ASHWAUBENON – Hunters in Northeast Wisconsin have been complaining for years about not seeing enough deer in the woods. That could change, however, with the state’s new hunting structure.

On Wednesday, the Natural Resources Board voted 6 -1 to approve the 2010 hunting structure. The plan includes several changes from last year.

Hunters will be allowed to kill only bucks in 18 management zones where the population is under goal, up from 13 last year. The Natural Resources Board also approved reducing the number of zones with antlerless-only hunts to 46, down from 50 last year.

The Department of Natural Resources said one of its main goals is to grow the deer population in northern Wisconsin.

“In Northeast Wisconsin, north of Green Bay, we’re definitely trying to build that herd there. In many of those units, we will have no antlerless hunting this year to try to build that herd as fast as possible,” said Keith Warnke, a big game ecologist with the DNR.

That’s the best news some hunters say they’ve heard in years.

“You should be restricted from harvesting in those areas and I believe that Wisconsin sportsmen realize this and know that if they continue to take the breeding does, there isn’t going to be that expansion that they’re looking for,” said Ralph Fritsch, a hunter from Townsend and member of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

Though, not all hunters will be happy with the changes. Some believe the old system was better.

“Earn-a-buck, while unpopular with many hunters, has been the most successful in getting hunters to change behaviors to support DNR herd reduction objectives,” said John Noreika, a hunter from Verona.

The DNR said it has to balance the demands of hunters with what is best for non-hunters.

“I don’t think we can address everyone’s concerns all the time with deer season structure because when you look at deer, deer impact everyone in Wisconsin. You can’t make everyone happy, but we are listening,” said Warnke.

Warnke said estimates put the 2010 deer population about 3% lower than 2009.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin accepting applications May 5 for a chance to obtain highly coveted permits to participate in the statewide alligator harvest.

In Phase I, applications will be accepted for a random drawing from 10 a.m. (EDT) May 5 through 11:59 p.m. (EDT) May 18. Approximately 6,000 alligator harvest permits will be available.

During the Phase I random drawing, each person can submit only one no-cost application, which provides the option of prioritizing up to five hunt area and period choices. All those seeking a harvest permit must be at least 18 years of age by Aug. 15. A permit allows the harvest of two alligators on a designated area.

People can submit applications at any county tax collector’s office, license agent (retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing licenses), and at www.fl.wildlifelicense.com. Drawing results will be posted at MyFWC.com/Hunting; click on “Limited Entry Hunts,” then “Check Permit Availability and Drawing Results.” Successful applicants must make their trapping license fee payments at the application locations list above by June 7.

Any permits remaining after June 7 will be offered during Phase II on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. (EDT) June 9 through 11:59 p.m. (EDT) June15. Those who purchased a permit during Phase I may not apply. Applicants in Phase II are limited to one permit.

If permits are available after Phase II, the FWC will offer them during Phase III on a first-come, first-served basis, while they last, beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT) June 16. People who purchased a permit in Phase I or II may apply for additional permits during Phase III.

Successful applicants must submit payment for an alligator trapping license and two alligator harvest tags, or provide proof of a valid alligator trapping license (must be valid through Nov. 1) and pay the fee for two harvest tags. No other hunting licenses are required.

The cost for a resident alligator trapping license and alligator harvest tags is $271.50, and nonresidents pay $1,021.50. The cost for each additional alligator hunting permit is $61.50, regardless of residency. All fees are nonrefundable. Tags and permits are nontransferable.

An alligator trapping agent license is also available for $51.50; it allows the license holder to assist permitted trappers in taking alligators.

The alligator hunting season will run 11 consecutive weeks from Aug. 15 through Nov. 1.

To educate participants on the how-to’s and rules and regulations of the hunts, the FWC offers a no-cost, three-hour training and orientation program, which is held at various locations throughout the state. Permit recipients are not required to attend, but the FWC strongly encourages first-time participants to go. Courses will be offered in July and August, and permit holders will receive, by mail, permit packages listing dates and locations.

For more information about these alligator hunts, visit MyFWC.com/Gators.
Contact:
Steve Stiegler (850) 488-3831

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