OUTDOOR CORNER: DOG DAYS FOR DEER HUNTERS HELPED BY MANAGED HUNTS

If you are a deer hunter, the "Dog Days" of summer probably seem to be endless. The sweltering heat makes it difficult to even think about the crisp temperatures of the fall hunting season. Be that as it may, now is the time to be thinking about special managed deer hunts in Missouri. Hunters wishing to participate in one of the special hunts must submit an application that is postmarked no later than Aug. 15.

Missouri has several special modern firearms, archery and muzzleloading firearms hunts from October 1997 through January 1998. Managed deer hunts are announced in July and permits are issued by random computer selection.

These hunts are a continuing effort of the Missouri Department of Conservation to provide additional hunting opportunity through sound wildlife management. The number of hunters is restricted at each hunt to maintain quality yet allow the proper harvest of deer.

Managed deer hunts are offered at select Conservation Areas, State Perks, National Wildlife Refuges, Fort Leonard Wood and various other city or county properties. Hunt areas, harvest methods and quotas are determined each year and may differ from the previous year.

There is only one application card and one application period for all managed deer hunts (except the youth-only hunt which will have a special application card). Hunters may apply for only one of the October, November, December or January hunts listed on the application card. Hunters may apply individually or as a party, not to exceed six hunters.

If you which to hunt as a party, do not send individual application cards for each member of the party or they will be considered as individual applications. Only Hunter No. 1 on a group application card will be notified of success with each group members name listed. Each successful applicant will be assessed a $3 administrative fee.

Do not send money with the application. If the group is unsuccessful, each group member will be notified.

Hunters whose names appear on more than one application card will be disqualified from the random selection process. Application cards are available at Missouri Department of Conservation offices and at the sites where the hunts will be conducted. Applications must be postmarked at a post office between july 15 and Aug. 15. Metered postmarks will not be accepted.

In addition to the managed deer hunt permit(s), each hunt participant must have a valid 1997 Missouri Deer Hunting Permit, except that Bonus Deer Hunting Permits are not allowed. The only exception: those hunters drawn for one of the hunts in which there is an opportunity to take antlerless deer not counted toward the season bag limit may participate in the hunt with a used (filled) 1997 Deer Hunting Permit to take the extra antlerless deer.

The type of permit(s) required -- modern firearms, muzzleloading firearms or archery -- is determined by the hunt in which the hunter is participating. Landowner and non-resident landowner permits are not valid at any of the managed deer hunts.

Deer harvested at a managed deer hunt are counted as part of the hunters season limit unless otherwise stated in the list of managed deer hunts. Harvest limits are determined for each managed deer hunt.

The number of deer harvested by an individual hunter is determined by two factors: 1) If the hunter has a valid unused permit and; 2) how many deer are allowed to be harvested at the hunt in which the hunter is participating. See the list of managed deer hunts offered for specific information.

Any hunter permanently confined to a wheelchair will be automatically allowed to participate in one of the managed hunts at Fleming Park (East side), Shaw Arboretum, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, James A. Reed Wildlife Area, Burr Oak Woods, August A. Busch, Caney Mountain Drury/Mincy, Forest 44, Peck Ranch or Whetstone Creek Conservation Areas.

The hunter need only complete a separate application card and forward it to the Department with a supporting statement by a licensed physician and the $3 processing fee. These hunts are part of the managed deer hunt program and are not limited to disabled hunters.

Each disabled hunter may be accompanied by his/her chosen attendant/caregiver on the area while hunting, but that individual is not allowed to hunt, unless they have applied for the same hunt and was successfully drawn in the random selection process.

Detailed information, including locations, dates and methods are contained in the 1997 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Information Booklet. The booklet is available from permit vendors statewide. The managed deer hunt application card for 1997 is available only from MDC offices.

Gene Myers is a Cape Giradeau County agent for the Missouri Department of Conservation.