For Release: October 20, 1998

Contact: Lori Suprock 222-1267 or 789-1636

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the season for muzzle loader deer hunting on the mainland opens November 1^st and continues through November 30^th, 1998.

Similar to last season, there are three muzzle loader deer permits available this year. The bonus muzzle loader deer permit is valid for antler-less deer only, November 1-30, on private land only. The first muzzle loader deer permit is valid for either sex deer, November 9-30, statewide. The bonus and first muzzle loader deer permits may be purchased at any time. The second muzzle loader deer permit is valid for antler-less deer only, November 9-30, on private land only. This permit may only be obtained after checking a deer taken with the first muzzle loader deer permit. Deer hunting hours remain one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

"This management strategy was initiated in an effort to slow growing deer populations on private property, by shifting hunting pressure from state lands," said Michael Lapisky, DEM Deputy Chief for Wildlife Resources. "The only effective method for reducing deer herds is to focus on antler-less deer, defined as male or female deer with antlers less than three inches in length."

All deer taken must be tagged immediately, and checked within 24 hours at either a vendor or state operated check station, or by an authorized representative of DEM. To avoid invalidating the deer permit by tagging the deer with an incorrect tag, the Division suggests that hunters with multiple deer permits mark the back of their tag, in waterproof ink, with the permit type.

Permitted firearms for the muzzle loader season are limited to .45 caliber or larger, using in-line, percussion caplock, flintlock, or older ignition systems. Ammunition limited to single lead projectile of the same caliber of the firearm, or powder limited to black powder, or approved substitutes. Sabot rounds either led or jacketed are limited to .43 caliber or larger. All conversion kits which use a replacement barrel to convert a modern shotgun into a muzzle loading rifle are prohibited. Telescopic sights are permitted for the muzzle loading season.

Hunters must obtain written permission to hunt on private land and should check with local authorities for additional hunting restrictions. The Division reminds muzzle loader hunters that they are required to wear a minimum of 200 square inches of fluorescent orange at all times.

Muzzle loader deer permits are available at DEM's Office of Boat Registration and Licensing, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or at selected hunting license vendors throughout the state. Hunters may check their muzzle loader deer at the following locations: