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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 2005 MUZZLELOADER DEER SEASON PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has announced that the season for muzzleloader deer hunting opens on Monday, October 31 and continues through November 18 on both state and private land.The season reopens, on private land only, from November 24 through November 27 and December 22 through December 26, and only for those with antlerless deer permits to take antlerless deer. "The focus on antlerless deer, defined as male or female deer with antlers less than three inches long, is an effective method of reducing the state's overabundant deer herd," said Michael Lapisky, Acting Chief of DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife. Hunters may purchase one permit to take a deer of either sex, and two permits to take antlerless deer. The permits, which can be purchased at any time, may be used in any order. Muzzleloader 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 venders throughout Rhode Island. Cost of each deer permit for residents is $12.50; for non-residents, the cost is $25.50 for each permit. Deer hunting hours remain one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. 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. Hunters must obtain written permission to hunt on private land and should check with local authorities for additional hunting restrictions. All deer taken must be tagged immediately, and checked within 24 hours at either a vendor-operated or state-operated check station, or by an authorized representative of DEM. Jamestown residents and hunters may check deer at Ft. Wetherill this season, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For the fourth year, DEM is joining much of the country in conducting a systematic Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance program, and will ask hunters at the state check stations to assist by donating heads of yearlings and adults harvested in state. However, hunters may also participate by contacting DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife's field headquarters at 789-0281 for approval to submit fresh samples labeled with the location of harvest. In addition, hunters are requested to call DEM's enforcement office at 222-3070 to report any sick or emaciated deer, or any deer displaying abnormal behavior. -30- |
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rev. 10/24/05