News Briefs November 2006

Pheasants To Be Released At
29 Public Hunting Are As Statewide

More than 15,000 ring-necked pheasants will be released on 29 public hunting areas across the state this fall, as part of a seasonal effort by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife to enhance hunting opportunities for this popular game bird.
Ring-necked pheasants will be released on October 20 and 27 (both Fridays) in anticipation of the following weekends’ small-game season for youth hunters. Releases will also take place on the evenings of November 2 and 9, both Thursdays. Wednesday, November 22 will be the last release to increase pheasant hunting opportunities during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Pheasant hunting season opens Friday, November 3 and remains open through January 7, 2007, with a daily bag limit of two rooster (male) birds. Statewide hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.

Consider Sharing Your Venison

Hunters who are successful in the upcoming deer hunting seasons are encouraged by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to consider participating in the state's Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program, which channels donations of venison to local food banks, soup kitchens and needy families. Pennsylvania's HSH program is recognized as one of the most successful among similar programs in about 40 states.
"Using a unique network of local volunteer area coordinators and cooperating meat processors to process and distribute venison donated by hunters, HSH has really helped to make a difference for countless needy families and individuals in our state," said J. Carl Graybill Jr., Game Commission Bureau of Information and Education director. "Pennsylvanians who participate in this extremely beneficial program should be proud of the role they play. HSH truly does make a tremendous difference."
Started in 1991, HSH has developed into a refined support service for organizations that assist the Commonwealth's needy. In 2004, Hunters Sharing the Harvest helped deliver almost 200,000 meals to food banks, churches and social services feeding programs for meals provided to needy Pennsylvanians.
"This program is all about the generosity of hunters and their desire to help make a difference," Graybill said. "It's a program that many hunters have become committed to and enjoy supporting. After all, what is more gratifying than giving?"
As part of the program, hunters are encouraged to take a deer to a participating meat processor and identify how much of their deer meat - from an entire deer to several pounds - that is to be donated to HSH. If the hunter is donating an entire deer, they are asked to make a $15 tax-deductible co-pay, and HSH will cover the remaining processing fees. However, a hunter can cover the entire costs of the processing, which is tax deductible as well.
HSH established a statewide toll-free telephone number - 866-474-2141 - which also can answer hunters' questions about where participating meat processors can be found or other general inquiries about the program.

Trappers And Hunters Must Tag Furbearers

Hunters harvesting bobcats, and trappers harvesting bobcats, beaver and fisher must present the whole animal or pelt to an official game checking station or Division of Natural Resources representative within 30 days after the close of the respective season, according to Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. A tag provided by the checking station shall be attached and remain attached to the whole animal or pelt until it has been sold, tanned or mounted.
Information provided by hunters or trappers on the checking tag is used to monitor the harvest and assist in future management of the different species in West Virginia. Decisions regarding season length, opening and closing dates, and bag limits are reliant upon accurate data obtained from these tags. Hunters and trappers are reminded to consult the 2006-2007 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary which is available at all license agents, DNR offices and on the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov