Deadline Approaches for Antlerless Deer Draw Applications

NATURAL RESOURCES--Deadline Approaches for Antlerless Deer Draw Applications

Hunters have one week left to apply for an antlerless deer stamp for the coming fall hunting season, Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt announced today, Aug. 27.

Those who want to hunt antlerless deer this fall must apply for a permit by midnight Friday, Sept. 3.

"Since 1998 we have been using a deer management zone system to adjust the number of permits available to hunters," said Mr. Hurlburt. "That has allowed us to increase the number of permits available in one zone for the coming season and decrease the numbers for other areas."

There are seven deer management zones throughout the province. This year, zone 2a has an increase in the number of permits available. Zones 3, 5, 6 and 7 do have not antlerless deer stamps available because of low deer numbers in those areas of the province.

Last year, a total of 24,935 applications were received for 7,500 permits. There are 5,250 stamps available for the 2004 deer hunting season and as of Aug. 26, 14,251 applications have been received. As in past years, a high volume of applicants is expected in the last week of the application period.

When a stamp is attached to the general deer hunting licence, it allows the licence holder to hunt does and fawns, as well as antlered bucks, in a designated deer management zone. Hunters who do not have an antlerless deer stamp may hunt only antlered bucks and may do so throughout the province where hunting is permitted.

The application line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To apply call 1-900-565-DEER (3337). A non-refundable application fee of $6.90 will be charged to the bill of the phone that is used. To apply for a stamp, hunters must hold a valid Nova Scotia Firearm or Bow Hunting Certificate and have it on hand when calling the application line. Applicants may apply only once and in only one deer management zone.

A computerized random draw will take place after Sept. 3. Successful applicants will be notified by mail during the week of Sept. 6. Draw results will be available on the department's website beginning Sept. 7, or by calling 1-877-535-1234 (or 493-1412 in the Halifax area) between Sept. 11 and Sept. 17.

Detailed information on the antlerless deer draw can be found where hunting and angling licences are sold or on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/deerdraw .