Michigan Relaxes Crossbow Hunting Restrictions

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Michigan has expanded the regulations regarding crossbow hunting in an attempt to attract hunters. Hunting is a popular sport in the state and the minimum age for crossbow hunting was recently lowered from twelve to ten. The decision was made after a 2009 post-hunting season mail survey revealed that archery deer hunting activities increased after liberalization of other crossbow regulations.

Hunters ages ten or older will now be permitted to use both crossbows and other archery equipment. People who hunt with a crossbow must have a hunting license and a free crossbow stamp. Disabled hunters who already have a crossbow permit are not required to get this stamp. Hunters can obtain the crossbow application form on the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment Web site.

There are specific guidelines regarding when and where a crossbow is legal to use for hunting purposes. In the Lower Peninsula area of the state, hunters are now permitted to use crossbows during firearm and archery seasons. In the Upper Peninsula, only disabled hunters may use a crossbow during the late archery or muzzleloader seasons.

Other changes to crossbow regulations include the permission to use modified bows when and where crossbows are legal and elimination of the maximum velocity for crossbows. The Wildlife Conservation Order’s three year sunset provision regarding use of a crossbow was also eliminated. Another change includes the ability for hunters who are temporarily disabled to apply for a temporary crossbow permit.

Some of the regulations have not changed from previous years. Hunters must be dressed in hunter orange when they are hunting deer during the youth firearm, November firearm, and early antlerless deer seasons. During archery deer seasons, bow hunters may not carry a firearm unless they have a concealed pistol license. The goal of the relaxed regulations is to increase hunter participation in the archery form of deer hunting and maintain or increase the number of crossbow hunters each year.

Source: Freep.com. State lessening restrictions on crossbow hunting.

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Southern Suburb Sees Deer Deaths From Virus

The southern suburban area of Crete, Illinois, has seen a recent increase in the number of deer deaths. Residents are finding dying or dead deer in forests and backyards on the eastern perimeter of Will County. This area was once home to over 600 deer but that figure is quickly decreasing.

According to David Green, a resident of Crete, “This morning, another died in my boss’ backyard. They’re all over the place. The smell is horrendous.” Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, is being attributed as the cause for the deaths of over 30 of these deer. Late last month, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources began investigating the situation and pointed to EHD as their finding.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that EHD is commonly found in white-tailed deer but rarely occurs in other species. Biting gnats are the carriers of the disease so it usually occurs during the driest part of the year. EHD is not contagious between deer and cannot be transferred to humans.

This disease incubates for five to ten days and usually recedes once cold, wet weather arrives and causes the deer to move from areas infested by gnats. The gnats are killed by the first hard frost, which effectively reduces the spread of EHD. However, deer who have already contracted the disease may still be in the incubation stage at this time, so additional casualties may be found after this period.

Signs of EHD include frothing from the mouth, a swollen tongue that turns blue, disorientation, lethargy, unresponsiveness toward humans, and death near a water source. Crete residents have reported seeing deer with all of these symptoms in the local area. Though Mr. Green states, “We’re just accumulating so many of them it’s scary,” this outbreak is relatively small. During 2007, a major outbreak in the state resulted in 1,900 deer casualties within 57 counties.

Source: SouthtownStar. Chicago Sun-Times. Virus killing deer near south suburb.

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Utah Sees Test Of Deer-Alerting Device

Deer are such beautiful and gentle creatures when they are in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, they often venture from their woodland homes and into the path of oncoming traffic. The result is often a very tragic end for the deer, the car that hit the creature, and the human occupants of the automobile. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 150 human lives are taken and a billion dollars in auto damage is caused by the 1.5 million collisions that occur between a deer and a car each year.

Companies are now taking steps to develop products that deter deer from entering the path of an automobile. Utah recently tested one of these products, appropriately called Deer Deter. The device is attached to a tree or post on a rural highway and it produces a whistling sound as cars approach. Placing these devices within 150 to 300 feet of each other allows deer to be aware of cars entering the area.

In addition to an audible signal, Deer Deter also uses a small strobe light to alert deer to impending doom. The hope is that the device will prevent a deer from heading directly into traffic or becoming hypnotized by car headlights. Deer Deter even alternates the sound and light patterns so deer will always be on their toes.

The high-pitched sound of the device is not likely to reach the ears of humans unless they are driving slowly and have their car windows down. This makes the device friendly to both people and animals and the ability for it to save the lives of both is a welcome situation. Deer will stay in the woods or on the side of the road eating their meals and the humans can zoom right along to their destination.

In May, one hundred of the Deer Deter devices were installed on a two-mile stretch of Utah highway. From 2005 to 2009, 130 deer died on this stretch of road. Since the Deer Deter devices were installed, no deer have died there. However, authorities say additional testing time will be required to judge the effectiveness of the device.

Source: Teeghman, David. DiscoveryNews. Deer-Startling Device Gets A Tryout In Utah.

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2011 Deer Hunting Proposed Changes Irk Some Hunters In Indiana

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is proposing changes to the rules regarding deer hunting seasons. An Indystar.com columnist wrote about information contained in a relevant news release and was lambasted by several readers. Though he was accused of simply publishing an IDNR news release and being biased, he believes what most upset his readers was his thought that the proposed changes were not really in the proposed state, they were a done deal.

His thoughts on this topic were based on public meetings regarding the rule changes. They were also derived from the fact that the changes were approved by the Natural Resources Commission, IDNR wildlife biologists, and several hunting groups influential within Indiana. Some readers feel these hunting organizations do not hold opinions corresponding to the populations they represent.

One reader stated that a movement and shortening of the deer hunting season will actually decrease the number of deer killed annually. The IDNR proposal includes shortening each of the muzzleloader and firearms seasons from 16 days to nine days. In addition, a two day antlerless season is proposed for certain counties in October and an additional eight days in December throughout the state.

Within its news release, the IDNR requested that hunters use its Web site to express their opinions. They were barraged with quite a few comments, a lot of them not very positive. The author of the Indystar.com article who previously thought the proposed rule changes were all but finalized also got an education. He learned that the IDNR has five public meetings scheduled for August, so things might not be as final as he once thought.

The goal of these meetings, scheduled for various locations throughout the state, is a sharing of information regarding the proposed regulations. Public hearings for the proposal will occur in early 2011, so these other conversations need to take place quickly. IDNR also wants to use these meetings to clarify the reasons the new regulations were proposed, in order to clear up any misunderstandings.

Source:  Hess, Skip. Indystar.com. Some Indiana deer hunters oppose rule proposals.

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Add A New Spice To Your Garden With Deer Resistant Plant Marjoram

It might be surprising to some that there are vegetables, fruits, and herbs that repel deer. One would think that the hungry creatures would enjoy all of these treats, but such is not the case. The herb Origanum marjorana, also known as marjoram, is known for its deer deterrent quality.

Marjoram is used in flavoring meats and breads and was traditionally used within the Middle East, its native area. This herb is also an ingredient in body care products such as lotion, shaving gel, and body wash. For eating purposes, it has a spicy taste and is often confused with oregano, but marjoram is milder and sweeter.

This highly scented herb gets tiny purple or white flowers in the late spring to early summer, adding a pretty touch to the garden. It grows one to two feet and both the flowers and the leaves are harvested for seasoning purposes. Marjoram is considered a perennial in warmer climates, but its lack of hardiness sometimes makes it an annual in colder zones. This herb is very easy to grow and does well in poor to average soil conditions with full sun. It will also grow well in containers as long as they are placed in areas with a lot of sunshine.

The variegated and creeping varieties of this plant make an even prettier addition to the garden than the traditional type. However, these are not as flavorful as the original version, making them less useful as a cooking herb. Marjoram makes a great addition to recipes that include meat, vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs, and cheese.

Using marjoram in the garden will provide a pretty scene, a nice herb to use when cooking, and a way to keep deer out of the area. This mild, sweet tasting herb is included in a wide variety of recipes for most foods except desserts. It is easily grown in many areas of the country as long as there is average soil and full sun in the garden.

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Forget Tulips, Try Planting Deer Resistant Plant Winter Aconite If You Want Bulbs In Your Garden

Some gardeners enjoy planting a bulb garden because it is a relatively low maintenance way to have flowers each year. Winter Aconite is a bulb plant that contains attractive yellow flowers and it also deters deer. It can be planted between flowers and shrubs that deer enjoy, in order to keep the animals out of the entire area.

Winter Aconite does best in areas containing full sun, where it will grow to about four to six inches high. The yellow flowers bloom very early in the spring season and can quickly form clumps. The petals are upturned while the foliage turns down, giving the plant a unique appearance. The leaves fully expand when the flowers have almost completed blooming.

This plant is rarely damaged by deer in most parts of the country, so it makes a good addition to gardens within different geographic areas. In milder climates, the blooms will begin to appear as early as January and they are both frost-tolerant and able to survive snow cover. As the plants start to die down, the gardener should lift the tubers, break or cut them into sections, and immediately replant them in order to propagate the Winter Aconite.

This plant looks very nice when planted near Scilla, another deer resistant plant that contains an abundance of light blue flowers. Scilla plants grow to about the same height as Winter Aconite and they bloom in early spring. These plants grow best in partial shade to full sun areas within the yard.

Using a bulb plant like Winter Aconite will provide some color to the garden early in the year. The yellow blooms appear in late winter or early spring, depending on the geographic climate within the area. This plant will keep deer out of the garden, allowing the flowers to develop unharmed.

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Knowing Which Species Of Deer Reistant Plant Spurge To Plant To Keep Deer Away

Many plants have different species and each can have a unique appearance and different qualities. The plant spurge comes in 2,420 and some are more deer resistant than others. Knowing which species of spurge to plant to keep deer away will mean the difference between a pristine and ravaged garden.

With over 2,400 species, the perennial spurge is one of the largest flowering plant families. Many of these resemble cactus plants and are found in India and Africa. The Chameleon species is often severely damaged by deer, while the other types serve as deer repellents. The Allegheny spurge and Japanese spurge are particularly unattractive to deer.

This plant grows approximately two to three and a half feet tall, yields greenish-yellow flowers, and has a milky white sap. The flowers grow in clusters and bloom in mid-June, though the bracts that support them appear as early as late May. The leaves of the plant are small ovals that have a frosted coloring to them. Many species of this plant turn different colors in the fall, adding color to the garden during this season.

Spurge can spread quickly within a garden, taking up the water and nutrients needed by companion plants. It grows best in dry to moist soil and has average watering needs. Gardeners should note that handling spurge may result in an irritation to the skin or even an allergic reaction. The seeds and all parts of the plant are poisonous if they are ingested.

Spurge sometimes grows so quickly that it needs to be controlled and it is considered a weed in several areas of the U.S. However, other gardeners value this plant due to its drought resistant quality and the fact that it deters deer. The correct species of spurge will add nice color to the garden from the summer into the fall, while keeping deer away from the area.

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Deer Resistant Oriental Onion Adds Spring Colors And Keeps The Deer Out

Oriental Onion is a vegetable that serves many purposes for a homeowner. With its green leaf and blanched white stalks, it makes an attractive addition to the garden. It is edible and has a nice flavor, making it a key ingredient in Japanese dishes including stir-fry and tempura. However, perhaps best of all, it is a deer deterrent, so while looking pretty and feeding the family, this little vegetable keeps deer away from the garden.

The Oriental onion, also referred to as Japanese bunching onion or scallion, does not form a real bulb. The upper green section of the stalk is hollow and is often chopped up to use in many Asian dishes. All parts of the onion are edible, but when making Eastern sauces, the lower quarter inch of the stalk is usually removed.

This vegetable can be incorporated directly into the garden or grown in pots within the area. It can be grown as an annual, but if left alone, offshoots will develop and can be divided the following year. They tend to grow in bunches, so allow enough room in the designated area of the garden. Each cluster grows about 18-24 inches long and groups should be planted six to nine inches from each other in the soil.

Optimum growing conditions are full sun or sunny to partially shady areas of the yard. These vegetables grow in mid-summer and give off a slight aroma that is not enticing to deer. They grow quickly and can usually be harvested within a few weeks because even when they are small, they are just as tasty.

Oriental onion makes a great ingredient in many Asian dishes and it can generally be used to replace green onion in any recipe. These vegetables are very inexpensive to purchase and have a delicate appearance. The odor they emit will keep deer away from the area where they are planted.

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Deer Resistant Plant Spotted Deadnettle Will Keep Deer Away And Offset Your Garden Mulch

Spotted deadnettle is a very attractive and fast growing perennial that makes a nice ground cover in the garden. In addition, this flowering plant is deer resistant so it will keep the gentle but hungry creatures out of the area. It can be interspersed with hosta and other garden plants that attract deer, in order to keep the animals from chewing on those.

The best growing conditions for this plant are in a partially shady dry spot in the garden that has well- drained soil. However, it will grow in other soil types and moisture levels, as long as the spot is not sunny enough to cause leaf scorch. Spotted deadnettle can be invasive, so it should be cut back after the first blooming season in order to encourage compact growth.

Different varieties of this plant have very dynamic leaf and flower characteristics. The Anne Greenway version has leaves that are a mix of the colors mint green, medium green, silver, and chartreuse. Mauve flowers appear from late spring into early summer each year. Other versions have yellow, silver, or green leaves with pink, purple, or white flowers.

A height of about four to eight inches and a spread up to 36 inches can be expected from this plant. In addition to hosta, spotted deadnettle makes a nice companion for bugleweed, barrenwort, bleeding heart, carex, ghost fern, and Lenten rose. The only maintenance required is cutting back after flowering and fertilizing as directed on the instructions for the plant.

The deer resistant plant spotted deadnettle is a very attractive flowering plant perfect for inclusion in the garden. The pink, purple, or white flowers and eye-catching foliage make for a very attractive groundcover. Using this plant in the garden will deter deer and keep its plant neighbors safe from the hungry animals, while adding a nice focal point.

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Adding Deer Resistant Dwarf Alberta Spruce To Your Landscaping To Deter Deer From Your Garden

In addition to shrubs, plants, and flowers that deter deer, there are trees that serve this purpose. The dwarf Alberta Spruce tree is rarely damaged by deer and it makes a dynamic addition to the outside of the home. The rough foliage on the tree is not appealing to deer, so they will rarely snack in the area in which it is planted.

This cone-bearing evergreen tree will reach about six to eight feet tall and spans four to five feet wide. It is slow growing, so it may take several years before it is fully developed. The green needles are soft to the touch and this conifer can serve double duty as a mini Christmas tree.

The dwarf Alberta Spruce is a dense tree so it can be used as a privacy device in areas of partial to full sun. Alternatively, it can be shaped and used as a topiary because it grows well in containers. It looks great either in the garden or behind a waterfall or fountain in the yard.

Not only is the dwarf Alberta Spruce deer resistant, it attracts birds, making it a nice focal point in the perimeter of the home. During its first year, it should be watered on a regular basis so that a deep root system will develop. Once the roots are established, the amount of watering may be reduced. This tree should be fertilized each spring and pruned each winter.

The deer resistant dwarf Alberta Spruce is an attractive tree that does not require much space and can even be planted in containers. Its evergreen, cone bearing quality gives it an attractive presence in the yard all year. Whether used as a privacy device or a topiary, deer will usually stay away from this dwarf tree.

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