by Tony Nette
FALL 1997
Nova Scotia's Deer Population Increasing Slowly
Nova Scotia's white-tailed deer herd appears to be in good condition and increasing in size. In the spring of 1997 the pellet group index survey estimated a provincial herd size of just over 58,000, amounting to a 26.7 per cent increase as compared to the same survey in the spring of 1996. This increase in deer numbers can be credited to the reduced hunter harvest due to the buck law (under which only antlered bucks have been hunted since 1993), the effects of three mild winters, and a lower number of coyotes in the province.
Although this is good news, the herd is still below what the Department of Lands and Forestry would consider an optimal size. DNR's objective is to increase the number of deer to about 80,000 animals. Another problem is the uneven distribution throughout the province. For various reasons there is a higher density in the western end than in Cape Breton, which is in direct contrast with the situation in the late 1980s.
Many hunters are reporting good numbers of deer and are asking when the buck law regulation will be lifted. Unfortunately, an "any deer" hunting season doesn't give enough control over the harvest of antlerless deer. Research in other Canadian provinces and in many American states has demonstrated that the most effective way to manage a deer herd is to adjust the harvest of antlerless deer up or down. To achieve this, the number of hunting permits given out for antlerless deer must be set for relatively small areas and based on herd size and condition for that specific area. For instance, in a certain region that has a high population, a higher number of antlerless deer can be taken, while in an area with low population no antlerless deer would be taken.
Anyone who is familiar with Nova Scotia's forest is aware of their diversity and the differing quantity and quality of habitat available. Not only can winder weather vary considerably from one end of the province to the other, but other factors such as soils, elevation, vegetation, and land forms differ as well.
Deer Management Zones Established
With this is mind and to better manage Nova Scotia's white-tailed deer, the province has been divided into seven Deer Management Zones (DMZs) as shown on this map. In the future, a number of Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamps (ADHSs) well be made available for zones where the herd can withstands a higher kill. No stamps will be available this fall to allow at least one more year of herd growth at an optimum rate.
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The number of Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamps, DMZ will be set each year. This will be done after an examination of the deer population's abundance and condition, the previous winter's severity, harvest during the past fall, natural predation, and other factors. If Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamps become available next year, hunters will be given notice well before the start of hunting season regarding details of how, when, and where to apply for the permits. There will likely be an application fee designed to cover the administrative costs of the program.
To get one of these stamps, hunters will be required to fill out an application and state their zone of choice. Any hunter eligible to hold a Resident Deer Hunting License will be able to apply for an Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamp. After the application period closes, a draw will be made for each. The winners of the draws will each be authorized to take any one deer within the boundaries of the zone specified on the stamp. If that same hunter goes to another Deer Management zone, he or she would be restricted to hunting antlered deer only. Hunters that were not successful in the draw or did not apply will be able to hunt only antlered deer, but with no restriction to a specific zone.
As a means of informing hunters throughout the province of new Deer Management and the Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamp Program, a zone map and full legal description of each zone, as well as an explanations of the program, will be included in the 1997 Hunting & Furharvesting Summary of Regulations booklet. This booklet is given to every hunter when purchasing their license.