Deer Season to Open on Saturday
Press release from the Department of Fish and Wildlife:
California’s 2016 general deer season will open in zones B1-B3, B5, B6, C1-C4, D6, D7, X9A, X9B and X12 on Saturday, Sept. 17. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds hunters to pay close attention to the occurrence of wild fires in their favorite hunting spots. Current information on forest closures can be found at www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/area-alerts.
In addition to monitoring forest closures, CDFW recommends hunters scout potential hunting areas prior to the day of the hunt. Deer can sometimes be difficult to locate, and pre-existing knowledge of deer feeding and bedding areas will provide valuable insight and help maximize chances of success.
Hunters are reminded that as of July 1, 2015 nonlead ammunition is required when hunting on state wildlife areas and ecological reserves. Lead ammunition may still be used to hunt deer on Bureau of Land Management (BLM), national forest and private lands until July 1, 2019.
Deer tags are still available for many of the state’s most popular zones. Hunting licenses and tags can be purchased online, at one of CDFW’s license sales offices or through a license sales agent. For more information on deer hunting zones and seasons, see the 2016 Big Game Hunting Digest. Specific zone maps and information are also available online.
Every purchaser of a deer tag must report their harvest, even if they were unsuccessful. For successful hunters, the report must be made within 30 days of harvesting a deer or by Jan. 31, whichever date is first. Unsuccessful hunters, and those who purchased a tag but did not hunt, must report by Jan. 31. Harvest reports may be submitted online or by U.S. mail to CDFW Wildlife Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94299-0002.
Hunter harvest numbers are an important component of CDFW’s annual population analysis, and are key to ensuring sustainable deer populations and hunting opportunities for future generations. Studies have shown that the most accurate harvest estimates are obtained from hunter-generated reports. Yet historically, only 30 percent of hunters have submitted mandatory harvest reports.
In order to improve hunter reporting rates and collect better hunter harvest data, non-reporting fees were instituted in 2016. Tag holders who fail to report will be charged a non-reporting fee of $21.60, which will be added to license purchases beginning with the 2017-2018 season.
The sale of hunting licenses and tags provides approximately $25 million every year to CDFW to fund research and management of California’s wildlife, including the enforcement of fish and wildlife laws, crucial habitat conservation, post-wildfire forest restoration and wildlife migration and population studies.
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Although I come from a hunting family,I’m the big animal lover I can’t stand the fact that men take such pride in killing a beautiful animal like a deer,just for the horns.i know some use the meat.the boys are always giving pops meat!!eeerrrrrrr
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer%E2%80%93vehicle_collisions
Deer are dumber than frogs, blinder than bats and waaaay overpopulated.
No, they aren’t dumb. They start living around my cabin in early Spring and stash their fawns under it while Mom goes out for groceries. I consider myself a fawn-sitter…and it’s all good…until the Bear comes to collect its due. Hard to hear, but worth the knowledge that I’m accepted into the Bigger Wheel. af
http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/
One wonders about such comments as yours.
G-Ma, check the horns on this buck. The irregularity on the off side is due to being fed “Horn and Hoof” feed. And in being fed, they are baited for trophies…if it can still be called that. af
Cottrell Ranch charges thousands of dollars to kill a trophy. I saw an 18 wheeler flat bed go up their driveway loaded with Horn Feed.
So sad,thanks erine.you sound like a great sitter.bless your loving heart
Is t it illegal to do that here? (Bait and feed)
Yes, very illegal to hunt over bait.
Umm, I and everyone that I know who hunt deer do it for the meat first. Big horns are nice but they are difficult to eat even when stewed for hours. You said that “some” use the meat. It is highly illegal to harvest a deer and not properly care for and use the meat. I dont mind non hunters, just leave my freedom to provide wholesome, organic meat to my family alone ; )
Hunting is a traditional activity carried on for generations of many cultures. It’s not just about the horns. Deer meat is delicious and nutritious.Getting out into the woods is healthy and brings families together. Our earthly home was created with all we need, we only are tasked with taking care of it responsibly. Happy Hunting Season. May all who hunt be successful whether you bag one or not. May your hearts be full of love and pride for carrying on long held traditions of our people.
The best post. And deer ain’t got no “horns.” They have antlers. And my freezer always has a little taste. But we’ve been putting it up in jerky more often than not over the last few years. Fantastic, and at the store price for jerky, we’re comin’ out ahead.
Good luck everybody! I can already taste the backstrap.
Whitetails rule, sorry.
mmmmmmmm back strap.
I don’t know anyone who wastes deer meat, regardless of antler size, maybe a worthless poacher[edit].