Apply Now For Antlerless Deer Hunting Stamp

NOTE: A graphic of the 12 hunting zones in Nova Scotia is available on the Communications Nova Scotia website at http://novascotia.ca/news/Photos/2014/07/30/Deer-Zones.jpg .

Nova Scotia hunters can apply now for an antlerless deer hunting stamp for this fall's hunting season.

There are 5,800 antlerless deer stamps available. Controlling the number of does taken is a major part of managing the deer population in Nova Scotia.

"A well-managed, sustainable deer hunt is an annual tradition in Nova Scotia," said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill. "This year, we are adjusting the number of antlerless deer stamps to reflect changes in the deer population and complaints received about nuisance deer."

Hunters can apply online at http://novascotia.ca/natr/draws/deerdraw/ and a non-refundable application fee of $7.83, plus HST, will be charged to the applicant's credit card. A 24-hour phone line, 1-900-565-DEER (3337), is also available with fees charged to the applicant's phone bill. Only landlines, not cellphones, can be used. Applications are open until midnight, Aug. 29.

A computerized random draw will take place Saturday, Aug. 30. Results will be available Sept. 3 on the department website.

There are 12 zones across the province and the number of antlerless stamps available for each is based mainly on deer population trends. Applicants should know the zone boundaries before applying. For more information on the zones, check www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/deerdraw/ddZones.asp .

In zones 102, 105, 107, 108 and 109, hunters may harvest one deer of either sex with just a regular hunting licence. A limited number of antlerless stamps are available in zones 101, 103, 104, 106 and 110. None are available in zones 111 and 112, both in Cape Breton.

An antlerless deer stamp must be attached to a hunting licence to be valid.

Hunters who do not apply, or are not selected in the draw, can still hunt deer with antlers extending at least 7.62 centimetres (three inches) from the deer's head, where hunting is permitted.

Draw information is available at Department of Natural Resources offices or on the department website.