Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposes deer zone changes
Frankfort, Kentucky - The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposed deer zone changes for the 2008-2009 deer season
at its quarterly meeting March 7.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by legislators before they become law.
The Commission voted to change deer zones for several counties. Marion and Taylor counties would be changed from Zone 1 to Zone 2; Boyle, Casey and Grayson counties would be changed from Zone 2 to Zone 3; and Hart County would be changed from Zone 2 to Zone 1.
The Commission also voted to decrease the number of antlerless deer hunting days in Zone 4 counties during late muzzleloader season. Under the recommendation, antlerless deer hunting in Zone 4 counties would only be allowed for the last three days of the nine-day late muzzleloader season, beginning the Friday after opening weekend. Hunting for antlered deer would still be allowed during the entire nine-day season.
The 2008-2009 Deer Seasons:
Statewide All Zones:
Archery (either %@*) - September 6, 2008 - January 19, 2009
Crossbow (either %@*) - October 1 - 19 and November 8 -
December 31, 2008
Youth-Only Firearms Season (either %@*) - October 11 - 12, 2008
Early Muzzleloader (Zones 1, 2, 3 either %@*, Zone 4 antlered deer only)
- October 18-19, 2008
Late Muzzleloader - December 13-21, 2008 (Zones 1, 2, 3 either %@*; Zone 4 antlered deer only Dec. 13-18; either %@* Dec. 19-21)
Free Youth Weekend (either %@*) - December 27-28, 2008
Zones 1 & 2:
Modern Firearms (either %@*) - November 8-23, 2008
Zones 3 & 4:
Modern Firearms (Zone 3 either %@*, Zone 4 antlered deer only)
- November 8-17, 2008
Bag limits remain the same as last year.
In other wildlife-related business, the Commission voted to allow trapping for squirrels and rabbits during small game hunting seasons when the furbearer trapping and small game hunting seasons overlap. Small game trappers would have to possess a trapping license. People who trap and transport live squirrels or rabbits would be required to have a captive wildlife permit prior to possessing a live squirrel or rabbit. Hunting bag limits would apply and legal trap types would be the same as those already in place for furbearer trapping.
In fisheries-related business, the Commission recommended removing the 9-inch minimum size limit on crappie at Wood Creek Lake in Laurel County. On Carter Caves State Park Lake (Smokey Valley Lake) in Carter County, the Commission recommended removing the 15-inch minimum size limit and 3 bass daily creel limit on largemouth bass. Minimum size and daily creel limits on largemouth bass would revert back to statewide regulations. Both of these fisheries regulations, if approved, go into effect on March 1, 2009.
The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8 a.m., Friday, June 13, 2008 at #1 Sportsman's Lane off U.S. 60 in Frankfort. Persons interested in addressing the Commission must notify the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner's office in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda. People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator. To request to address the Commission, write to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601.
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The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, has an economic impact to the state of $4.8 billion annually. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.











