From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - 2013-14 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Seasons

The Ohio Wildlife Council approved 2013-2014 hunting and trapping regulations, including season dates and bag limits, at its April 17 meeting. The regulations approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council will now be filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). JCARR must approve the rule-making process before the regulations can take effect.

2013-2014 white-tailed deer hunting seasons:

• Deer archery: Sept. 28, 2013-Feb. 2, 2014;
• Antlerless deer muzzleloader: Oct. 12-13, 2013;
• Youth deer: Nov. 23-24, 2013;
• Deer gun: Dec. 2-8, 2013; and
• Deer muzzleloader: Jan. 4-7, 2014.

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From the Arizona Game and Fish Department - Online application service now available for Arizona’s 2013 fall hunts

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has announced that the online application service is now available for Arizona’s 2013 hunts for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall buffalo, and pheasant.

Hunters now have the option of applying online for a tag issued through the draw process by visiting https://az.gov/app/huntdraw/home.xhtml and scrolling down to the “Apply for a Draw” link.

The 2013-14 Arizona Hunting Regulations are available online at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Printed copies of the regulations are now at Game and Fish offices and will soon be available at license dealers statewide.

The application deadline is Tuesday, June 11, 2013 by 7 p.m. (MST). Those applying online will have to pay the non-refundable $7.50 application fee (which is charged as part of the tag fee whether applying online or with a paper application).

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From the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Wheelchair turkey hunt held in Upstate

The first S.C. Department of Natural Resources co-sponsored wild turkey hunt for persons permanently confined to a wheelchair was held in the Upstate on Saturday, April 13.

This special hunt was conducted in Newberry County at a private hunting lease and is another example of the ongoing partnership among various private landowners in the Upstate and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The hunt was a tremendous success overall, but it was especially so for Jeff Cooper of Camden who took his first gobbler on his first turkey hunt. Cooper, who has been in a wheelchair for 30 years, said that he was sincerely appreciative to have such an exciting outdoor recreational opportunity.

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From the North Dakota Game and Fish Department - Sage Grouse Counts Remain Low

Results from North Dakota’s spring sage grouse survey indicate the number of strutting males observed remains well below management objectives. Therefore, the sage grouse hunting season will remain closed in 2013.

Aaron Robinson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department upland game bird biologist, said biologists counted a record low 50 males on 11 active strutting grounds earlier in May. Last year, 72 males were counted on 12 active leks in the southwest.

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From the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Public Hunter Bags New Texas State Record Alligator

Austin, Texas – A young hunter who grew up with a fascination about dinosaurs and a dream of hunting what some call “living dinosaurs” has harvested the largest alligator ever certified in Texas. Braxton Bielski, an 18-year-old high school senior on his first alligator hunt, bagged the behemoth 800-pound, 14-foot, 3-inch gator during a recent public hunt on the James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area.

Braxton and his father, Troy Bielski, were among 481 applicants vying for 10 alligator permits issued through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s public hunting program for a five-day hunt at the Daughtrey WMA.

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From the Wyoming Game and Fish Department - Drawing Completed for Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat Licenses

Cheyenne, Wyoming - Wyoming’s version of the lottery was held last week with 733 resident and nonresident hunters hitting the jackpot in the annual drawings for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat licenses.

Game and Fish records show that 485 moose licenses were issued, 399 of which went to residents for overall drawing odds of 4.3 percent. Nonresidents received 86 licenses for a total drawing percentage of 5.9 percent.

For bighorn sheep, 212 total licenses were issued with 159 going to residents, resulting in drawing odds of 3.4 percent. Nonresident sheep hunters bucked even more difficult odds with 2,038 hunters putting in for 53 licenses ... more on Wyoming's 2013 hunting lottery ...

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Apply now for Minnesota elk hunt

Hunters have until June 14 to apply for one of 23 elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The licenses will be available in Kittson County’s central and northeast zones. The Grygla area will be closed to enable that area’s elk population to rebuild to goal levels.

“The number of hunting licenses available reflects the goals of the state’s elk management plan,” said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader. “That plan aims to balance the interest of hunters, landowners and others.”

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From Mossy Oak - Mossy Oak holding benefit auction for Bob Humphrey

Mossy Oak is auctioning trees, seed, camouflage and more to benefit a friend in need.

Long-time outdoor writer and friend Bob Humphrey recently suffered a severe injury to his right eye. He has had two eye surgeries and is facing more in the future. This accident has not only left him with vision impairment, but with the burden of numerous bills. We are asking our friends to rally around Bob during this difficult time. The proceeds from this auction will go directly to help Bob.

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From the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife - One Week Left To Apply For The Moose Permit Lottery

Richard Houde Jr. (right) and Richard Houde Sr with their Maine Moose.

The online applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on May 14 and can be found by visiting www.mefishwildlife.com.

The moose permit lottery drawing will be held on June 15 in Greenville, as part of the three-day Moose Lottery Festival.

This year’s moose hunt is sure to be full of great memories with family and friends, just as last year’s hunt was for Justin and Megan Laite of Lincolnville.

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