Antlerless Deer Hunting Info

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Antlerless Deer Hunting

Public Land Application Period: July 15-August 15, 2006

Private Land Licenses Available Over-the-Counter: August 16, 2006 at 10 a.m.

Public Land Drawing Results: September 11, 2006 at 10 a.m.

Special Season for Disabled Hunters

A person issued a permit to hunt from a standing vehicle may hunt deer on the October 21 and 22, 2006 on private lands with a firearm. Hunters must have a valid firearm, combination deer, or private land antlerless deer license to participate.

Important Dates and Season Information

Hunt Zone Season Dates

Youth

Deer Hunt Statewide Sept. 23 - 24, 2006

Archery Statewide Oct. 1 - Nov. 14, 2006

Dec. 1, 2006 - Jan. 1, 2007

Regular

Firearm Statewide Nov. 15 - 30, 2006

Muzzle-

loading Zone 1 Dec. 1 - 10, 2006

Zone 2 Dec. 8 - 17, 2006

Zone 3 Dec. 1 - 17, 2006

Late Firearm Antlerless deer on

private land only in

Special Regulation Counties Dec. 18, 2006 - Jan. 1, 2007

Late Firearm Antlerless deer on private land only in Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Oakland, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Sanilac, Tuscola, and Washtenaw Counties Dec. 18, 2006 - Jan. 1, 2007

Important Changes for 2006

There is a season limit of 3 private land antlerless licenses per person, of which no more than 2 may be purchased for Zones 1 and 2 combined (except for the special regulation units in Zone 2).

To purchase a private land antlerless license, the phone number of the landowner is required.

To purchase a private land antlerless license in Zones 1 or 2 (except for the special regulation units in Zone 2), the landowner granting permission to hunt deer must have 40 or more contiguous acres on which to hunt.

Unique application procedure for the bovine TB special regulation units.

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Frequently Asked Questions About New 2006 Deer Regulations

Telephone number requirement to purchase a private land antlerless license

Q: Why does the DNR require a telephone number to purchase a private land antlerless license?

A: The Law Enforcement Division of the DNR requested the landowner’s telephone number be placed on the license. This will aid Conservation Officers in the field should an Officer need to contact the landowner.

Q: What telephone number must I provide?

A: The contact telephone number for the landowner granting permission to hunt is required to purchase a private land antlerless license. This requirement is to purchase any private land antlerless deer license; there is no exception to this requirement. The telephone number will be printed on the license.

Q: May I use my own phone number?

A: YES, provided your land meets the criteria. In zones 1 and 2 the land must be at least 40 contiguous acres (except the bovine Tuberculosis [TB] area, see question about the 40 acre rule). In zone 3 the land must be within an area open to deer hunting.

Q: What if the landowner does not have a telephone?

A: The requirement is the contact telephone number for that landowner. If the landowner does not have a personal telephone, the landowner should provide the telephone number of someone that can contact the landowner.

Q: Do I need to list all the telephone numbers of the landowners granting me permission to hunt on their property when I am purchasing a private land antlerless license?

A: NO. To receive a private land antlerless license, an individual must provide a telephone number of an individual within the DMU that has given them permission to hunt. DMUs in zones 1 and 2 require 40 acres (except the TB area, see question about the 40 acre rule). There is no acreage requirement for zone 3.

Q: Once an individual has been issued a private land antlerless license do they have to hunt only on that property where the telephone number was provided?

A: NO. The license can be used on any private land within the DMU printed on the private land antlerless license for which the hunter has received landowner permission.

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Frequently Asked Questions About New 2006 Deer Regulations

The 40 acre rule for purchasing a private land antlerless license in zones 1 and 2

Q: What is the 40 acre rule?

A: In order to purchase a private land antlerless license in zones 1 or 2 (green DMUs in the 2006 Antlerless Deer Hunting Guide), an individual must provide a telephone number of a landowner, within the respective Deer Management Unit (DMU) of 40 or more contiguous acres granting permission to hunt. That telephone number will be printed on the private land antlerless license. Once the license is purchased, there is no restriction on which parcel of private land is hunted within the DMU. There is no acreage requirement to purchase a private land antlerless license for the Special Regulation Units (bovine TB Deer Management Units 001, 004, 020, 060, 068, 069, 071, & 452). There is no acreage requirement to purchase a private land antlerless license for zone 3.

The zone 2/3 line has not changed. For the purpose of purchasing private land antlerless licenses, if any portion of the DMU is in zone 2 the entire DMU is considered zone 2. Parcels on both sides of the zone 2/3 line are in a DMU within zone 2.

Q: What is the definition of a contiguous 40 acres?

A: Contiguous means in a solid ownership with no other ownership between parcels. A road does not split ownership. Two separate owners of different parcels lying adjacent to each other may not be combined to meet the minimum qualification for a private land antlerless license. A landowner with ownerships of less than 40 acres in multiple locations may not combine those acreages to meet the minimum qualification for a private land antlerless license. The entire 40 acres must be within the same DMU.

Q: Are hunters restricted to only hunting the private land the telephone number represents?

A: NO. Hunters are not restricted to the property identified to purchase a private land antlerless license. Once the license is purchased hunters may hunt any parcel of private land for which they have permission within the DMU.

Q: Can the property be divided by a road?

A: YES. A road does not split ownership.

Q: If a landowner owns 40 acres but not all parcels are touching (i.e. has 30 acres in one part, and 10 in another) does that count?

A: NO. A landowner with ownerships in multiple locations may not combine those acreages to meet the minimum qualification for a private land antlerless license. The 40 acres must be one contiguous parcel.

Q: If the parcels need to be connected, what size connection is required?

A: Any size as long as the property is contiguous and includes 40 or more acres.

Q: Does leased land qualify (i.e. 20 acres are owned and 20 acres are leased)?

A: NO. The land must be owned by the same individual.

Q: What if the parcel spans two DMUs?

A: NO, this does not qualify. The entire 40 acres must be within the same DMU.

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Frequently Asked Questions About New 2006 Deer Regulations

The separation between zones 2 and 3

Q: What if the parcel spans zones 2 and 3?

A: For the purpose of purchasing private land antlerless licenses, if any portion of the DMU is in zone 2 the entire DMU is considered zone 2. Parcels on both sides of the zone 2/3 line are in a DMU within zone 2. Parcels in different DMUs may not be combined to meet the minimum qualification for a private land antlerless license. The entire 40 acres must be within the same DMU.

Q: Why did the DNR decide to include the counties split between zone 2 and 3 in zone 2?

A: The DNR manages the deer population at the DMU level. The counties on the zone 2/3 boundary are DMUs, and DMUs can not be split for antlerless license sales. There are fewer private land antlerless licenses available in zone 2 so the more conservative approach was chosen for those DMUs.

Q: In addition to defining acreage requirements, does the new zone designation apply to type of firearm that can be used (i.e. shotgun vs. Rifle)?

A: NO. There are two different boundary lines through central Michigan. This 40-acre rule refers to the zone boundary not the shotgun/rifle boundary line.

Limit of antlerless licenses

Q: Why limit the number of antlerless license that someone can buy?

A: The yearly limit of 3 private land antlerless licenses (no more than 2 in zones 1 & 2 combined) was created to distribute the harvest of antlerless deer among hunters and across the landscape. There is no yearly limit on private land antlerless license for the Special Regulation Units (TB area, see question about the 40 acre rule). For those individuals who have crop damage issues, Deer Management Assistance Permits are still available.

Lowered hunting age

Q: When and why was the age for youth to participate in hunting lowered?

A: Public Act 280 was enacted this summer. The new legislation became effective on July 10, 2006. This new legislation lowered the minimum age to 10 to purchase a hunting license. A youth must be at least 12 years of age (it was 14) to hunt with a firearm for deer, bear, or elk. 12 and 13 year old big game firearm hunters are limited to hunting on private lands which includes commercial forest (CF) land. To firearm hunt CF land for antlerless deer a public land antlerless license is required.

Q: Why would the DNR support this?

A: The recruitment and retention of hunters is a priority goal of the MDNR. This change allows youth to experience Michigan hunting at an earlier age than previously allowed. This law reduces obstacles to increasing participation in hunting by youth.

Q: Can a youth hunt on a non-family member’s property or public land?

A: YES. A person under 17 may hunt on land where the parent/guardian does not live ONLY if accompanied by the parent/guardian or another person who is at least 18 years old and authorized by the parent/guardian.

Q: Can 12 and 13 year olds hunt on public land?

A: YES. However, 12 and 13 year olds hunting deer, bear, or elk with a firearm may ONLY hunt on private land. They cannot firearm hunt for bear, deer, or elk on public land. However, they can archery hunt or firearm hunt for other game on public land.

Q: Is it safe to let 10 and/or 12 year-olds use a gun?

A: According to the International Hunter Education Association, “Young hunters, when accompanied by responsible adults or mentors, who have been a part of the youngster’s education, are some of the safest individuals afield.†Experience in other states show when parents are heavily involved in their children’s hunting experience, it provides for a safe and responsible hunting experience.

The DNR feels that this law will give parents the right to determine when their children are ready to participate in hunting. Michigan has a long, rich tradition of hunting. Hunting contributes to wildlife management and conservation, provides a positive family experience and increased recreational opportunity, and is good for the economy.

Q: Why can’t a 10 and 11 year old purchase a hunting license and a 12 or 13 year old buy a firearm license right now?

A: Although the law has passed and has been signed by the Governor, there are applicable portions of the Wildlife Conservation Order that must be amended before some licenses for young hunters may be sold. To be consistent with statute, amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Order are before the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) for action at the August 10, NRC meeting.

Q: Why can’t my 9 or 10 year old apply for the public land antlerless drawing right now? (if the 9 year old is 10 by the season).

A: See answer above. If the NRC approves the amendments on August 10, youths 9 (if the 9 year old is 10 by the youth season), 10 & 11 years old may purchase one junior antlerless license. Junior antlerless licenses sold prior to August 10 will have the incorrect age printed on them. In addition youths 9 (must be 10 years old to purchase the license), 10 & 11 years old may apply for a public land antlerless license from August 11 through August 15.

Q: Will my 9 or 10 year old be able to buy a junior antlerless license?

A: YES, See answer above.

Q: If 12 and 13 year olds are restricted to private land when using a firearm, can they still hunt on public land with archery equipment?

A: YES. They can hunt on public land with archery equipment. They are restricted to private land only when firearm hunting for bear, elk, or deer. Commercial Forest Land is private land. They can use a firearm on public land as long as they are hunting other game.

Q: How can my 10 or 11 year old hunt the youth firearm season if they are limited to archery equipment?

A: Archery equipment has been an option for hunters 12 and 13 years old during the previous youth hunts. The only impact of this change is to make archery hunting available to 10 and 11 year old hunters and firearm hunting on private lands by 12 and 13 year old hunters. The youth will have to wear hunter orange, even using archery equipment, and they will need to purchase and carry either an antlerless license or a combination license to participate.

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Frequently Asked Questions About New 2006 Deer Regulations

Apprentice Program

Q: What is the apprentice law?

A: On July 10, 2006, Governor Granholm signed legislation that creates an apprentice hunter program in Michigan. The program will allow apprentice hunters to hunt without the otherwise required hunter education course if accompanied and closely monitored by a licensed hunter 21 years or older. Accompany means to go along with another person under circumstances that allow one to come to the immediate aid of the other person and while staying within a distance from the person that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal communication. The purpose of this program is to allow people to try hunting under close control before deciding whether or not they want to take a hunter safety class.

The apprentice program will serve to attract new participants to hunting and help conserve our natural resources. Hunting is an important wildlife management tool and recreational opportunity. The DNR believes it is important to continue the hunting tradition with our youth as well as adults who may not have had an opportunity to hunt with a parent or grandparent while growing up. Furthermore, the apprentice license allows new hunters, including adults, to gain hunting experience with an adult mentor, for a limited time, without the requirement of hours of hunter education prior to the experience.

Q: Is this only for youth?

A: NO, it is for anyone 10 years and up who does not have a hunter safety certificate and would like to try hunting without having to make a substantial commitment. However, the ‘apprentice’ regardless of their age must be with a ‘mentor’ who is licensed to hunt that same game and is 21 years or older.

Q: Do regular license fees and age requirements apply?

A: YES. The apprentice must meet age requirements and pay all license fees and application fees.

Q: Does the adult mentor have to be a family member?

A: NO. For a youth a parent or guardian, or another person 21 years old or older authorized by a parent or guardian, who is licensed to hunt that game under a license other than an apprentice license can accompany the minor child.

Q: At what age are Apprentice hunters required to take hunter safety?

A: Age is not the determinant, the number of license years is. A person may purchase an apprentice license for only two license years. After two license years, a hunter safety certificate is required. The two license years do not have to be consecutive.

Q: Does the ‘mentor’ need to be licensed for the same game?

A: YES, but not necessarily the same hunt (example: youth deer hunt, the mentor would have to have some type of deer license to go afield with the apprentice.)

Q: What are the requirements/responsibilities of a mentor?

A: The mentor must be 21 years or older and also be licensed for the same game to accompany the apprentice. Accompany means to go along with another person under circumstances that allow one to come to the immediate aid of the other person and while staying within a distance from the person that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal communication. A parent or guardian, or another person 21 years old authorized by a parent or guardian, who is license to hunt that game under a license other than an apprentice license can accompany the minor child.

The mentor cannot accompany more than 2 apprentice hunters at one time.

Q: How is this applied to drawings and special hunts?

A: The apprentice must apply just like any other individual. Example: If they are successful in the elk drawing, they would have to be accompanied by another person who drew an elk hunting license and who is 21 years or older.

Q: How does an apprentice buy an apprentice license on e-license when they are asked about hunter safety?

A: The apprentice license will be available after August 10. The E-license process will be changed to accommodate this new process.

Q: Does this (Apprentice License) apply for youth seasons, when there is an age limit to hunt that season?

A: Only apprentice hunters who meet the necessary age requirements for the youth hunt may participate. However, a licensed mentor 21 years of age or older must accompany the apprentice.

Q: When and where can I get my apprentice license?

A: Starting on August 10, 2006 either on e-license or at any license agent.

Q: Does my mentor need to be me with when I purchase my apprentice license?

A: NO. If the apprentice is less than 17 years old the parent or guardian must accompany the youth to purchase the license. The mentor must be with the apprentice when they go afield.

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Frequently Asked Questions About New 2006 Deer Regulations

Applying for and purchasing a public land antlerless license

Q: How much is a 2006 antlerless license?

A: Pending the Director’s signature, affective August 16 the resident fee for an antlerless license will be $15.00 and the non-resident fee will be $138.00, with the exception of DMUs 001, 004, 020, 060, 068, 069, 071, and 452. For those DMUs the resident fee for an antlerless license will be $10.00 and the non-resident fee will be $100.00.

Q: Why was the antlerless license fee increased?

A: The legislature established the fee for all hunting licenses at $15.00 for residents and $138.00 for non-residents. The legislation provides the Director of the DNR the authority to discount antlerless license fees to help achieve the harvest of antlerless deer and meet biological objectives. The number of antlerless licenses available has been substantially decreased over the last 3 years. A discount is not needed to achieve the harvest of antlerless deer and meet biological objectives.

Q: Why did deer management assistance permits (DMAP) and managed deer hunt permits (MDHP) go up in price?

A: The Wildlife Conservation Order established the fee of DMAPs and MDHPs as the same fee as an antlerless license.

Q: Can a youth still purchase an antlerless deer hunting license over the counter?

A: Youth 12 to 16 years old (10 & 11 year olds will be included after August 10) may purchase one junior antlerless license over the counter during the public land antlerless deer license application period July 15 through August 15. Junior antlerless licenses sold prior to August 10 will have the incorrect age printed on them. Beginning August 16 private land antlerless licenses will be sold over the counter. Youths may purchase one antlerless deer license a day, up to the maximum of 3.