For Release: October 21, 1997

Contact: James E. Myers 277-1267

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced the State's regular muzzle loading deer season, and two new changes.

While the regular season runs from November 1 through November 30, and deer of either sex can be hunted, DEM this year is offering an early bonus antlerless season on private land between October 27 and October 30.

The department is focusing on the antlerless component of the deer population, especially on private land where there have been numerous damage complaints, according to Lori Suprock, DEM principal wildlife biologist. "Adjusting the number of antlerless deer is the best way to control the deer population," she said. Antlerless deer may either be females, or males with antlers less than three inches.

Hunters must purchase the permit for the bonus antlerless season prior to opening day. The bonus permit will also be valid during the regular November season. Hunters will still be allowed to purchase a second muzzle loader permit after checking the deer taken on the either sex permit.

The other new change permits the use of telescopic sights on muzzle loading firearms. In-line ignition systems also are permitted, a fact inadvertently omitted from the 1997-98 hunting and trapping abstract. Hunters should read the abstract for other specific rules of the season.

During the muzzle loading season hunters are required to wear a minimum of 200 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange above the waist, with a portion included in head covering and visible in all directions. Hunters are also required to obtain written permission to hunt on private property, and are reminded to check with local authorities for further restrictions on legal hunting areas. Many towns require countersigned written permission from the chief of police and several towns prohibit the discharge of firearms.

*see attached list of check stations