vermonsta
11-29-2004, 11:52 AM
11-24-2004
Deer Season Results as of Nov. 24
For Immediate Release: November 24, 2004
Media Contact: John Buck 802-476-0196
DEER SEASON RESULTS AS OF NOV. 24
WATERBURY, VT - Early reports from Vermont deer check stations are indicating that hunters will likely take fewer deer in the November deer season than they did last year.
As of November 24, the October archery season total was 3,189, which is close to a three-year average of 3,310. On the same date, the number of deer taken in the youth deer hunt also was on par at 1,119 when compared to a three-year average of 1,082.
The statewide total for the November deer season as of November 24 was 2,383, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. An average total on the same reporting day for the three previous seasons was 3,706.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife biologists examined 597 hunter-killed deer at 17 biological check stations on opening weekend of the 2004 rifle deer season, November 13 and 14.
"Measurements of body weight and antler development were taken at the biological check stations to assess the health of the herd," said John Buck, the biologist who chairs Vermont's deer management team. "Deer were also aged by tooth wear and replacement to put the weight and antler data into perspective. Initial assessments of the data indicate the deer are in good health."
Several factors may be involved in fewer deer being taken in the November season, according to Fish & Wildlife.
"Lack of snow has been a problem for hunters, fewer hunters appear to be in the woods, and the deer population appears to be lower this year in many sections of the state," said Director of Wildlife Dr. Craig McLaughlin. "The cumulative negative impact of recent winters has reduced deer numbers, and we may have underestimated the effects of those winters on the population. We have, however, reduced antlerless permit numbers to help stimulate herd growth. All of this will be taken into account as we prepare for next fall's hunting seasons."
"Deer hunting continues to be a strong Vermont tradition and our deer resource is very valuable recreationally and economically," said McLaughlin. "We will be working ensure the deer population improves in quantity and quality."
Vermont's rifle deer season ends on November 28.
-30-
For Further Information please contact: John Buck at 802-476-0196 or email to john.buck@anr.state.vt.us
Deer Season Results as of Nov. 24
For Immediate Release: November 24, 2004
Media Contact: John Buck 802-476-0196
DEER SEASON RESULTS AS OF NOV. 24
WATERBURY, VT - Early reports from Vermont deer check stations are indicating that hunters will likely take fewer deer in the November deer season than they did last year.
As of November 24, the October archery season total was 3,189, which is close to a three-year average of 3,310. On the same date, the number of deer taken in the youth deer hunt also was on par at 1,119 when compared to a three-year average of 1,082.
The statewide total for the November deer season as of November 24 was 2,383, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. An average total on the same reporting day for the three previous seasons was 3,706.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife biologists examined 597 hunter-killed deer at 17 biological check stations on opening weekend of the 2004 rifle deer season, November 13 and 14.
"Measurements of body weight and antler development were taken at the biological check stations to assess the health of the herd," said John Buck, the biologist who chairs Vermont's deer management team. "Deer were also aged by tooth wear and replacement to put the weight and antler data into perspective. Initial assessments of the data indicate the deer are in good health."
Several factors may be involved in fewer deer being taken in the November season, according to Fish & Wildlife.
"Lack of snow has been a problem for hunters, fewer hunters appear to be in the woods, and the deer population appears to be lower this year in many sections of the state," said Director of Wildlife Dr. Craig McLaughlin. "The cumulative negative impact of recent winters has reduced deer numbers, and we may have underestimated the effects of those winters on the population. We have, however, reduced antlerless permit numbers to help stimulate herd growth. All of this will be taken into account as we prepare for next fall's hunting seasons."
"Deer hunting continues to be a strong Vermont tradition and our deer resource is very valuable recreationally and economically," said McLaughlin. "We will be working ensure the deer population improves in quantity and quality."
Vermont's rifle deer season ends on November 28.
-30-
For Further Information please contact: John Buck at 802-476-0196 or email to john.buck@anr.state.vt.us