United Bowhunters of Kentucky

Report from KDFWR

Wildlife Committee

Feb. 5, 2010

   The 2009 deer harvest was 113579, down 6% from last year. Archery hunters took 14662 deer of which 58% were female. There are no season changes recommended for the 2010 deer season. Several zone changes and all but 1 (Caldwell) will be more conservative. Check your county before hunting this fall.

   The first Black Bear season had 372 bear permits bought and then got snowed out. No bears were harvested. Mike Roberts said he saw a track.

   The 2011 Elk season recommendations will impact bowhunting in Kentucky.

Recommended:

   VII-A. Create 4 types of tags for which hunters may apply: Archery antlered, archery antlerless, firearm antlered, firearm antlerless. Archery hunters would not be allowed to hunt during either firearms elk season. Firearm hunters would not be allowed to archery hunt outside their assigned week. Hunters would be allowed to enter the elk lottery up to 2 times at $10 per entry (e.g. they could put in for “bull firearms” and “bull archery”).

   VII-B. Add 2 weeks of archery-only season prior to the bull firearms season (e.g., archery season opening day for 2011 would be September 24). Crossbow hunters drawn for an archery tag could hunt during these 2 weeks and the remainder of the current elk crossbow season.

What UBK has asked the KDFWR and the commissioners to consider:

   UBK first thanked the KDFWR for considering an archery-only season for elk. We have asked that it be just that, an archery-only season and not include the crossbow. UBK has suggested 8 types of tags and include the crossbow and muzzle loader with their own tags. That would give all sportsmen the opportunity to use their preferred method of take. We have suggested that the tags be weapon specific, which would encourage the sportsmen to choose the weapon they are most proficient with. UBK suggested that the “bull archery” tag be an “either sex” tag and help reduce the pressure on the bulls.

   Commissioner Orr brought up some concern about the wounding of elk with archery equipment. I have sent him and Tina Brunjes a copy of the Camp Ripley study that shows the wounding rate for archery hunting at only 13%. There was also a comment that the archery season might be too long. In the past year archery season went from Oct. 3 until Jan. 18 (depending on the tag drawn) there were only 49 (6%) elk harvested. Bowhunting has been proven to provide many hours afield without damage to the resource. UBK has always supported the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) which teaches responsible and ethical bowhunting. An archery-only tag would attract the more dedicated and experienced bowhunters, which should reduce the wounding rate even further.

There was also discussion about implementing a 3-year block on entering the elk draw for bull hunters. I personally think KDFWR should be working towards a preference point system.

   Dr. Karen Waldrop has recommended 1000 elk tags (250 bull, 750 cow) for 2010. Commissioner Orr and Hensley would like it to be less. From their observations, they believe the herd numbers are less than projected. Members in the area, please let the KDFWR know what you are seeing.

    There are several changes coming to the WMA’s so check the hunting guide before you go this year. The KDFWR recommends removing the bonus buck option for WMA quota hunts. KDFWR was considering having all WMA’s with the 15 inch antler restriction, but does NOT recommend this change. Deer numbers and harvest has dropped on Higginson Henry and you will only be able to harvest one deer from there this year.

   There are two bills (HB 173 and HB 312) in the House that could open up our WMA’s to horse, ATV and motorcycle trails. WMA’s were bought with sportsmen money for hunting and fishing and we need to keep them that way. Call your representative and oppose the bills. More information can be obtained at http://www.fw.ky.gov/ and click legislative update.

   Hunter orange on temporary ground blinds on WMA’s during deer and elk season has been recommended. At least 400 inches of solid hunter orange would be required to be on or within ten feet of the blind. I asked how many blinds had been shot. The answer was zero! This is an unnecessary regulation in my opinion.

   The National Muzzle Loader Rifle Assoc. has asked the KDFWR to consider establishing a “traditional Kentucky flintlock rifle” season for deer from Oct. 19-31 and Dec. 1-11. Wildlife division does NOT recommend this, but the committee did vote to take it to the full commission on March 5^th. I did ask the commission, that if they consider this, they should also consider a “traditional archery season” for the recurve and longbow.

   The next commission meeting is March 5^th. BOWHUNTING NEEDS YOUR HELP. Plan to attend and help promote, protect and preserve the great sport of bowhunting. If you can’t be there, call your commissioner and the KDFWR. They really do like to here from us and they are polite when we are. I always need to here from the membership, so if you have any questions please call.

Bowhunting forever,

Gary R. Williams, UBK president

Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources News

August 14, 2009                                                                     Contact: Lee McClellan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            1-800-858-1549, ext. 4443

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposes waterfowl seasons, opening day change for spring turkey season

            Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposed the 2009-2010 waterfowl seasons and elected officers at its quarterly meeting August 14. Commission members also voted to change opening day of the general spring season for turkey.
The Commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by legislators before they become law. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission must place waterfowl seasons within the framework mandated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service because all migratory game birds are under federal control.
Waterfowl seasons include:

Ducks, Coots and Mergansers
·        Duck season opens November 26, 2009 (Thanksgiving Day) and closes November 29, 2009. The season re-opens December 7, 2009 and closes January 31, 2010.
·        The season dates for scaup are now the same as the regular duck season. The daily bag limit for scaup is two birds as part of the six-bird daily duck bag limit.
·        Hunters may take one canvasback duck this season daily as part of the six-bird daily duck bag limit.
·        Season dates for mergansers and coots are the same as the duck season dates for the 2009-2010 seasons. The daily bag limit for mergansers is five, only two of which may be hooded mergansers. The daily limit for coots is 15.

Canada Geese
·        Western Goose Zone – November 23, 2009 - January 31, 2010
·        Pennyrile-Coalfield Goose Zone (including West-Central Canada Goose subzone) – November 23, 2009 – January 31, 2010
·        Eastern Goose Zone – November 23, 2009 – January 31, 2010
·        Northeastern Canada Goose Zone – December 26, 2009 - January 3, 2010 and January 19 – 31, 2010
White-fronted Geese
·        Statewide – November 23, 2009 – January 31, 2010
Snow Goose
·        Regular Season – November 23, 2009 – January 31, 2010
Snow Goose Conservation Order Season
·              Eastern Goose Zone: February 1 – March 31, 2010
·              Western, Pennyrile-Coalfield and West-Central Goose Zones:
February 1 - 5, 2010; February 8 - March 31, 2010

Youth Waterfowl Season
Eastern Zone:
November 7-8, 2009
Western Zone:
February 6-7, 2010

In other waterfowl-related business, hunters at Sloughs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) may now hunt within 25 yards of designated blinds or blind locations for some full-season draw blinds on the Powell’s Lake , Jenny Hole and Highland Creek tracts. Previously, hunters could only hunt from permanent department blinds.
            Beginning with the 2010-2011 waterfowl seasons, waterfowl hunters using the Ohio River Islands WMA in Livingston County must cease hunting and be off the area by 2 p.m.
            Mobility-impaired hunters will now be eligible to participate in the mentor waterfowl hunts at Minor Clark Fish Hatchery. They must possess a mobility-impaired access permit obtained from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife prior to the drawing for the hunt and must abide by rules already in place for the mentor waterfowl hunts.
            In turkey-related business, the opening of the regular spring turkey season will move to the second Saturday in April. Previously, the regular spring turkey opened on the Saturday closest to April 15. This new opening day will commence for the 2010 spring turkey season. Opening day next year will be April 10. Opening day for the youth turkey season remained unchanged.
            In fisheries-related business, the Commission recommended removing the current horsepower restrictions on boat motors on Lake Malone . The 22-foot maximum boat length restriction remains in place. They also established a shoreline use permit for development activities on lakes owned by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. The Commission also modified existing regulations regarding shoreline use at certain department-owned lakes. Existing water access structures and boat docks will be allowed to remain under certain guidelines.
            The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission also elected officers who will serve until August, 2010. Dale Franklin, 2nd District Commission member, was elected chairman while 9th District Commission Member Taylor Orr was elected vice-chairman. Dr. James Rich, 5th District Commission member, was elected secretary.
      The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8 a.m., Friday, December 4, 2009 at #1 Sportsman’s Lane off U.S. 60 in Frankfort . Persons interested in addressing the Commission must notify the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s Commissioner’s office in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda. People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator. To request to address the commission, write to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort , Kentucky , 40601 .

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The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.

there.

Gary R. Williams, UBK pres.

Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources News Release

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposes 2009-2010 early migratory bird season dates

June 12, 2009                                                                      Contact: Lee McClellan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            1-800-858-1549, ext. 4443

Frankfort, Ky. – The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposed the 2009-2010 early migratory bird season dates at its quarterly meeting June 12.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by legislators before they become law.
The 2009-2010 Early Migratory Bird Seasons:
Mourning Dove:
Sept. 1 – Oct. 24, 2009; Nov. 26 – Dec. 4, 2009;
Dec. 26, 2009 – Jan. 1, 2010
Canada Goose:
Sept. 5 – 13, 2009
Wood Duck and Teal:
Sept. 16 – 20, 2009
American Woodcock:
Oct. 17 – Nov. 30, 2009
Virginia and Sora Rail, Common Moorhen and Purple Gallinule:
Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2009
Common Snipe:
Sept. 16 – Nov. 1, 2009; Nov. 26, 2009 – Jan. 24, 2010

Season lengths and bag limits remain the same as last year.
In other early migratory bird hunting business, the Commission proposed changing one of the dove fields at Yellowbank Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to a field where hunters may only use U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved non-toxic shot. The change would go into effect for this year’s dove seasons. This change reduces lead toxicity concerns as the field is located adjacent to a high-use waterfowl area.
The Commission also changed the wording of the regulation that would allow the department to designate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved non-toxic shot-only dove fields close to high-use waterfowl areas and wetlands as posted by signs on WMAs.
The Commission also recommended closing West Kentucky WMA to the September Canada goose season beginning in 2009 and establishing a youth dove hunt at Camp Robert E. Webb in Grayson County . Hunters would be drawn from campers who attended Camp Robert E. Webb and earned their Outdoorsman Patch during that year’s summer camp season. The hunt would occur on the first Saturday of dove season, which this year is Sept. 5.
In fisheries-related business, the Commission proposed lengthening the boat length maximum limit to 22 feet on all lakes owned or managed by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Currently, several lakes have an 18½-foot maximum length restriction. Boat motor horsepower restrictions on these lakes would not change. This law would go into effect on March 1, 2010.
            The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8 a.m., Friday, Aug. 14 at #1 Sportsman’s Lane off U.S. 60 in Frankfort. Persons interested in addressing the Commission must notify the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner’s office in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda. People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator. To request to address the commission, write to KDFWR, Commissioner Jon Gassett, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601.

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The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.

Gary R. Williams, President

playgroundfarm@yahoo.com

270-887-8870

Note: Bernheim has been shut down for Hog Hunting till June 1st because Bernheim is baiting therefore Fish and Wildlife will not allow hunting during this time.