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The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposed deer zone changes for the 2008-2009 deer season at its quarterly meeting March 7.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by legislators before they become law.
The Commission voted to change deer zones for several counties. Marion and Taylor counties would be changed from Zone 1 to Zone 2; Boyle, Casey and Grayson counties would be changed from Zone 2 to Zone 3; and Hart County would be changed from Zone 2 to Zone 1.
The Commission also voted to decrease the number of antlerless deer hunting days in Zone 4 counties during late muzzleloader season. Under the recommendation, antlerless deer hunting in Zone 4 counties would only be allowed for the last three days of the nine-day late muzzleloader season, beginning the Friday after opening weekend. Hunting for antlered deer would still be allowed during the entire nine-day season.
The 2008-2009 Deer Seasons:
- Statewide All Zones:
- Archery (either sex) – September 6, 2008 – January 19, 2009
- Crossbow (either sex) – October 1 – 19 and November 8 – December 31, 2008
- Youth-Only Firearms Season (either sex) – October 11 - 12, 2008
- Early Muzzleloader (Zones 1, 2, 3 either sex, Zone 4 antlered deer only) – October 18-19, 2008
- Late Muzzleloader – December 13-21, 2008 (Zones 1, 2, 3 either sex; Zone 4 antlered deer only Dec. 13-18; either sex Dec. 19-21)
- Free Youth Weekend (either sex) – December 27-28, 2008
- Zones 1 & 2:
- Modern Firearms (either sex) – November 8-23, 2008
- Zones 3 & 4:
- Modern Firearms (Zone 3 either sex, Zone 4 antlered deer only) – November 8-17, 2008
Bag limits remain the same as last year.
In other wildlife-related business, the Commission voted to allow trapping for squirrels and rabbits during small game hunting seasons when the furbearer trapping and small game hunting seasons overlap. Small game trappers would have to possess a trapping license. People who trap and transport live squirrels or rabbits would be required to have a captive wildlife permit prior to possessing a live squirrel or rabbit. Hunting bag limits would apply and legal trap types would be the same as those already in place for furbearer trapping.
In fisheries-related business, the Commission recommended removing the 9-inch minimum size limit on crappie at Wood Creek Lake in Laurel County. On Carter Caves State Park Lake (Smokey Valley Lake) in Carter County, the Commission recommended removing the 15-inch minimum size limit and 3 bass daily creel limit on largemouth bass. Minimum size and daily creel limits on largemouth bass would revert back to statewide regulations. Both of these fisheries regulations, if approved, go into effect on March 1, 2009.
The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8 a.m., Friday, June 13, 2008 at #1 Sportsman's Lane off U.S. 60 in Frankfort. Persons interested in addressing the Commission must notify the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner's office in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda. People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator. To request to address the Commission, write to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601.
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