News release

Antlerless Deer Draw Successful

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Natural Resources Minister Kennie MacAskill said today the Antlerless Deer Draw Program has been a great success so far.

"Interest in the draw is high," he said. "We have received over 12,000 applications to date."

The limited entry hunt was introduced this year, allowing Nova Scotians to hunt does for the first time since 1992. The 8,150 antlerless deer hunting stamps available for the 1998 hunting season will be distributed through a computerized, random draw in early September.

Mr. MacAskill said hunters have plenty of time to apply. "This is a random draw. Everyone has an equal chance to win," he said. "The draw is not first-come first-serve, nor will the last entries have a better chance because they are on top of the pile."

Phone lines for the program opened June 20. The number to call is 1-900-565-DEER (3337). Callers speak with an operator.

Tony Nette, of the Natural Resources Wildlife Division, said the draw has been well received by callers.

"Operators are reporting the vast majority of callers are happy and enthusiastic about the program," he said. "There have been a few complaints out of 12,000-plus callers, but the overall response has been positive."

Mr. Nette said many applicants are not sure which deer management zone they want to hunt in before they call and this has caused some confusion.

Zones were established last year and outlined in the 1997 Hunting and Furharvesting Summary of Regulations handbook. The handbook was given to everyone who purchased a hunting license last year to familiarize them with the zones. Because hunters did not use the zones last year, they did not become familiar with them.

Several factors were used to determine the location of each zone, including habitat, climate, natural predators (such as coyotes), deer population, human population and land use patterns. These zones allow biologists to set deer harvest limits specific to each zone.

All zone boundaries follow well-known roads and, in some cases, rivers.

Hunters are free to choose any zone they wish. They are not restricted to the zone they live in. Zone 3, the area west of Amherst and Parrsboro, and Zone 7, the Cape Breton Highlands, are closed this year as deer numbers remain low in those areas.

Zone maps and information on how to apply for the antlerless deer draw are available at all Natural Resources offices or any of the over 700 locations where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

"Operators have been very good in helping people find the right one, but it's best to have your choice made beforehand," Mr. Nette said. "Even this problem seems to be resolving itself as each week more applicants are better prepared before calling."

Hunters have until midnight Sept. 4 to apply. Applicants are reminded not to call the 1-900 line again. Errors can be corrected by calling the Wildlife Division in Kentville at 902-679-6091 or the licensing office in Halifax at 902-424-6608.

The antlerless deer program was developed with input and support from the Nova Scotia Wildlife Federation.

Tony Rodgers, the Federation's Executive Director, said he is pleased with the return of the antlerless deer hunt, and hunter response to the draw has been good. "What I've been hearing is primarily positive," he said.

Mr. Rodgers also said he is glad a zone system has been introduced to manage the deer hunt. "It makes life easier for the biologists, and it will be easier for hunters in the long run," he said.

Results of the draw will be available from Sept. 12-16 by calling 1-877-535-1234 (toll free) or 493-1412 (Metro local) or by visiting www.deerdraw.hmcgroup.ca.

Antlered deer can still be hunted throughout the province for those not successful in the draw or who did not apply. The bag limit remains one per hunter.