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Also, some more outstanding hunting in the USA is our waterfowl hunting. We have some wonderful duck hunting, with many species available. Mallard duck hunting, pintail duck hunting, redhead duck hunting, wigeon duck hunting, wood duck hunting, teal hunting and canvasback duck hunting provides plenty of fun! Both canada goose hunting and snow goose hunting can be had in most states. Also, swan hunting has rebounded in some states, since their numbers have signifcantly increased. Some other big game hunts across the USA include mule deer hunting, elk hunting, moose hunting, caribou hunting, black bear hunting, brown bear hunting, big horn sheep hunting, mountain goat hunting, wild hog hunting, pronghorn atelope hunting, russian boar hunting, mountain lion hunting, buffalo hunting and many exotic big game animals. To round out some of the other types of wild animals to hunt in the United States, we have lots of small game hunting. Rabbits, squirrels, doves, quail, groundhogs, coyote, bobcats, pheasants, fox and more can sustain many hours of enjoyable hunting. Be sure to check out each state's hunting regulations and licence requirements. Some states have an unlimited number of non-residence tags, while other states have a first come or lottery type of system. Many have a limited number of tags for the Big game trophy you may want to pursue. Enjoy your search for exciting hunting experiences and by all means, enjoy the actual hunt itself!! |
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USAhunting.com is your one stop location filled with links and ads to provide you with lots of information about all types of hunting in the United States of America. |
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From coast to coast, North to South, the USA has some of the best hunting in the world. Most likely, the whitetail deer is the most popular big game animal. Whitetail deer hunting can be found from Florida to Maine and from North Carolina to Wyoming. The whitetail is one of the most challenging wild animals to hunt out of all types of big game. Many professional hunters say a mature whitetail buck is the hardest big game to hunt. Some states have more deer with less trophy animals, while other states have less deer, but their bucks carry much larger antlers. Scoring of a whitetail buck is done by using the Boone and Crockett system. In general, the higher Boone and Crockett score a deer has, the more an outfitter's cost will run. Across the US there is a lot of public land to hunt. Besides this, there is private land to lease weekly or for an entire season. Without putting in a lot of hard work scouting, a hunter can get a quick advantage by hiring a deer hunting guide or deer hunting outfitter. The cost of an outfitter hunt can run from several hundred dollars a day to several thousand dollars per deer. Be sure to check out all of the different types of deer hunting offered. The USA also provides some outstanding wild turkey hunting. In most states, turkey season takes place in the spring of the year. The number of turkeys in the US has rebounded tremendously over the past 20 years. Like deer hunting, with a lot of work and scouting, a hunter can find and hunt some outstanding turkey properties. To stack the odds in your favor, a good start would be to hire a turkey guide or turkey outfitter who can show you some tips and place you in a good location to harvest a long beard. The ultimate hunt is to call in a strutting gobbler and harvest him within 40 yards of your setup. |
Top USA counties for Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young Whitetail Deer Entries! .....POPE & YOUNG..................BOONE & CROCKETT ..............COMBINED ......County State Entries.........................County State Entries.........................County State Entries.............. Buffalo county WI 279 P&Y.......Buffalo county WI 30 B&C........Buffalo county WI 309 Pike county IL 173 P&Y............ Allamakee county IA 18 B&C.... Pike county IL 188 Dane county WI 152 P&Y..........Fulton county IL 16 B&C............ Dane county WI 160 Waukesha county WI 115 P&Y..Adams county IL 16 B&C......... McHenry county IL 123 Lake county IL 113 P&Y...........Dimmit county TX 16 B&C......Waukesha county W 119 McHenry county IL 109 P&Y.....Clayton county IA 15 B&C............Lake county IL 118 Columbia county WI 98 P&Y....Pike county IL 15 B&C............ Columbia county WI 101 Sauk county WI 95 P&Y.........St. Louis county MN 14 B&C........ Sauk county WI 98 Trempealeau county WI 84 P&Y..McHenry county IL 14 B&C Trempealeau county WI 87 Waupaca county WI 74 P&Y.....Christian county KY 13 B&C.... Allamakee county IA 81 Jefferson county WI 72 P&Y.... Webb county TX 13 B&C....... Walworth county WI 80 Walworth county WI 71 P&Y.... Lucas county IA 12 B&C........ Waupaca county WI 79 Suffolk county NY 65 P&Y.......Monroe county IA 12 B&C...... Jefferson county WI 77 Morrison county MN 64 P&Y...Sangamon county IL 12 B&C......LaSalle county IL 72 LaSalle county IL 64 P&Y........Macoupin county IL 12 B&C...... Rock county WI 70 Rock county WI 64 P&Y......... Hart county KY 12 B&C............ Brown county IL 68 Allamakee county IA 63 P&Y...Bayfield county WI 11 B&C... Morrison county MN 67 Will county IL 61 P&Y............ Peoria county IL 11 B&C........ Suffolk county NY 67 Iowa county WI 60 P&Y........... Brown county IL 11 B&C......... Iowa county WI 65 Kane county IL 59 P&Y........ Maverick county TX 11 B&C......... Will county IL 65 Marathon county WI 58 P&Y...Monona county IA 10 B&C.......... Peoria county IL 65 Brown county IL 57 P&Y......... Davis county IA 10 B&C.............Kane county IL 64 Price county WI 55 P&Y........ Lewis county KY 10 B&C..........JoDaviess county IL 62 Washington county MN 55 P&Y... LaSalle county TX 10 B&C...Marathon county WI 62 Jackson county WI 55 P&Y.... Douglas county WI 9 B&C......Jackson county WI 61 Westchester county NY 55 P&Y...Vernon county WI 9 B&C.... Kleberg county TX 61 Allegheny county PA 55 P&Y.....Crawford county WI 9 B&C..... Polk county WI 60 Kleberg county TX 55 P&Y......JoDaviess county IL 9 B&C......Adams county IL 60 Marquette county WI 55 P&Y.... Jackson county IA 9 B&C..... Douglas county WI 58 Grant county WI 54 P&Y.........Guthrie county IA 9 B&C...........Clark county IL 58 Peoria county IL 54 P&Y.......... Cross county AR 9 B&C.......... Price county WI 57 Polk county WI 53 P&Y......... Walworth county WI 9 B&C........ Grant county WI 57 JoDaviess county IL 53 P&Y.... Ogle county IL 9 B&C.............. Kenedy county TX 57 Dodge county WI 52 P&Y...... Penobscot county ME 8 B&C..... Bayfield county WI 56 Clark county IL 51 P&Y........ Chicago county MN 8 B&C............. Dunn county WI 56 Sawyer county WI 50 P&Y......St. Croix county WI 8 B&C......Westchester county NY 56 LaCrosse county WI 50 P&Y... Winneshiek county IA 8 B&C.... La Salle county TX 56 Kenedy county TX 50 P&Y........ Fayette county IA 8 B&C........ Marquette county WI 56 Douglas county WI 49 P&Y......... Dallas county IA 8 B&C..... Washington county MN 55 Dunn county WI 49 P&Y........... LaSalle county IL 8 B&C......... Allegheny county PA 55 Montgomery county MD 48 P&Y... Warren county IA 8 B&C...... Sawyer county WI 54 Eau Claire county WI 47 P&Y...... Union county IA 8 B&C........ Dubuque county IA 54 Dubuque county IA 47 P&Y...... Appanoose county IA 8 B&C.... Fulton county IL 54 LaSalle county TX 46 P&Y............ Lee county IA 8 B&C........Macoupin county IL 54 Bayfield county WI 45 P&Y......... Hancock county IL 8 B&C....... Dodge county WI 54 St.Croix county WI 45 P&Y....... Schuyler county IL 8 B&C......... St. Croix county WI 53 Shawano county WI 45 P&Y....... Logan county KY 8 B&C.........LaCrosse county WI 53 Dakota county MN 44 P&Y........ Outagamie county WI 8 B&C.... Warren county IA 52 Warren county IA 44 P&Y............. Dane county WI 8 B&C.........Vernon county WI 51 Adams county IL 44 P&Y......... Washtenaw county MI 8 B&C.....Shawano county WI 51 Some entries may be listed in both the B&C and P&Y record books. |
USA Trophy Whitetail Deer States POPE & YOUNG, BOONE & CROCKET COMBINED ................Typical..Non-Typical ....Total ....Typical...Non-Typical ..Total ......Total Wisconsin 2,969 .........156 .........3,125 ......197 .........76 ............273 ........3,398 Illinois ......2,061......... 206......... 2,267...... 221......... 153.......... 374........ 2,641 Iowa........ 1,143.......... 127......... 1,270...... 202......... 114.......... 316........ 1,586 Ohio.......... 865........... 69............ 934........ 94........... 49........... 143........ 1,077 Minnesota.. 689.......... 44............. 733........ 90........... 52........... 142.......... 875 Kansas..... 544........... 87............. 631........ 89........... 61........... 150.......... 781 Texas........ 601.......... 32............. 633........ 74........... 32........... 106.......... 739 Missouri.... 509.......... 39............. 548....... 118........... 52........... 170.......... 718 Michigan... 551.......... 25............. 576......... 38........... 22............. 60.......... 636 Indiana..... 459.......... 28............. 487......... 69........... 31........... 100........... 587 Kentucky.. 274.......... 21............. 295........ 123.......... 56............ 179.......... 474 New York.. 398......... 17............. 415.......... 18............ 4.............. 22.......... 437 Pennsylvania 356....... 9.............. 365........... 6............ 3................ 9.......... 374 Maryland..... 318....... 17............. 335.......... 20............ 7.............. 27.......... 362 Nebraska... 232....... 19............. 251.......... 42........... 15.............. 57.......... 308 Oklahoma.. 171....... 13............. 184.......... 27............ 32............. 59.......... 243 West Virginia 179...... 7............. 186........... 6.............. 1................ 7......... 193 Montana.... 158......... 6............. 164.......... 20............. 9.............. 29.......... 193 Virginia...... 145........ 6.............. 151.......... 22............ 12............. 34.......... 185 South Dakota 146..... 8............. 154.......... 15.............. 5.............. 20.......... 174 Georgia........ 113..... 6.............. 119.......... 36.............. 8............. 44........... 163 Mississippi... 134..... 1.............. 135.......... 16.............. 9.............. 25.......... 160 New Jersey.. 151...... 2.............. 153........... 2.............. 1................ 3.......... 156 North Dakota 135..... 4.............. 139........... 9.............. 1.............. 10.......... 149 Arkansas...... 86...... 5............... 91.......... 29............ 18.............. 47.......... 138 Colorado....... 77...... 7............... 84........... 7............. 10.............. 17.......... 101 Louisiana...... 65...... 1............... 66.......... 16.............. 6.............. 22........... 88 North Carolina 67..... 2............... 69............ 5.............. 3............... 8............ 77 Connecticut... 65..... 4............... 69............ 1.............. 2............... 3............ 72 Massachusetts 68... 0............... 68............ 1.............. 0................ 1........... 69 Alabama....... 65..... 1............... 66............ 1.............. 1................ 2........... 68 New Hampshire 43.. 1............... 44........... 18............. 3............... 21........... 65 Washington..... 48.. 5............... 53............ 3.............. 7............... 10........... 63 Tennessee.... 49.... 2............... 51............ 8.............. 3............... 11........... 62 Maine........... 15.... 1............... 16........... 25............ 11............... 36........... 52 Wyoming...... 37.... 2............... 39............ 4.............. 5................. 9........... 48 Idaho........... 24.... 2............... 26........... 10.............. 6............... 16........... 42 Delaware...... 23.... 0............... 23............ 5............... 1................ 6........... 29 South Carolina 9... 0................. 9............ 4............... 1................ 5........... 14 Rhode Island.. 7... 1................. 8............ 0............... 0................ 0............. 8 Oregon.......... 4... 1................. 5............ 2............... 0................. 2............ 7 Florida........... 5...0...................5............ 0............... 0................. 0............ 5 Vermont........ 1... 0.................. 1............ 1............... 0................. 1............ 2 TOTAL 14,059...984............ 15,043...... 1694.......... 882............ 2576....... 17,619 Some entries may be listed in both the B&C and P&Y record books. |
2008 Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons The NWTF Hunt Guide is your source for turkey season dates for the upcoming season. To get a complete list of hunting guidelines — such as bag limits and legal shooting hours — get your copy of the latest issue of Turkey Call magazine. Turkey Call magazine is filled with how-to articles and tips to help hone your hunting and turkey calling skills. If you don't currently receive Turkey Call, become an NWTF member by visiting the NWTF Turkey Shoppe. NWTF members receive a one-year subscription to our four-color, bi-monthly Turkey Call magazine and The Caller, a quarterly publication, which features important regional and national Federation news. As you plan your upcoming season, be sure to use the agency web addresses and phone numbers listed to contact the folks who can best confirm the dates and laws of the places you plan to hunt. They can help you make the most of your trip. Alabama Dates: Clarke, Clay, Covington, Monroe, Randolph, and Talladega counties only- 11/22 - 1/1/09, dates are tentative; Disable hunt: 11/21 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on or after Aug. 1, 1977 Bag Limit: 1 gobbler per day, 5 per year (spring and fall combined), decoys prohibited in fall Legal Hours: Sunrise to sunset, WMA's: sunrise to noon Population: 500000 Contact: www.outdooralabama.com or 334-242-3467 Poacher Hotline: (800) 272-4263 Arizona Dates: 10/3-9; for limited weapon shotgun shooting and juniors only shotgun shooting shot Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Youth ages 10-13 Bag Limit: 1 turkey Legal Hours: Daylight hours Population: 20000 Harvest: 2515 Contact: www.azgfd.com or 602-942-3000 Poacher Hotline: (800)352-0700 Arkansas Dates: Archery: Oct. 1-Feb. 28; Firearms: Oct. 23-29 in some zones Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Dec. 31, 1968 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 150000 Harvest: 694 Contact: www.agfc.state.com or (501)470-3650 Poacher Hotline: (800) 440-1477 California Dates: 11/8-23; proposed dates Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunting license required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 240000 Harvest: 6300 Contact: www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations/index.html or (916)445-3690 Poacher Hotline: (888) 334-2258 Colorado Dates: 9/1-10/5 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on/after Jan. 1, 1949 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 20000 Harvest: 650 Contact: www.wildlife.state.co.us or (303)297-1192 Poacher Hotline: (877) 265-6648 Connecticut Dates: Archery:Statelands: 9/15-11/18;12/24-31; Firearms:10/4-31; Stateland bowhunting only: 9/15-12/31; Private: 9/15-1/31/09, varies by zone Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. cert. or hunting license within last five years ; ArcheryÑbowhunting course required Bag Limit: Firearms: 2 turkeys of either sex on private land, 1 of either sex on state land; Archery: State and/or private: 2 turkeys of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 40000 Harvest: 202 Contact: www.ct.gov/dep or (860)642-7239 Poacher Hotline: (800) 842-4357 Florida Dates: Holmes County closed; Central & South: 11/8-1/4/09, Northwest: 11/27-30 and 12/13-1/18/09 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on/after June 1, 1975 Bag Limit: 1 per day; 2 per season Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: est. 100,000 - 150,000 Contact: www.myfwc.com or (850)627-1733 Poacher Hotline: (888) 404-3922 Hawaii Dates: 11/1-1/8/09 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. cert. required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Contact: www.dofaw.net or (808)974-4221 Poacher Hotline: (808) 643-DLNR Idaho Dates: 9/15-12/31; varies by zone Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on/after Jan. 1, 1975 Bag Limit: 2 turkeys of either sex; one per day Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 30000 Harvest: 1670 Contact: www.fishandgame.idaho.gov or (208)334-2920 Poacher Hotline: (800) 632-5999 Illinois Dates: Firearms: 10/25-11/2; Archery: 10/1-1/15/09, varies upon counties; Closed during firearm deer hunting season Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on or after Jan. 1, 1980 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex per permit Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset ; Archery: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us or (217)782-6384 Poacher Hotline: (877) 236-7529 Indiana Dates: Archery: 10/1-21; Firearms: 10/17-21 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Dec. 31, 1986 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 110,000 - 125,000 Harvest: 761 Contact: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/ or (317)232-4200 Poacher Hotline: (800) 847-4367 Iowa Dates: Archery: 12/1-5;12/22-1/10/09; Firearms: 10/13-12/5 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Jan. 1, 1972 Bag Limit: 1 turkey per license; up to 3 licenses available to residents Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 250000 Harvest: 3,626 Contact: www.iowadnr.com or (515)281-5918 Poacher Hotline: (800) 532-2020 Kansas Dates: 10/1-12/3; 12/15-12/31; 1/5/09-1/31/09 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on/after July 1, 1957 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex, additional tags available for units 2 and 3 Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Harvest: 5,000+ Contact: www.kdwp.state.ks.us or (620)672-5911 Poacher Hotline: (877) 426-3843 Kentucky Dates: Archery: 9/6/08-1/17/09; Crossbow: 10/1-26; 11/8-12/31; Shotgun: 10/25-31; 12/6-12 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Jan. 1, 1975 Bag Limit: 2 turkeys during the archery and crossbow seasons, 2 turkeys during the firearm season; only 1 of the turkeys can be male and must have a beard at least 3 inches long Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 200000 Harvest: 3279 Contact: www.fw.ky.gov/ Poacher Hotline: (800) 252-5378 Maine Dates: Zone 1: archery only; WMDs 15-17, 20, 24-26; 10/11-25; Zone 2: archery only; WMDs 21-23; 10/2-31; Zone 3: archery & shotgun; WMDs 16-17, 20-25; 10/18-24 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Dec. 31, 1975 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: over 25,000 Harvest: 157 Contact: www.maine.gov/ifw or (207)287-8000 Poacher Hotline: (800) 253-7887 Maryland Dates: 10/25-11/11, Only selected counties. Please check website Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Jan.1, 1977 Bag Limit: 1 turkey Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 30,000 - 35,000 Harvest: 137 Contact: www.dnr.maryland.gov or (410)260-8540 Poacher Hotline: (800) 635-6124 Massachusetts Dates: 10/27-11/ 1 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. certificate required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex, provided that the hunter did not take the season limit of 2 in the spring Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset; sunrise to sunset on certain WMAs Population: over 20,000 Harvest: 163 Contact: www.mass.gov/masswildlife or (508)389-6300 Poacher Hotline: (800) 632-8075 Michigan Dates: 10/6-11/14 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: See website for full details Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 200000 Harvest: 4798 Contact: www.michigan.gov/dnr or (517)373-1263 Minnesota Dates: 10/15-19; 10/22-26 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 60000 Harvest: 681 Contact: www.dnr.state.mn.us or (888)646-6367 Poacher Hotline: (800) 652-9093 Mississippi Dates: 10/15-11/15 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on or after Jan. 1, 1972 Bag Limit: 2 turkeys of either sex per season Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 395000 Contact: home.mdwfp.com or (601) 432-2400 Poacher Hotline: (800) 237-6278 Missouri Dates: 10/1-10/31 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on/after Jan. 1, 1967 Bag Limit: 2 turkeys Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 900,000 - 1,000,000 Harvest: 15566 Contact: www.mdc.mo.gov/ or (573)751-4115 Poacher Hotline: (800) 392-1111 Montana Dates: 9/1- 1/1/09 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Jan. 1, 1985 Bag Limit: 2 turkeys, one from Region 7 Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Contact: www.fwp.mt.gov or (406)444-2612 Poacher Hotline: (800) 847-6668 Nebraska Dates: Archery:10/1-11/14 and 11/24-12/ 31; Shotgun: 10/ 11-11/ 14 and 11/ 24-12/31 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Jan. 1, 1977 Bag Limit: 2 turkeys of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 100,000 - 150,000 Harvest: 4000 Contact: www.OutdoorNebraska.org or (402)471-5597 Poacher Hotline: (800) 742-7627 Nevada Dates: Lyons County, except the Mason Valley WMA: 10/5-25; Limited entry: Hunts 0131 & 0132: 10/5-11/3, varies by area Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Jan. 1, 1960 Bag Limit: 1 turkey by tag only Legal Hours: sunrise to sunset Harvest: 44 Contact: www.ndow.org or (775)688-1500 Poacher Hotline: (800) 992-3030 New Hampshire Dates: Archery:9/15-12/15, 17 WMU's Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 30000 Harvest: 296 Contact: www.huntnh.com or (603) 271-3211 Poacher Hotline: (800) 344-4262 New Jersey Dates: 10/27-11/1, areas 1-12, 20 and 21 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 22000 Harvest: 120 Contact: www.njfishandwildlife.com or (908)735-8793 Poacher Hotline: (800) 432-4263 New Mexico Dates: 9/8-16; Youth draw hunt: Huey WMA Unit 33-9/13-14; TUR-1-108, TUR-1-109: 9/20-21; TUR-1-110: 9/27-28 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. cert. required for hunters under 18 years old Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey; bag limit of 4 Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 32,000 - 37,500 Contact: www.wildlife.state.nm.us or (505)286-1412 Poacher Hotline: (800) 432-4263 New York Dates: 10/1-11/ 14, varies by zone Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Required Bag Limit: 1 or 2 of either sex per season, depending on zone Legal Hours: sunrise to sunset Population: 250000 Harvest: 12,211 Contact: www.dec.state.ny.us or (518)402-8883 Poacher Hotline: (800) 847-7332 North Carolina Dates: 1/12-17/09 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 150000 Harvest: 174 Contact: www.ncwildlife.org or (919) 707-0050 Poacher Hotline: (800) 662-7137 North Dakota Dates: 10/11-1/11/09 for residents only Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after 1961 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Harvest: 3191 Contact: www.gf.nd.gov or (701)328-6300 Poacher Hotline: (800) 472-2121 Ohio Dates: Proposed Dates:10/11-11/30 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. cert. required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 180000 Harvest: 1339 Contact: www.wildohio.com or (800) 945-3543 Poacher Hotline: (800) 762-2437 Oklahoma Dates: Archery: 10/1-1/15/09; Firearm:11/1-21 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Refer to website Bag Limit: 1 turkey Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 160000 Harvest: 9614 Contact: www.wildlifedepartment.com or (405)521-2739 Poacher Hotline: (800) 522-8039 Oregon Dates: 10/1512/ 31, in select counties; Controlled Hunts: White River-10/11-26; Pine Valley 10/1-11/15; Blue Mountain-10/1-11/30 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Requrired: Mentored Youth Hunter Program allows 9-13 years of age to hunt on Mentor's license without hunter education. Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 27,000 - 30,000 Harvest: 705 Contact: www.dfw.state.or.us or (503)947-6323 Poacher Hotline: (800) 522-8039 Pennsylvania Dates: 10/27-11/17 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. cert. required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 342000 Harvest: 23321 Contact: www.pgc.state.pa.us or (717)787-4250 Poacher Hotline: (888) 742-8001 Rhode Island Dates: 10/1-28, dates tentative Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Prior license or hunter safety card Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: Sunrise to sunset Population: 6000 Harvest: 207 Contact: www.dem.ri.gov or (401)789-0281 Poacher Hotline: (401) 222-3070 South Dakota Dates: 11/1-1/31/09, proposed dates Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Required for 16 and under Bag Limit: May have up to five licenses, single or double tags. Some tags are either sex. Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 52000 Contact: www.sdgfp.info or (605)773-3485 Poacher Hotline: (888) 683-7224 Tennessee Dates: Archery: 9/27-10/24; 10/27-10/31: Regular season--11/15-21; 12/15-19 NOTE: not all counties open, see regulations; WMA quota hunts-- 6/11-7/16; county quota hunts -- 7/30-9/3 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Jan 1, 1969 Bag Limit: either sex, 1 or 3 per permit, depending on county Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: 307000 Harvest: 2040 Contact: www.tnwildlife.org or (615) 781-6500 Poacher Hotline: (800) 831-1173 Texas Dates: Archery: 9/29-11/2; North Texas: 11/3-1/6/09; South Texas: 11/3-1/20/09 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Sept. 2, 1971 Bag Limit: 1-4 Rios (varies by county) either sex or bearded (varies by county) Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: less than 600,000 Harvest: 28,000 - 38,000 Contact: www.tpwd.state.tx.us or (512)934-8306 Poacher Hotline: (800) 831-1173 Vermont Dates: B&A only 10/4-24; Fall gun: 10/25-11/9 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. cert. required Bag Limit: 1 turkey Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 35,000 - 45,000 Harvest: 996 Contact: www.Vtfishandwildlife.com or (808)241-3700 Poacher Hotline: (800) 752-5378 Virginia Dates: Fall seasons vary by county (either 2, 4, or 6 week sessions). The six week fall format is 10/25-11/7, 11/28, 12/8-1/3/09 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. cert. required Bag Limit: 2 turkeys Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 140,000 - 150,000 Harvest: 4428 Contact: www.dgif.virginia.gov or (804)367-1000 Poacher Hotline: (800) 237-5712 Washington Dates: 9/1-1/31/09 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born after Jan. 1, 1972 Bag Limit: 1 turkey Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Contact: www.wdfw.wa.gov or (360)902-2515 Poacher Hotline: (800) 477-6224 West Virginia Dates: 10/25-11/22, varies by county Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Hunter ed. cert. required Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 110000 Harvest: 1130 Contact: www.wvdnr.gov or (304)558-2771 Poacher Hotline: (800) 638-4263 Wisconsin Dates: 10/ 13- 11/ 20 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on/after Jan. 1, 1973 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex per tag issued Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Population: over 300,000 Harvest: 10591 Contact: www.dnr.wi.gov or (608)267-7861 Poacher Hotline: (800) 847-9367 Wyoming Dates: 10/1-11/30(varies by hunt area and license type.) Black Hills (11/1) Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Born on/after Jan. 1, 1966 Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Harvest: 1205 Contact: gf.state.wy.us or (307)777-4600 Poacher Hotline: (877) 943-3847 British Columbia Dates: Kootenay Region: 9/1-30; Okanagan Region :10/1-11 Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: CORE program requiredfo 14 and over Bag Limit: 1 turkey Legal Hours: 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset Contact: www.env.gov.bc.ca or (800)663-7867 Poacher Hotline: (877) 952-7277 Manitoba Dates: 10/6-21, Manitoba residents only Hunter Ed. Safety Req.: Manitoba Hunter and Firearms Safety Training course Bag Limit: 1 turkey Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset Population: 7,000 - 10,000 Contact: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/hunting/ or (800)214-6497 Poacher Hotline: (877) 952-7277 |
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces 2008-2009 waterfowl seasons! Liberal Season on Tap for Upcoming Late Waterfowl Season August 1, 2008, regarding the 2008-09 waterfowl hunting regulations. Liberal waterfowl hunting season continues for 2008-2009 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed continuation of liberal hunting season lengths for the upcoming2008-2009 late waterfowl seasons. Duck hunting season lengths would be 60 days in both the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, 74 days in the Central Flyway, and 107 days in the Pacific Flyway. However, in three flyways, the Service Regulations Committee recommends closing the canvasback season due to low populations and restricting scaup harvest due to long-term population declines.Given increasing wood duck populations, the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways would get an extra wood duck in the daily bag limit. "All the information on the status of waterfowl populations and habitat conditions is now in and has been carefully analyzed by our biologists," said Service Director H. Dale Hall. "Though pond and duck numbers are down from the last few years on the breeding grounds, they remain above the thresholds necessary for a liberal season, and that is what we are proposing this year." “We have taken steps to conserve scaup and canvasback populations," continued Hall. "Following our recently adopted scaup harvest strategy, the Service is reducing hunting pressure on scaup to ensure a harvest we believe the population can support. Unfortunately, canvasback numbers were below the level that would permit a nationwide harvest.” States select their season from within the frameworks which establish the outer limits of season length, bag limits and season beginning and ending date. Brief highlights of the proposed nationwide frameworks are below: Due to the ongoing "Hunters' Choice" experiment in the Central Flyway, that flyway would continue with regulations similar to last year. Canvasback and scaup seasons would be unchanged. The Hunter's Choice bag limit is an aggregate bag intended to reduce the harvest of species with lower abundance. For example, hunters are allowed only one pintail, canvasback or mottled duck in the bag while maintaining full hunting opportunity on abundant species such as drake mallards. The Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways would be allowed an increase from two to three wood ducks in the bag limit. A full season on pintails with a one bird daily bag limit would be offered nation-wide, similar to last year. After a record canvasback population estimate last year, followed by this year’s low estimate, Service staff reviewed survey methods, data and analytical procedures and found nothing unusual. Declines in canvasbacks counted were widespread, occurring in the same areas that experienced increases last year. Based on the harvest estimate from last year’s seasons, it is clear that harvest alone is not responsible for the drop. Canvasback estimates typically have higher variation than for many other species. Although it is possible that the large change in the population estimate is simply the result of normal sampling variation, the Service has no data to suggest this year's population estimate is not accurate. Using this estimate and the approved Canvasback Harvest Strategy, the allowable harvest this year did not permit a nationwide canvasback season. There was sufficient allowable harvest to permit the Central Flyway to continue their Hunter's Choice experiment, and all Flyways recommended they be allowed to do so. The proposed late season waterfowl frameworks will appear in a mid-August edition of the Federal Register for public comment and on <http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/fedreg/MGBHR.HTML>.To see the “Status of Waterfowl” report and video as well as last year’sharvest figures, please see <www.flyways.us>. Flyway specific highlights of the proposed late-season frameworks are below: Atlantic Flyway (Connecticut,Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia): Ducks: A hunting season is proposed of not more than 60 days between September 27, 2008, and January 25, 2009. The proposed daily bag limit is six and may include no more than four mallards (two hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two hooded mergansers, one black duck, one pintail, one mottled duck, one fulvous whistling duck, and four scoters. The season on harlequin ducks and canvasbacks is closed. A hybrid regulation for scaup would be allowed, consisting of a two-birdbag limit for any 20 consecutive hunting days and one scaup per day for the remainder of the season. Geese: For light geese, states would be able to select a 107-day season between October 1, 2008,and March 10, 2009, with a daily bag limit of 15 birds and no possession limit.Seasons for Canada geese would vary in length among states and areas depending on the populations of birds that occur in those areas. The daily bag limit would be five birds in hunt zones established for resident populations of Canada geese. In hunt zones established for migratory populations, bag limits would be three or fewer and would vary among states and areas. For Atlantic brant,the season length may be 60 days with a daily bag limit of three. Mississippi Flyway (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin): Ducks: A hunting season is proposed of not more than 60 days between September 27, 2008, and January 25, 2009. The proposed daily bag limit is six and may include no more than four mallards (two hens), three mottled ducks, three wood ducks, two redheads, one black duck and one pintail. There is no open season for canvasbacks. A hybrid season would be allowed for scaup during which the daily bag limit would be two for no more than 20 consecutive days and one bird for the remaining 40 days. The proposed daily bag limit of mergansers is five, only two of which may be hooded mergansers. Geese: Generally,seasons for Canada geese would be held between September 27, 2008, and January 31, 2009, and varyin length among States and areas, with daily bag limits varying from one to three. States would be able to select seasons for light geese not to exceed 107days with 20 geese daily between September 27, 2008, and March 10, 2009; for white-fronted geese this proposed season would not exceed 72 days with a two-bird daily bag limit or 86 days with a one-bird daily bag limit between September 27, 2008, and February 15, 2009; and for brant it would not exceed 70days with a two-bird daily bag limit or 107 days with a one- bird daily bag limit between September 27, 2008, and January 31, 2009. There would be no possession limit for light geese. Central Flyway (Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, andportions of Colorado, Montana,New Mexico and Wyoming): Ducks: Duck seasons are proposed to be held between September 27, 2008, and January 25, 2009. In the High Plains Mallard Management Unit (roughly west of the 100th Meridian), a 97-day season is proposed. The last 23 days would be able to start no earlier than December 13, 2008. A 74-day season is proposed for the remainder of the Central Flyway. This is the third and final year of the 3-year evaluation of the Hunter's Choice duck bag limit in the Central Flyway. The Hunter's Choice bag limit is an aggregate bag, of which only one duck from the following may be taken: hen mallard, canvasback,pintail, or mottled duck. Five States (North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming,Kansas, and Texas) have been randomly assigned to have Hunter's Choice regulations and the remaining five States (Montana, Nebraska, Colorado,Oklahoma, and New Mexico) will serve as controls (season within a season regulations for canvasbacks and pintails) as the evaluation proceeds. In Montana, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico,the daily bag limit would be 6 ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: mallard — five, no more than two of which may be females; redhead,scaup, wood duck — two; pintail, mottled duck, canvasback — one. For pintails and canvasbacks, the season length would be 39 days, which may be split according to applicable zones/split duck hunting configurations approved fo each state. The possession limit would be twice the daily bag limit. In North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, and Texas, the daily bag limit would be five ducks, with species and sex restrictions as follows: scaup, redhead and wood duck — two; only one duck from the following group — hen mallard, mottled duck, pintail, canvasback. The possession limit would be twice the daily bag. Geese: Under the proposal, States may select seasons between September 27, 2008 and February 15,2009 for dark geese and between September 27, 2008 and March 10, 2009 for light geese. East tier states would be able to select a 107-day season for Canada geese season with a daily bag limit of three. For white-fronted geese, states would be able to select either a 72-day season with a daily bag limit of two birds oran 86-day season with a daily bag limit of one bird. In the West Tier, states may select a 107-day dark- goose season with a daily bag limit of five birds.In the Western Goose Zone of Texas, the State would be able to select a 95-day season with a daily bag limit of four dark geese (including no more than one white-fronted goose). Colorado would be able to select a 107-day season with an aggregate bag limit of four.For light geese, all states would be able to select a 107-day season with a daily bag limit of 20 and no possession limit. Pacific Flyway (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and portions of Colorado,Montana, New Mexicoand Wyoming): Ducks: Under the proposal, states are allowed a 107-day general duck season between September 27,2008, and January 25, 2009. The proposed daily bag limit is seven ducks,including no more than two mallard hens, two redheads and one pintail. In addition, an 86 day season for scaup can be chosen with a daily bag limit of two. The canvasback season is closed. Geese: 107-day seasons are proposed for the Pacific Flyway with outside dates between September 27,2008, and March 10, 2009. Proposed basic daily bag limits are up to 10 light geese and four dark geese. There are exceptions to the basic bag limits and season structures for geese in many states, so consult State regulations for specific details. In California, Washington and Oregon,the dark goose limit does not include brant. For brant, the proposed season lengths are 16 days in Oregon and Washington and 30 days in California, with a two-bird daily limit. Washington and California would be able to choose seasons in each of the two zones. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others toconserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for thecontinuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trustedpartner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence,stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals andcommitment to public service. For more information on our work and the peoplewho make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. |
..........................North Carolina 2008- 09 Permit Hunting Opportunities............................ The Permit Hunting Opportunities Program, formerly known as Special Hunts, was established by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (referred to throughout this guide as the Commission) to provide permit hunting opportunities across the state to licensed hunters. These permits allow for managed participation and provide unique hunting opportunities for special areas or species such as dove, deer, bear, waterfowl, tundra swan, turkey, small game, and furbearer trapping. This program also includes special opportunities for youth and persons with disabilities. The program offers both quota and non-quota (point-of-sale) hunts. This program is comprised of state-owned game lands, private lands, and federal lands. The Commission administers the hunts on game lands and some private lands. It also administers the permit application and draw process. Non-Commission program participants such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service–National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) facilitate and administer the hunts they have listed in this program. Hunts taking place on private or federal lands may have separate rules and regulations pertaining to their hunts. For more information, refer to the Refuge Area Reference Information section of this guide. These program participants include: Currituck NWR, Mattamuskeet NWR, Pocosin Lakes NWR, Roanoke River NWR, and Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. A booklet titled Permit Hunting Opportunities in North Carolina outlines all of the hunts available and provides procedures for applying. |