’s Catskill Mountains. There have been two confirmed sightings (Frelinghuysen Twp., Warren County 2004; Stokes State Forest, Sussex County 2006), and seven unconfirmed sightings from June through December 2007. Game species designation will clarify the fisher’s status as a protected furbearer with a closed season.
COYOTE
Increase the coyote season length for the special permit night season.
The current season runs from the second week of January to the third week in February. The proposal opens the season from January 1 through March 15 plus removes the bag limit. Coyotes are well established through all 21 counties. Damage complaints have increased and attacks on humans have occurred. An increased number of permit applications prove an increased hunter interest.
GROUSE
Create two hunting zones divided by Rt. 70 with seasonally-adjusted opening days.
This confers some protection to the southern population where suitable habitat is in short supply.
WILD TURKEY
There are three proposed changes for turkey.
1. Open spring turkey season one week later, decreasing the season length by one week.
Spring seasons should coincide with the onset of egg incubation by hens. A cooperative research project among eastern states shows that the optimal time for a season opener is around April 25 for northern New Jersey and April 20 for the south. Under this proposal, opening days would fall between April 19 and 26. A later opener will disturb clutching hens less, plus should reduce illegal hen harvest. A later date will also better coincide with the second peak in gobbling activity, as more hens will be on the nest and fewer will be with toms. This proposal will help offset the turkey population decline of the past several years in the central portion of the state. 2. Redefine the boundaries of Turkey Hunting Areas (THAs) 15, 20 and 21.
Turkey harvest densities have increased in the southern portion of THA 15 over the past 10 years. The southern part of THA 15 will be moved into THAs 20 and 21. This adjustment will open up the shifted areas to fall turkey hunting. The transfer of the appropriate number of permits from THA 15 to THAs 20 and 21 has been calculated based upon land area and hunter densities.3. Remove THAs 6, 7 and 10 from the fall hunting season.
The criteria to open a THA for fall hunting is an annual harvest of greater than or equal to one gobbler per square mile of turkey habitat for three consecutive years. If the gobbler harvest in a THA open to fall hunting drops to below 0.75 gobblers/mile sq. for three years in a row, that THA will be removed from the fall hunting season. THAs 6, 7 and 10 meet the criteria for removal.
WHITE-TAILED DEER
There are seven proposed changes for deer.
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1. Expand the use of crossbows to all hunters during the three existing archery seasons. (For more on this proposal, see the feature article, Crossbows: Coming to a Treestand Near You?.) 2. Grant authority to the Fish and Game Council to shift the assignment of a deer management zone (DMZ) into a different deer regulation set, provided certain criteria are met. (See 2008-2009 Deer Regulation Sets (pdf, 23kb)
Amendments to the Game Code formerly followed an annual cycle; currently, a three year cycle is in effect to accommodate the regulatory process. With the authority to make changes within this three year cycle, the Council can affect a timely response to unforeseen or undesirable deer population changes to better achieve deer management goals, and to avert potentially damaging situations.3. Add a new “Regulation Set 9″ to the existing deer regulation sets. (See 2008-2009 Deer Regulation Sets (pdf, 23kb)
The regulations in the proposed Regulation Set 9 will be more liberal than the most liberal, existing Regulation Set 8Harvest results from the 2007-08 deer seasons show an antlerless deer harvest reduction during this first year of regulation changes in the Set 8 DMZs. These changes included the removal of the Earn-A-Buck regulation from all seasons except the first three weeks of the Fall Bow Season, and moving the antlerless-only days of Permit Shotgun and Permit Muzzleloader seasons from the week of Thanksgiving to the week after Thanksgiving. The proposed Regulation Set 9 will allow the Council to respond to an undesired population growth, should current harvest trends continue.
Regulation Set 9 will have four additional days of antlerless-only hunting for both the Permit Shotgun and Permit Muzzleloader seasons during Thanksgiving week. Data from previous years shows a significant portion of the overall antlerless harvest occurred during these early November days.
4. Add a new “Regulation Set 0″ to existing deer regulation sets. (See 2008-2009 Deer Regulation Sets (pdf, 23kb)
The regulations in the proposed Regulation Set 0 will be more restrictive than the most restrictive existing Regulation Set 1.Certain DMZs in Regulation Sets 2 and 3, namely Zones 21, 23, 24, 34, 43, 45 and 46, have experienced harvest declines; all are below their population goal. Harvest data from the past six years shows the majority of the antlerless harvest being taken during the Permit Muzzleloader Season. Adoption of a more restrictive regulation set will allow the Council to increase deer populations in DMZs having less productive habitat.
Regulation Set 0 will reduce the Permit Muzzleloader Season by four days and reduce the antlerless bag limit to one per season.
5. Implement a Deer Management Assistance Program.
Fish and Wildlife has proposed a plan for landowners to better cope with undesirable deer densities on their properties while utilizing the current hunting season regulations and hunters to remove additional antlerless deer. The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) would be available for the 2009-10 deer seasons. See the Deer Management Assistance Program page for details.6. Change regulation sets for DMZs 18, 22 and 26. (See 2008-2009 Deer Regulation Sets (pdf, 23kb)
These zones have been experiencing declines in harvest and/or are below the population goal. Zones 22 and 26 will be moved from Set 4 to Set 3; Zone 18 will be moved from Set 3 to Set 2. Moving these zones down one regulation set into more a set with more restrictive seasons will allow moderate population increases.7. Change a portion of the boundaries between Zones 23 and 25.
A portion of the boundary between Ancora and Hammonton running along Blue Anchor Brook and Albertson Brook will be changed to Routes 30 and 206. The brooks comprising part of this border are run seasonally. Changing the boundary to roadways will provide a more definitive border between zones.
Until formal adoption of the proposed Game Code amendments all the above changes are tentative. Interested individuals welcome to submit written comments and/or speak at the public hearing regarding any or all of these proposals. Watch the Division of Fish and Wildlife homepage for an announcement about publication of the proposed amendments in the NJ Register. Subscribers to the Hunting E-mail List will be notified automatically - see the E-mail Lists page for details and to subscribe.
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Colorado DOW Seeks Input On Pronghorn Hunting Regs
September 12, 2008
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) will hold public meetings Sept. 19 and 23 to gather input regarding potential changes to pronghorn hunting regulations. The Sept. 19 meeting is 6 - 9 p.m. at the Limon Community Building at 477 “D” Ave. in Limon. The Sept. 23 meeting is from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Rush School, 420 S. Rush Rd. in Rush.Â
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The DOW is considering adding additional seasons and increasing the number of pronghorn licenses in several areas in southeastern Colorado. The meetings are intended to gather input from landowners and hunters in El Paso, Lincoln, Cheyenne and Crowley Counties.
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Persons who cannot attend a meeting in person can send written comments to Julie Stiver at 4255 Sinton Ave., Colorado Springs, COÂ 80907.
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Resident Hunters Prepare to Snap up Antlerless Deer Licenses in Iowa
September 11, 2008
DES MOINES - Beginning Sept. 15, Iowa residents may purchase as many antlerless deer licenses until the quota fills or the season ends. Residents may purchase one antlerless deer license until Sept. 15.
Counties with antlerless deer licenses that have sold out of the quota include Butler, Webster, Hamilton, Worth and Plymouth. Counties that are close to selling the quota include Carroll, Crawford, Floyd, Franklin, Greene and Mitchell. The DNR updates the county antlerless quota on the internet at https://hfwa.centraltechnology.net/iowadnr/app/mainQuota.do.
The November antlerless season licenses will go on sale Nov. 15, in the counties that have antlerless licenses remaining. The date in the hunting regulations was listed in correctly as Nov. 10.
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2008 South Dakota Hunting Handbook, Hunting Atlas Now Available
September 8, 2008
PIERRE, S.D.—Two of the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department’s most popular publications are now available to the public.
The 2008 Hunting Handbook and the 2008 Hunting Atlas are available at GFP regional offices as well as from license agents. The books may also be accessed in PDF form on the GFP Web site at www.sdgfp.info or requested from the GFP information office at (605) 773-3485.
“Having those two publications on the Web site makes them easy to reference,” said GFP Communications Manager Chuck Schlueter, “but having hard copies along in the field is important, too.”
The Hunting Handbook offers details about the state’s hunting seasons as well as information about licensing and hunting regulations. The Hunting Atlas contains maps and information about the state’s Walk-In Areas, Game Production Areas, Waterfowl Production Areas, and select areas that belong to School and Public Lands and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Something new this year is the addition of waterfowl refuges.
Users need to be aware of two Black Hills area maps in the Hunting Atlas that depict bluish colored areas that are not public land. On Map Sheet 4 south and west of Lead, two areas of dark blue are not public hunting areas and should not be on the map. One larger section is at the intersection of U.S. Highways 14 and 85 and a smaller area is just east of there.
On Map Sheet 12 there are two small areas of dark blue on S.D. Highway 79 just south of Rapid City that are not public hunting areas and should not be on the map. One is at the intersection of S.D. Highway 79 and U.S. Highway 16B. The other area incorrectly shaded blue is to the south and just north of Spring Creek Road.
“We want to make sure that the users of these map sheets in the Black Hills are aware that these dark blue areas should not be on the maps and do not represent public hunting areas,” Schlueter said. “We are working closely with the printing contractor to find out the cause of this problem to ensure that it does not occur in the future.” The online versions of these maps correctly depict Map Sheets 4 and 12.
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RI DEM Announces 2008-2009 Hunting Regulations
August 18, 2008
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces the hunting regulations for the 2008-2009 seasons. There are several changes this year, primarily regarding deer hunting. The DEM remains committed to managing the growing deer population by focusing on the harvest of female deer. Most of the other changes are strictly date changes reflecting the calendar shift.
The Department is encouraging more private landowners to allow hunters to hunt on their property during deer-hunting seasons. As a reminder to deer hunters, annual written permission is required for all deer hunting on private lands. DEM has developed a courtesy card, available on the DEM website, for hunters and landowners to sign, which gives the dates for permissions and contains A Hunter’s Pledge regarding principles of conduct.
This year the Department has modified the “All Outdoors” permit package. The package, which must be purchased from DEM’s Division of Licensing, entitles hunters to buy all nine mainland deer permits at one time for $112.50, and receive two additional mainland permits free of charge. The two permits are valid for either sex or antlerless deer during their respective seasons. New this season, hunters may utilize the six antlerless permits in any combination during their respective deer seasons with the appropriate archery or firearm equipment. Hunters that wish to purchase the “All Outdoors” package must show previous Rhode Island firearm and archery permits or proof of both hunter and archery safety course cards. A limit of 250 “All Outdoors” permit packages will be printed this year, with availability on a first-come, first-serve basis. Order forms will be available on the DEM website, www.dem.ri.gov, by mid-August. Permits are not yet available.
Regarding deer hunting seasons and bag limits:
- Muzzleloader hunters can purchase one mainland either-sex deer permit and two antlerless permits. The season for either-sex and antlerless permits is November 8 - November 30 on both state and private land. The antlerless deer permit is also valid on private land December 22 - December 25. All deer harvested during the first three days of muzzleloader season, November 8 -10, must be checked at a state-operated station. Vendor check stations may check deer during the remainder of the season.
- Shotgun deer hunters can purchase one mainland either-sex deer permit and two antlerless permits. Both permits will be valid on state management areas and private land from December 6 to December 14; and from December 15 to December 21 on private lands. Antlerless deer permits will also be valid on December 27 to December 28, and from January 3 to January 4 on private land. All deer harvested during the first three days of the shotgun season, December 6 to December 8, must be taken to a state operated station. Vendors may check deer during the remaining dates.
- Mainland archery deer hunters will be permitted to take one either-sex and two antlerless deer from October 1 through January 31. Hunters who harvest two female deer or deer with no visible antlers will be given affidavits to purchase a special “Earn-a-Buck” permit, at the Division of Licensing.
- The suite of deer permits for Conanicut/Aquidneck Islands will stay the same as last season. Hunters can purchase a total of three permits, one either-sex and two antlerless, for each of the three season types - archery, muzzleloader, and shotgun - for a total of nine permits. This effort is being proposed to reduce the Island herds, without impacting the number of permits available to mainland hunters.
- Prudence Island bow hunters will be allowed to harvest one deer of either sex from state or private lands and one antlerless deer from private lands during the season, October 24 through January 4. The quota has been reduced from the 2007-2008 quota of 75 on state land to 50, to reflect the decrease in the number of deer in the management areas.
In other hunting regulations:
- Prudence: There will not be a lottery this year for hunts on state lands on Prudence and Patience Islands. However, permits will be required for all state land hunters. Requests for permits are available by sending a SASE to Prudence Permits, RI Division of Fish and Wildlife, 277 Great Neck Rd., West Kingston, RI 02892. As in the past, proficiency is required of all Prudence and Patience Island hunters. Counter-signed permission from the Portsmouth Chief of Police is also required on private land. A lottery will be conducted for the Heritage parcel. Requests for lottery applications are available by sending a SASE to Heritage Lottery, RI Division of Fish and Wildlife, 277 Great Neck Rd., West Kingston, RI 02892.
- The lottery will no longer be held for the TNC’s Francis Carter Preserve. However, all hunters must obtain a permit. Requests for permits are available by sending a SASE to FRANCIS CARTER COOP, RI Division of Fish and Wildlife, 277 Great Neck Rd., West Kingston, RI 02892. Only archery deer hunting is permitted on this property with a current proficiency card.
- Muzzleloader hunters will be allowed to use their muzzleloader firearms during the shotgun deer season, provided they have a valid shotgun permit and use their shotgun permit to tag their deer. Hunters must adhere to the shotgun season fluorescent orange requirements of 500 square inches. This is on a trial basis only.
- Regarding the pheasant season, hunters will be allowed to purchase an unlimited number of pheasant permits this season. The bag limit is two per day. The Division plans to stock 11 state management areas for opening day, October 18.
- The Division of Fish & Wildlife will be offering a junior pheasant hunting weekend on October 11 and October 12. An orientation will be held at the Great Swamp Management Area on September 20, with demonstrations provided in firearm safety, game preparation, and other related hunting topics. Pre-registration by September 11 is required and space is limited. Contact the Division of