Antlerless Deer Draw Application Line Opens

A special telephone line where Nova Scotia hunters can apply for a stamp that will allow them to hunt antlerless deer (does) will open this Saturday morning at seven o''clock.

Effective Saturday, hunters can call 1-900-565-DEER (3337) every day of the week, 24 hours a day, to apply for a stamp. As in previous years, a non-refundable application fee of $6.90 will be charged to the bill of the phone being used.

"This method has been very popular with hunters throughout the province," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. "It''s convenient for those applying and efficient for the department."

This year, 13,200 permits are available for the hunt. Permits are being offered for five of the seven Deer Management Zones in the province. Zones three and seven will have no antlerless deer stamps due to low deer numbers. When a stamp is attached to the general deer hunting license, it allows the license holder to hunt does and fawns as well as antlered bucks in a designated deer management zone.

"Last winter we had an unusually long period of deep snow that was very difficult for the deer herd. As a result, the number of permits offered this year is considerably fewer than last year," said Mr. Fage. "The use of area specific deer zones is a good management practice. It allows us to set harvest objectives based on the uneven distribution of deer throughout the province. This science-based approach helps maintain a more stable deer population in the various regions of Nova Scotia."

To apply for a stamp to hunt antlerless deer, hunters must hold a valid Firearm or Bow Hunting Certificate and have it on hand when calling the application line. In addition, applicants can only apply in one Deer Management Zone.

The application line will be open until midnight, Aug. 31. Afterward, a computerized random draw will take place. Successful applicants will be notified by mail. The results will be available between Sept. 8 to 15. To hear results, call 1-877-535-1234, or 902-493-1412 in Halifax.

Detailed information on the antlerless deer draw can be found where hunting and angling licences are sold. Last year more than 35,500 people applied for a stamp.

NOTE: Below is a comparative list of available antlerless deer stamps for the years 2000 and 2001.

Deer Management Zone 2000 2001

1 2,500 1,200 2 6,500 4,000 3 0 0 4 11,000 6,000 5 2,400 1,000 6 2,600 1,000 7 0 0

Total 25,000 13,200