May 14, 2012

CWD Proclamation Signed

The 2012 proclamation establishing guidelines for transporting deer, elk and moose carcasses and carcass parts into and within North Dakota is now in effect as a precaution against the possible spread of chronic wasting disease.

Dr. Dan Grove, State Game and Fish Department wildlife veterinarian, said three consecutive years of surveillance in deer hunting unit 3F2 have resulted in a total of three CWD positive animals. “The harvest locations of these animals are clustered within an area in 3F2 along major waterways and extend close to surrounding units,” Grove said. “Using a combination of data from winter surveys in 2009, 2010 and 2011, new research into the spread of CWD on the landscape conducted in Alberta and Nebraska, and a proactive approach to managing disease, it has been decided to extend the baiting ban into the deer hunting units surrounding 3F2. This ban will help curb the potential spread of CWD and artificial movement of deer via man-made causes.”

Therefore, hunting big game over bait is prohibited in deer units 3C, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1 and 3F2. Bait, in this case, includes grain, seed, mineral, salt, fruit, vegetable nut, hay or any other natural or manufactured food placed by an individual. Bait does not include agricultural practices, gardens, wildlife food plots, agricultural crops, livestock feeds, fruit or vegetables in their natural location such as apples on or under an apple tree, or unharvested food or vegetables in a garden.

In addition, hunters harvesting a big game animal this fall in North Dakota deer unit 3F2 cannot transport a carcass containing the head and spinal column outside of the unit unless it’s taken directly to a meat processor. The head can be removed from the carcass and transported outside of the unit if it is to be submitted to a State Game and Fish Department district office, CWD surveillance drop-off location or a licensed taxidermist.

If the deer is processed in the field to boned meat and the hunter wants to leave the head in the field, the head must be legally tagged and the hunter must be able to return to or give the exact location of the head if requested for verification.

Hunters are prohibited from transporting into North Dakota the whole carcass, or certain carcass parts, of deer, elk, moose or other members of the cervid family from areas within states and provinces with documented occurrences of CWD in wild populations, or from farmed cervid operations within states and provinces that have had farmed cervids diagnosed with CWD. Only the following portions of the carcass can be transported:

• Meat that is cut and wrapped either commercially or privately.
• Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached.
• Meat that has been boned out.
• Hides with no heads attached.
• Clean (no meat or tissue attached) skull plates with antlers attached.
• Antlers with no meat or tissue attached.
• Upper canine teeth, also known as buglers, whistlers or ivories.
• Finished taxidermy heads.

The following game management units, equivalent wildlife management units, or counties have had free-ranging deer, moose or elk diagnosed with CWD, and importation of harvested elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose or other cervids from these areas are restricted.

• North Dakota – Deer unit 3F2. Gutted/eviscerated carcasses being taken to a North Dakota meat processor are exempt, as are heads removed from the carcass and taken to a licensed taxidermist or provided to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for submission for CWD surveillance purposes.
• Alberta – Wildlife management units 150, 151, 163, 234, 236, 256, 728.
• Colorado – All game management units.
• Illinois – Counties of Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, DeKalb, Ogle, LaSalle, Stephenson.
• Kansas – Counties of Cheyenne, Decatur, Rawlins, Sheridan.
• Minnesota – DPA 602.
• Nebraska – Upper Platte, Platte, Plains, Sandhills, Frenchman, Buffalo and Pine Ridge units, which include the counties of Cheyenne, Kimball, Sioux, Scotts Bluff, Morrill, Sheridan, Box Butte, Dawes, Banner, Cherry, Hall, Garden, Keith, Red Willow, Deuel, Grant, Arthur.
• New Mexico – White Sands Missile Base (GMU 19), GMU 28, GMU 34.
• New York – Any deer taken within the CWD containment areas of Oneida and Madison counties.
• Saskatchewan – All wildlife management units.
• South Dakota – Prairie units WRD-21A, WRD-27A, WRD-27B; Black Hills units BHD-BH1, BHD-BD3, BHD-BD4.
• Utah – 16A, 16B, 16C, 13A, 13B, 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D.
• Virginia – Frederick County.
• West Virginia – Hampshire County.
• Wisconsin – Any deer registered with a Wisconsin DNR Red Registration Tag from the area designated as the Disease Eradication Zone or Herd Reduction Zone including deer management zones 54B-CWD, 70-CWD, 70A-CWD, 70B-CWD, 70C-CWD, 70D-CWD, 70E-CWD, 70F-CWD, 70G-CWD, 71-CWD, 73B-CWD, 73E-CWD, 75A-CWD, 75B-CWD, 75C-CWD, 75D-CWD, 76-CWD, 76A-CWD, 76M-CWD, 77A-CWD, 77B-CWD, 77C-CWD, Washburn County.
• Wyoming – All deer and elk units.

In addition, the following states and provinces have had farmed deer, elk, moose or other cervids diagnosed with CWD, and importation of farmed deer, elk, moose and other cervid carcasses or their parts are restricted: Alberta, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Additional areas will be added as necessary and listed on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

Because each state and province has its own set of rules and regulations, hunters should contact the state or province in which they will hunt to obtain more information.

Hunters with questions can contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at (701) 328-6300, or email ndgf@nd.gov.



So how long before GNF uses their power to ban baiting statewide? I really wonder about these so called CWD positive test results. If this stuff can just show up out of thin air there isn't much we can do about it.

IMO this has absolutely nothing to do with CWD just a power trip by the ethics police!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/19/opinion/why-bambi-must-go.html?_r=1

I was talking with some hunting friends the other day about how we were going to apply for our firearm deer tags, and it got me thinking: how are YOU planning to apply this year given the much lower chances of success at drawing your first choice, and the fact that you will only be allowed ONE tag for the firearm season?

For instance, since I am a pretty strict meat hunter, I'm banking on picking an antlerless tag as my first choice, under the assumption that most people will be gunning for the hallowed buck tag.

True, if I get drawn, any preference points will be kaput. But I don't have any preference points to start with, since I've drawn a buck tag every year I've applied.

If you apply for a buck tag and don't get drawn, what is your plan B? Are you going to pick up an over-the-counter archery tag and try that route, or just call it a season and hunt something else?

North Dakota hasn't had a season like this for a long time, and it will be interesting to see how hunters plan accordingly.

DPMS Truck in Devils Lake and Minot this weekend??

Have seen multiple whitetail and mulies with fuzzys on their heads!!!!!!

Deer Season Set, Online Apps Available May 9
North Dakota’s 2012 deer season is set, with 65,300 licenses available to hunters this fall, 44,650 fewer than last year and the lowest since 1988.

Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the State Game and Fish Department, said the decline in the deer population is a result of increased adult mortality and reduced fawn production following the severe winters of 2008-10. In addition, the extreme winter conditions followed nearly a decade of aggressive deer management featuring large numbers of antlerless licenses in many units.

“It is expected there will be very few, if any licenses remaining after the initial lottery,” Kreil said. “Therefore, there is not a concurrent season this year.”

Hunters are able to draw one license for the deer gun season and one for the muzzleloader season, and purchase an archery license. Unlike the past several years, however, Kreil said a hunter will not be able to receive more than one license for the deer gun season.

Low deer numbers are evident in all portions of North Dakota, Kreil said, as all but two hunting units are below management goals. The statewide hunter success rate in 2011 was 52 percent, the lowest on record and well below the typical 70-75 percent success rate experienced by North Dakota deer hunters.

“The large decrease of licenses in 2012 is necessary to allow the deer population to grow toward management goals,” Kreil said.

The mule deer population in the badlands was also stung by three consecutive harsh winters, with the three lowest years of fawn production observed from 2009-11. Survey numbers indicate mule deer in the badlands are down 23 percent from last year and 52 percent below 2007.

As a result, no antlerless mule deer licenses are available for the 2012 deer season in units 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F, Kreil said. “This restriction applies to regular gun, resident and nonresident any-deer bow, gratis and youth licenses,” he added.

The number of licenses available for 2012 is 1,200 antlered mule deer, a decrease of 3,350 mule deer licenses from last year; 1,282 for muzzleloader, down 826 from last year; and 120 restricted youth antlered mule deer, a decrease of 130 from last year.

North Dakota’s 2012 deer gun season opens Nov. 9 at noon and continues through Nov. 25. Online applications for the regular deer gun, youth, muzzleloader, and resident gratis and nonresident landowner seasons will be available about May 9 through the Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov. Also, paper applications will be at vendors throughout the state the week of May 14. The deadline for applying is June 6.

Total deer licenses are determined by harvest rates, aerial surveys, deer-vehicle collision reports, depredation reports, hunter observations, input at advisory board meetings, and comments from the public, landowners and department field staff.



2012 Deer License Questions and Answers

In past years, hunters have been able to receive more than one license that is valid during the deer gun season. Will that be the case this year?

No. The number of licenses remaining after the first drawing will be small, if any at all. Therefore, hunters can receive only one license for the deer gun season. If any licenses remain after the first and second lotteries, they will only be available to those who applied in the first lottery and still have not received a license, or for those who did not submit an application for the first lottery.



If I receive a deer gun license, will I still be able to receive a muzzleloader license or purchase an archery license?

Yes, hunters can draw one license for the deer gun season and one for the muzzleloader season, and purchase an archery license. However, there won’t be any additional antlerless deer licenses available this year, that in the past could be used during the archery or muzzleloader season in the unit designated on the license.



Can I use my deer gun license during the muzzleloader or archery season?

No. The deer gun license is valid for only the regular deer gun season. That option in past years was only available for second, third, or additional antlerless licenses.



I want a deer license this year so I want to increase my odds and apply for a doe license as a first choice. If I receive the license, will I lose my preference points?

Yes, preference points are based on your first choice. If you receive your first choice, you lose your preference points.



Can I use my gratis license to take a mule deer doe?

Gratis hunters whose land is located in 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F may not take a mule deer doe with their gratis license. Gratis hunters in all other units may take any deer, including mule deer does.



As a landowner, if I apply in the regular lottery for a buck license as my first choice and a doe for my second choice, and receive a doe license, can I still submit a gratis application to get a license to hunt a buck?

No. If you submit a regular lottery application and receive a deer gun license, regardless if it is for a buck or doe, you are not able to receive a gratis license, as only one deer gun season license per hunter is allowed this year.



Since only one deer gun season license is available this year, does that mean landowners can receive either a gratis license or a lottery license, but not both?

That’s correct. If a landowner applies for and receives a license in the regular lottery, he or she cannot also receive a gratis license. Landowners who apply in the regular lottery and are not drawn for a license can still receive a gratis license as long as there are unissued licenses.



I am a landowner, and often delay submitting a gratis license application until I know if I will have time to hunt deer. If I wait until later in summer to apply, will I still be able to get a gratis license?

Gratis licenses can be issued as long as licenses remain. However, with the dramatic reduction in licenses this year there is no guarantee that any licenses will be available after the initial lottery. Once all licenses are issued, Game and Fish is not able to provide further gratis licenses. Therefore, we suggest that landowners eligible for gratis licenses submit their application prior to the June 6 deadline to ensure receiving a license.

Looking for people's opinions on best mineral licks or mineral mixes.  I've used a couple different ones in the past, but looking to see if there is something new or different.  I've tried the trophy rock with some success, but it seemed like the does liked it more than the bucks.   

 

 Williston - Muddy Buck Chapter
2nd Annual Banquet
Saturday, May 5th, 2012

 

5:00 pm – Doors Open
Raffle, Games, Silent Auction
6:30 pm – Dinner Live Auction To Follow Dinner  

 

You may reserve a ticket or purchase a package by calling in your reservation (or mailing a check or credit card information to the Muddy Buck Chapter.

FOR RESERVATIONS

By Phone Call:

Marshall Johnson

406-850-8785

Email: marshall@muledeer.org

 

 

 

 

 

Platinum Package -$1200

Reserved Table for Eight, Eight Meals - Four Membership - Table receives Marlin .270, Business Name in program,8 Beer Glass and ticket for beer raffle

 

Gold Package - $600

Reserved Table for Eight, Eight Meals - Four Memberships, Table Receives Marlin .17, Business Name in Program

 

Silver Package - $300

Two Meals, One Membership, One Hat Raffle Entry, Recognition in Program

Sorry ............Guys you are right - I did not include all the prices!!

Adult Meal & Membership - $60
Guest Meals - $25
Active member - $25
Youth meal - $15

 

"Early Bird Package" Purchase a package by Monday, April 30, 2012 and you will be eligible to win a Citadel 1911-.45 Cal.        
Airport International Inn
Williston, ND  

http://www.muledeer.org/north-dakota-annual-governors-mule-deer-tag-raffle-drawing-winners-announced

100% of the proceeds of this raffle stay in ND!  Fot the past ~7 years it has been used to sponsor additional PLOTS lands in western ND!   

Thanks to all of you who bought tickets again this year! 

 I am stationed at Minot AFB and I am looking to archery hunt for deer this year. Not looking for a monster buck really any buck will do. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.  

I know this is probably a little late for this year but I am interested in hunting the Salmon river breaks of Idaho.  I hunted the Bighorns in Wy last year and will be again this year but want to hunt the breaks.  Has anybody hunted there before with any info or any help on the license process in Idaho?

Does anybody know who won the statewide mulie tag last night?

2012 West Dakota Chapter Mule Deer Foundation Banquet

Saturday, May 12th
Grand International Inn

Steven Zarr:            701-240-5551
Austin Mosser:       701-721-4619
Mike Demakis:       701-240-8394

 

marshall@muledeer.org
www.muledeer.org

House for sale in prime whitetail, goose, duck, coyote hunting area located three miles north of shyenne river bottom in McVille ND.

1 1/2 story ,1 1/2 bath, 3-5 bedroom depending on how you want to lay out the house. New vinyl sideing, attached 3 stall garage in 1996, New wireing in 1994, New water pipes in 1998. Small town property taxes of $379.45. Hospital, Clinic, School, Retirement home, assisted liveing, Grocery store, two bars, two filling station/convenience stores, three car repair shops, Grain elevators, etc. We are moving the first or second week of May and the house will be available at that time. 
Ron 701-309-0032 

this winter wasn t bad but the last two were.you see im a rancher and nobody pays me when the deer eat my crops or destroy my feed supply for the cattle i raise to feed people. so think of that next time you eat a steak or hit a deer with your vehicle. im totally agaist cuting deer tags. if anything increase them