fisher16
07-17-2006, 05:37 AM
SHOTGUN SEASON FOR DEER EXTENDED ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Following a public hearing held on Martha's Vineyard in May, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted unanimously on June 27 to establish a 2-week shotgun deer season on the island. With substantial public comment expressed for reducing deer densities and for timely action, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to make the new hunting season dates take effect in the upcoming 2006 deer season. This year, those dates are November 28 - December 9, 2006.
The expanded shotgun season dates are in alignment with the shotgun season held throughout Massachusetts except Wildlife Management Zone 12 (Cape Cod) which still has a 1 week shotgun deer season. "Last year over 60% of the deer harvested on Martha's Vineyard were taken during the shotgun season," said Bill Woytek, MassWildlife Deer Project Leader. "The shotgun season is the most effective and efficient means of reducing high deer densities and presents more opportunities for deer hunters on Martha's Vineyard." MassWildlife estimates there are 40-50 deer/square mile on the Vineyard. Woytek noted that every time a hunting season has been extended, the numbers of deer harvested rises. The muzzleloader and archery seasons have been extended several times in the past ten years throughout the state, while the shotgun season on the Vineyard had not been extended. Deer hunters may also use muzzleloaders and archery equipment during this season and must comply with all shotgun deer season rules and regulations. Woytek also pointed out that his recommendation for extending the deer season is part of a two prong approach to deer management on the island; hunter access to private land is also key to successfully reducing high island deer densities.
Following a public hearing held on Martha's Vineyard in May, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted unanimously on June 27 to establish a 2-week shotgun deer season on the island. With substantial public comment expressed for reducing deer densities and for timely action, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to make the new hunting season dates take effect in the upcoming 2006 deer season. This year, those dates are November 28 - December 9, 2006.
The expanded shotgun season dates are in alignment with the shotgun season held throughout Massachusetts except Wildlife Management Zone 12 (Cape Cod) which still has a 1 week shotgun deer season. "Last year over 60% of the deer harvested on Martha's Vineyard were taken during the shotgun season," said Bill Woytek, MassWildlife Deer Project Leader. "The shotgun season is the most effective and efficient means of reducing high deer densities and presents more opportunities for deer hunters on Martha's Vineyard." MassWildlife estimates there are 40-50 deer/square mile on the Vineyard. Woytek noted that every time a hunting season has been extended, the numbers of deer harvested rises. The muzzleloader and archery seasons have been extended several times in the past ten years throughout the state, while the shotgun season on the Vineyard had not been extended. Deer hunters may also use muzzleloaders and archery equipment during this season and must comply with all shotgun deer season rules and regulations. Woytek also pointed out that his recommendation for extending the deer season is part of a two prong approach to deer management on the island; hunter access to private land is also key to successfully reducing high island deer densities.