TRURO - Nova Scotians looking for a chance to take an antlerless deer during the annual deer hunt can now submit applications.
There will be 8,500 permits available this year.
Nova Scotia uses a zone system to determine the number of antlerless licences, based on the abundance of deer in various areas. There are 12 deer zones across the province and applicants should review them before applying for the draw.
A computerized random draw will take place Saturday, Sept. 1. Permits will be awarded in seven zones. Hunters are allowed to harvest one deer of either sex in zones 102, 105 and 107 without an antlerless deer permit. No antlerless deer permits are available in zones 111 and 112.
For more information on deer zones, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/deerdraw/ddZones.asp.
Beginning at 7 a.m., Aug. 2, hunters can apply online by credit card at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/deerdraw/. The non-refundable application fee is $7.40 plus HST.
People can also call a 24-hour line at 1-900-565-DEER (3337) to apply. Fees for applications will be charged to the applicant's phone bill, and cellphones cannot be used. The line will remain open until midnight, Aug. 31.
Results will be available Sept. 3 on the department website.
Hunters who do not apply or are unsuccessful in the draw, will still be eligible to hunt deer, where permitted. However, they will be limited to hunting bucks with antlers a minimum of 7.62 centimetres (three inches) in length in zones other than 102, 105, and 107, where there are no deer restrictions.
Information on the 2012 draw can be found where hunting and angling licences are sold, or on the department website.
The number of antlerless permits available for the draw has been reduced this year based on data showing a lower-than-expected growth of the deer herd in the province.
