The DWR has available “on line” the 2012 big game guidebook for you to study.  Lots of changes to the deer hunt this year.  One very positive change it that youth (under 18) can apply for tags as groups of up to four.  As long as turn 14 or 18 on or before Aug. 21st.  This give kids a chance to draw limited entry tags as well as general tags and hunt as groups.  Remember too, that parents or other adult have to accompany youth that are under 16.

On a slightly negative side is the fact that the state deer hunt is being broken up into 30 separate units.  So when we apply we need to make sure we are all on the same page as to which unit we are applying.

On a VERY NEGATIVE note is the fact that we will NOT know how many tags are being offered for any of the units state wide.  We will be applying “blind”.  Another note is that the tags that are being offered are given to the Dedicated hunters first and foremost and then a percentage (15% I think) of the remaining tags will be dedicated to youth who have applied for that area.  Once those two things have been fulfilled, the rest of us will be in the drawing for the remaining tags.

Keep another thing in mind as well.  A couple of years ago they implemented a rule that says if you don’t apply for a limited entry/once in a lifetime/ or buy a point at least ONCE in a THREE YEAR period, you will LOSE any points you may have had accrued!  That is a big deal if you plan on hunting in some limited entry dream hunt in your lifetime.

Study the maps and make up your minds before the February 1st date.  You have until March 1st to apply.  It’s like we have said, “No Lead, No Dead” and this is no different…”No Apply, No Cry”…..

There will be follow up postings on this subject as we get closer to the application periods.

CRAWFORDS for some in 2012!!!!!!!!

Bears Butt

Jan. 2012