|
The application period for the resident antlerless deer draw began Wednesday, June 25, Donald Arseneault, minister of natural resources, announced today. Applications must be received at Natural Resources offices or Service New Brunswick centres by 5 p.m., Friday, July 18.
"The number of permits available for antlerless deer hunters will decrease this year," Arseneault said. "We are ensuring our deer populations are being maintained and protected." The harsh winter temperatures and record snow levels were significant factors in this year's reduced quotas.
Quotas for antlerless deer licenses are based on scientific evidence gathered by department. Big game biologists and wildlife managers make recommendations to ensure populations of antlerless deer are managed responsibly.
In Zones 1 and 2, the 2008 archery deer hunting season will begin Monday, Oct. 6, and end Sunday, Nov. 9. The deer rifle hunt will begin Monday, Oct. 27, and end Sunday, Nov. 9.
In Zones 6 to 8 and 10 to 27, the archery deer hunting season will begin Monday, Oct. 6, and end on Saturday, Nov. 22. The deer rifle hunt will begin Monday, Oct. 27, and end on Saturday, Nov. 22.
A total of 5,000 antlerless deer permits will be available this year. New Brunswick residents who want to hunt antlerless deer must buy their 2008 deer hunting licences and apply for permits.
Licences, applications, booklets describing New Brunswick wildlife management zones and deer hunter fact sheets are available at all Natural Resources offices, Service New Brunswick centres and licence vendors. Application information is also available online.
The computerized antlerless deer permit draw will be held in late summer. The department has established specific numbers of permits for wildlife management zones.
New Brunswick residents may apply to hunt for antlerless deer in one of the zones where permits are available. Deer hunting season remains closed in Zones 3, 4, 5, and 9. Hunters are allowed to harvest only deer with visible antlers (bucks only) in Zones 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19 and 25. Please refer to the 2008 Hunt and Trap summary of regulations for further regulatory details.
Following is a list of wildlife management zones and the 2008 quota of antlerless permits allocated for each zone:
2008 Antlerless Deer Permit Quotas
- 1 - 0 (bucks only)
- 2 - 0 (bucks only)
- 3 - Deer Season Closed
- 4 - Deer Season Closed
- 5 - Deer Season Closed
- 6 - 0 (bucks only)
- 7 - 0 (bucks only)
- 8 - 0 (bucks only)
- 9 - Deer Season Closed
- 10 - 0 (bucks only)
- 11 - 0 (bucks only)
- 12 - 0 (bucks only)
- 13 - 0 (bucks only)
- 14 - 0 (bucks only)
- 15 - 150
- 16 - 400
- 17 - 150
- 18 - 100
- 19 - 0 (bucks only)
- 20 - 200
- 21 - 400
- 22 - 2000
- 23 - 1000
- 24 - 50
- 25 - 0 (bucks only)
- 26 - 50
- 27 - 500
Hunters are reminded the bag limit is one deer per licensed hunter. Those who are successful in the draw are eligible to harvest an antlerless deer in the zone for which their name was drawn, or an antlered deer anywhere in the province that is open for deer hunting.
The antlerless deer permit system provides a responsible way to manage the deer resource and preserves the hunting history and traditions New Brunswick residents enjoy.
|
