Mosquito Precautions Recommended—

Fall Archery Deer And Turkey Seasons Open Sept 15

With the start of the fall archery hunting season later this week, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reminds sportsmen to take precautions against mosquito-borne viruses when they are outdoors.

The 2006 fall archery hunting season for deer and wild turkey opens September 15. From September 15 to November 14 and December 20–30, bowhunters can pursue both deer and turkeys on state land and on private land where they have written permission of the landowner.

DEP outdoor experts say archers should remember that early fall is the time of year when mosquito-borne virus activity is highest. They also note that mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, times when hunters are often afield. Bowhunters should consider wearing head nets and gloves to help limit their exposure to mosquito bites. Sportsmen may also want to consider using scentless mosquito repellents. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin.

DEP reminds hunters and outdoorsmen that the threat of mosquito-borne viruses, such as West Nile (WNV) or eastern equine encephalitis, will persist until there is a “heavy frost.”

“The outlook for the 2006 hunting season is good, with an estimated statewide winter deer population of about 76,000 and a statewide turkey population of about 35,000,” said Howard Kilpatrick, a Deer/Turkey Program biologist for the DEP Wildlife Division. “Although there are good deer hunting opportunities throughout most of Connecticut, the southwest corner of the state and many of the shoreline towns provide the best opportunities, especially for bowhunters. Landowners should consider using the archery deer hunting season as a method of reducing deer populations, especially in the more developed areas of the state where firearms hunting may not be feasible.”

All private land archery hunters, whether they are hunting deer or turkey, are required to carry a DEP consent form signed by the landowner and dated for the current season. Permit applications and the 2006 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide (which contains DEP consent forms) are available from town clerks’ offices and some DEP offices. The guide and consent forms also can be accessed on the DEP’s website at www.ct.gov/dep. Hunters also should consult the DEP website for an up-to-date listing of new state lands open to archery deer hunting.

Bowhunters also are reminded that they are required to have a bowhunter safety certificate before purchasing an archery deer permit. Information on dates and locations for bowhunter education courses offered by the DEP’s Conservation Education/Firearms Safety Program can be obtained by calling the Wildlife Division offices at Franklin, 860-642-7239, or Burlington, 860-675-8130, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Bowhunters are encouraged to sign up for a course as soon as possible due to the limited number of courses being offered and the anticipated high demand for course openings.