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DEC Reminds Hunters of Deer Management Permit Application Deadline Approaching
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded hunters that the deadline for applying for Deer Management Permits (DMPs) is fast approaching. The DMP random selection process will end at the close of business on Oct. 1, 2007.
"Hunters who want to be eligible for DMPs this deer season should buy their licenses and apply for their permits as soon as possible," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "The sale of hunting licenses will continue after Oct. 1, but hunters will no longer be able to apply for DMPs."
DMPs are valid for antlerless deer only, and are issued for specific Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). Antlerless deer are defined as deer without antlers or deer with both antlers shorter than three inches in length. Each year DEC sets antlerless deer harvest objectives in each WMU and issues the number of DMPs required to reach this objective. The regulated harvest of antlerless deer is essential to manage deer herds towards levels desired by the public. DEC intends to issue approximately 466,000 DMPs in 2007, and about 267,000 permits have been issued so far.
Hunters are advised to know the WMU that they intend to hunt prior to applying for DMPs. Hunters may apply for up to two DMPs at any license issuing outlet, and are randomly selected for issuance. Someone applying on the last day has the same chance of receiving a DMP as a person applying on the first day. To see the chances for selection in each WMU, please go to www.dec.ny.gov/ permits/30409.html on the DEC website.
Deer hunting seasons in New York begin with bowhunting season in the Northern Zone, starting Sept. 27. However, DMPs are not valid for use in the Northern Zone until the regular deer season which begins on Oct. 20. In the Southern Zone, DMPs may be used during all open deer seasons, beginning with bowhunting season on Oct. 13.
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