Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamps Available

Nova Scotians can begin to apply for the annual antlerless deer hunt starting Friday, July 22. There will be 11,500 permits available again this year.

To manage the deer population in Nova Scotia, a zone system is used to set the number of antlerless licences, based on the abundance of deer in various areas. There are 12 deer zones across the province and applicants should review them before applying for the draw.

The permits will be awarded by a computerized random draw in seven of the twelve deer management zones. Hunters can also buy a bonus antlerless deer stamp for Zone 102 only.

Hunters are allowed to harvest only one deer of either sex in zones 102, 105 and 107 with no antlerless deer permit required. No antlerless deer permits are available in zones 111 and 112.

For more information on deer zones check www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/deerdraw/ddZones.asp

Beginning at 7 a.m., July 22, hunters can apply online using a credit card at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/deerdraw/. A non-refundable application fee of $7.40 plus HST will be charged.

People can also call 1-900-565-DEER (3337) 24 hours a day, to apply. The line will remain open until midnight, Sept. 2. It is not possible to call from a cellphone.

The draw will take place on Sept. 3 and results will be available online Sept. 5 on the department website.

Hunters who do not apply or who are unsuccessful in the draw, will still be eligible to hunt deer where permitted. However, other than zones 102, 105, and 107, where there are no deer restrictions, they will be limited to hunting for bucks with antlers a minimum of 7.62 centimetres (three inches)in length.

Information on the 2011 draw can be found where hunting and angling licences are sold, or on the department website.