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Calling All Hunters

The Sept. 13 archery and crossbow openers mark the beginning of the 2014 deer hunting seasons and the start of the sixth annual Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey, an easy-to-do survey where hunters can record their observations of deer and other wildlife while out hunting.

“The Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey is a fun opportunity for hunters to share their enthusiasm for wildlife while helping our survey efforts,” says Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp.

At the end of each year, participants who provide their email address will receive a personalized summary of all recorded wildlife from that season. Participants can access the survey webpage by going to the DNR website and searching keyword “Deer Hunter Wildlife.” Once there, begin by filling out a tally sheet either electronically or print it from the site.

The DNR asks that hunters record all of their hunting activity throughout the deer season, even if no wildlife sightings were made during a hunt. The survey period ends January 2015.

These observations provide the DNR with an index to abundance for many wildlife species. To date, the deer hunters have reported more than 64,000 hunting trips around the state since the Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey began in 2009.

Lastly, don’t forget to keep sending in your trail camera photos. The trail camera gallery can be accessed through the Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey webpage. Take a moment to view some of the photos or watch a video. Check back often as the site is updated as soon as new photos are sent in.