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Hunting Abstract

Other Hunting Topics
  
News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: October 17, 2002
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM ANNOUNCES 2002 MUZZLE LOADER DEER SEASON
Hunters Permitted to Use Double Barrel Muzzle Loaders

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has announced that the bonus antlerless season for muzzle loader deer hunting on private land opens on Saturday, November 2nd and continues through November 29th. The season for muzzle loader deer hunting on state and private land opens on Saturday, November 9th and continues through November 29th.

Hunters may purchase both muzzle loader deer permits this year. The statewide muzzle loader deer permit is valid for either sex deer and may be purchased at any time throughout the season. The bonus muzzle loader deer permit is valid for antlerless deer only, is limited to taking the deer on private land, and must be purchased prior to the season opening.

"We initiated this "bonus" management strategy to slow growing deer populations on private property by shifting hunting pressure from state lands," said Michael Lapisky, DEM Deputy Chief for Wildlife Resources. "Its focus on antlerless deer, defined as male or female deer with antlers less than three inches long, is an effective method to reduce herds. Most hunters only take one deer, making it all that more important to focus our management on the first deer harvested."

DEM's 2002-2003 Hunting Abstract contained a typographical error omitting double barrel muzzle loaders. This technical omission has been corrected and double barrel firearms will be permitted, as in past years.

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. and at selected hunting license vendors throughout Rhode Island.

Hunters must obtain written permission to hunt on private land and should check with local authorities for additional hunting restrictions. Muzzle loader hunters are limited to using black powder or approved substitutes and are required to wear a minimum of 200 square inches of fluorescent orange at all times.

Deer hunting hours remain one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. 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.

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