OUTDOOR CORNER: MDC PROVIDES EARLY PERMIT INCENTIVES

We've all heard the adage that "the early bird gets the worm." Well, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is taking that advice and has approved a one-time incentive program for residents who apply "early" for firearms any-deer permits.

As in past years, the deadline to apply for any-deer and bonus permits is Aug. 31. "Early bird" applicants who request resident any-deer permits before Aug. 7, will automatically be entered in a random selection process and will be eligible to receive one of the following: a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle with trailer, one of 10 Remington Model 700 ADL.30-06 deer rifles and one of 10 framed "Missouri Giant" art prints, which feature the world record non-typical buck.

The Any-Deer Application Incentive program was created to increase public awareness of new application procedures that are now in place due to the Point-of-Sale (POS) permit system. In the past, firearms deer hunters had to fill out a written application for any-deer permits and mail it to MDC. Now hunters apply for these permits, without the extra paperwork, when they purchase their firearms deer hunting permit.

Applications, post-marked no later than Aug. 7, from landowners who qualify for any-deer privileges will be included in the drawing. The application process has not changed for landowners. To qualify for free any-deer permits a landowner must have at least 75 acres in one tract. Those who requested any-deer privileges last year will receive a renewal form, by mail, from MDC. Landowners requesting any-deer permits for the first time must pick up application forms from a permit vendor and mail them to MDC.

The 1996 firearms deer hunting season is 11 days in length. It opens Saturday, Nov. 16 and runs through Nov. 26. Muzzleloading firearms deer hunting runs concurrent with the "modern" season (Nov. 16-26) and also December 7-15. A person who purchases a firearms deer hunting permit may not purchase a muzzleloading firearms deer hunting permit.

Deer hunters who wish to participate in one of the 1996 managed deer hunts must submit an application card prior to the Aug. 15 deadline. Missouri has several special hunts at various times from October 1996 through January 1997. Managed deer hunts are offered at selected conservation areas, state parks, national wildlife refuges, Fort Leonard Wood and various other city or county properties.

Harvest methods vary from area to area but include modern firearms, archery and muzzleloading firearms. The hunts are a continuing effort by MDC to provide additional hunting opportunities through sound wildlife management. The number of hunters is restricted at each hunt to maintain quality yet allow the proper harvest of deer.

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 wish 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. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application card will be disqualified from the random selection process.

Detailed information, including locations, dates and methods, are contained in the 1996 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Information Booklet. The booklet is available from permit vendors statewide. The managed deer hunt application card for 1996 is available only from MDC offices.

~Gene Myers is a Missouri Deparment of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.