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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM ANNOUNCES 2003 MUZZLELOADER DEER SEASON PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has announced that the bonus antlerless season for muzzleloader deer hunting on private land will open on Monday, October 27 and continue through November 16; the season will open again on private land from December 20 to December 26. The season for muzzleloader deer hunting on state land will open on Saturday, November 1, and continue through November 16.DEM uses the "bonus" management strategy to slow growing deer populations on private property by shifting hunting pressure from state lands. "The focus on antlerless deer, defined as male or female deer with antlers less than three inches long, is an effective method to reduce herds," said Michael Lapisky, DEM Deputy Chief for Wildlife Resources. "Most hunters only take one deer, making it all that more important to focus our management on the first deer harvested." Muzzleloader deer permits are available at DEM's Office of Boat Registration and Licensing, 235 Promenade Street in Providence, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and at selected hunting license vendors throughout Rhode Island. The cost of the resident permit has increased from $7.50 to $12.50. Cost of a non-resident permits remains at $25.50. The statewide muzzleloader deer permit is valid for either sex deer and may be purchased at any time throughout the season. The bonus muzzleloader 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. Hunters must obtain written permission to hunt on private land and should check with local authorities for additional hunting restrictions. Muzzleloader 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 are 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. -30- |
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