By Pam Dailey, Staff writer

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ALLENWOOD — As rifle hunting season approaches, it has become evident in Allenwood that some hunters are not willing to abide by the rules of sportsmanship.

Deer poachers continue to plague the area and, according to Wildlife Conservation Officer Dirk Remensnyder of the Pa. Game Commission, the problem has been going on for several years. He said the land surrounding the Allenwood Prison is a hot spot for illegal deer hunting because there is a particularly high concentration of deer in the vicinity.

During the day, deer retreat to the prison grounds because it is a safe haven for them, said Remensnyder. But at night, deer relocate to the fields in search of food, and this is where the majority of animals are seized.

Associated Press

CHESTERTON – Deer hunting to cull the herd will again be permitted at 18 Indiana state parks to keep the animals from eating too many plants.

“We’re charged with protecting all of our resources, not just deer and other animals but all of the plants, too,” said Jim Gerbracht, resource specialist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “If one negatively impacts another, we have to try to balance that. A lot of people get concerned about an individual species, but we have to look at the whole picture.”

Generally, hunting is not allowed in state parks. But in the 1990s, after scientists noticed deer were overgrazing on some plants, IDEM began determining how much damage the deer were causing.

A few safety tips as hunting season begins

Counties that will likely have high deer population

DNR's 2006 hunting information page
Minnesota's Firearm deer hunting season is less than two weeks away and the DNR is releasing its forecast that should tell you where the deer will be this November.

Chad Butler has hunted all over the state of Minnesota, but he has his own idea of where in the state the bucks will be this year.

"I'd say southeast for trophy bucks," Butler told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. "But, I think it's going to be good all over."

DNR wildlife managers say Butler is exactly right.

By Conservation Agent Michael Suttmoeller

PERRYVILLE -- This past weekend, seventy-seven new hunters were certified in hunter education. Congratulations to all successful students. Thank you to the Perryville Elks Lodge for their continued support of hunter education and use of their facility.

November is one of the busiest times of the year for outdoorsmen and women. Several different seasons take place in November, and waterfowl season will open up on November 4.

Waterfowl season is split into several zones. Perry County is located the middle zone. Duck season in the middle zone opens on November 4, 2006 and ends on January 2, 2007. The season length and individual duck limits depend on the breeding duck surveys conducted on the breeding grounds. This year, overall duck numbers were up from the long term average, which allows for a sixty day duck season. Unlike previous years, both canvasbacks and pintails will have a full sixty day season. The breeding populations of both ducks were high enough to allow for a full season. The limit on each is still one bird. Another change this year is the limit on hooded mergansers has increased from one to two. In Southeast Missouri, a major change occurred concerning geese. The Southeast goose zone has been eliminated.

Small towns, business gearing up for deer season

By Lara K. Richards/Times Record News
October 25, 2006

SEYMOUR - Small towns across North Texas are locked and loaded as they get ready for opening weekend of deer season.

The excitement is palpable as businesses and residents set their targets on the annual economic boost hunters bring to the community.

"It gets to be this time of year every year and there's a little extra buzz in the rhythm of life," Jack County Judge Mitchell Davenport said. "You see it on the highways and the roads. You see the trucks pulling deer blinds, the pallets of deer corn out in the local stores. There's a kind of chill in the air when the season is about to open."

Minnesota Ag Connection - 10/25/2006

Applications for the 2007 spring turkey hunt are now being accepted wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Spring turkey hunters may apply for one of 33,976 permits to hunt a five or seven-day season in one of 60 permit areas. Last year, spring turkey hunters harvested 8,241 birds.

"Turkey hunters can look forward to more great opportunities this spring," said Bill Penning, DNR farmland wildlife program leader. "Turkey numbers remain strong and their range continues to expand into parts of northern Minnesota."

This spring's hunt will consist of six five-day and two seven-day seasons. All Minnesota residents must apply no later than Friday, Dec. 1, at any of 1,800 locations where hunting and fishing licenses are sold or by telephone at 1-888-665-4236. A nonrefundable $3 application fee must be paid at the time of application. An additional nonrefundable $3.50 convenience fee will be charged for all applications made by telephone. Nonresident hunters may apply by mail or by telephone.

— by Cameron R. Hanes

Who wouldn't want to go on top-notch guided hunt after guided hunt? I would love to have that opportunity someday, but currently as any other budget conscious bowhunter, I simply cannot pull it off. This means either I don't hunt or I set up my own hunts, which is what we like to call, Do-It-Yourself bowhunting. There are other differences besides the obvious monetary consideration when comparing guided to DIY trips. The thing I like about on your own hunting is that if I kill it is because of me and if I don't kill it is because of me. In the field, making all the decisions in the heat of the battle is how many of us like it. Plus, the feeling of accomplishment after a successful DIY outing is indescribable.

by Cameron R. Hanes

The secret to successful DIY backcountry bowhunting is simple:

* Get in the BEST shape of your life
* Be the BEST shot
* WANT it more than anyone
* Hunt HARD
* Use GOOD gear

Sound easy? Well, not exactly. It is definitely easier to type my stratagem than it is to implement. But the key is this approach is attainable for more guys than you might think. Keep in mind that there are no shortcuts to success in life or in bowhunting. The harder you work the more successful you will be.

Personally, I am not the greatest runner to ever lace up a pair of Nike running shoes, nor am I winning 3-D tournaments across the country, but I guarantee that no one works harder than I do to achieve my dreams. There might be guys who work as hard, but not harder. As a result of my obsessiveness to bowhunting success, I run a lot and consequently can hold my own against some pretty talented guys and I shoot my bow a lot to the point where I can hold my own against some pretty good shooters.

— by Tony White and Joan Holstien of Huntingaz.net

When Tony White of Huntingaz.net hangs up his gear after a long season of North America adventures, much of his time is spent working with different clubs generating money to help wildlife habit. However — although the next chase may be months away — he never forgets to keep in touch with his local archery experts.

When bow hunting season is over, it's important to begin thinking about proper equipment storage and keeping your skills and body in top form. Here are some expert tips to help you accomplish those feats.

* Choose a dry, cool storage place

— by Mike Faulk

Hanging the bear in the towering oak tree overnight after the hunt was as much practical as tradition. The carcass has to drain and the meat needs to "season." The clients welcome the "Kodak moment" after awaking late on the morning after the hunt. And, I suspect, there's something primeval in a hunter that finds satisfaction in displaying the body – "hung from the highest tree" using the old west terminology.

But there we were in Minitonas, Manitoba – some 300 miles north of Winipeg – in the Swan River Valley north of the Duck Mountains on a spring black bear hunt. Pedro and I had traveled two days by air and rent-a-wreck to reach this outpost called Northern Outfitters run by John Eisner – father of seven daughters, no sons.