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Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, August 15, 2001 - Page 16 Caution will make for safe hunt a few, simple rules, Utahs archery hunters can eijoy a safe experience in the back country this season. The general archery buck deer hunt begins August 18, while the general archery elk hunt kicks off August 23. "Theres only been one recorded death of an archery hunter in the states history, so its a very safe hunt that way, but every year we have instances where hunters injure themselves, says Mark Beamson, hunter education coordinator for the Division of By following Wildlife Resources. . Beamson says most of the accidents happen because hunters are unsafe in tree stands, or they have arrows out of their quiver when they shouldnt. He provides the following advice to help hunters avoid these accidents: 1) Tree stands - before make sure its a climbing tree, to hold your large enough weight. 7d avoid falling while climbing the tree, attach a hauling line to your bow, arrows and other equipment and leave them on the ground. After climbing into your tree stand, attach your safety line. Then use your hauling line to lift your gear to you. Beamson also recommends using a portable tree stand, rather than constructing a "permanent one. "Permanent tree stands have a tendency to deteriorate and, over time, become unsafe, he says. "They are unsightly, too, and a person damages the tree by putting nails in it. 2) "Keep your arrows in a hooded quiver that covers the broadheads, until youre ready to shoot, Beamson says. "Archers jabbing themselves or hunters walking close to them, while carrying arrows in their hand that should be in their quiver, is one ofthe most common accidents during the archery hunts. State law requires that arrows be cased while in or on a vehicle. While outside the vehicle, its up to hunters to protect themselves. Beamson also provides archery hunters tips on getting prepared for the season, safety items to remember while in the field and tips on tracking animals and preserving meat. Preparation - a. equipment checks -- Make Augustand18 Archery buck deer hunt beginsseason be Dry conditions and about the same number of buck deer as last season will likely greet hunters when Utahs 2001 general archery buck deer hunt opens August 18. "Were up about 4,000 to 5,000 deer over last year so depending on the area they hunt, archery hunters could find a few more deer, says Steve Cranney, big game coordinator for the Division of wildlife Resources. The states total deer population numbers about 320,000 animals. Cranney says the ' largest populations are found in higher elevation areas, with the Manti and Wasatch Moun- tains units in central Utah, sure laminations are not flaking or separating, that strings are not fraying and that the pulleys and cables on com- and the South Slope unit in northeastern Utah, among the pound bows are in good working order. Also, be sure your equipment is matched, that your arrows spline (the stiff- lower, drier unit havent ness of the arrows shaft) matches your bows draw weight. If your bows draw weight produces more force than your arrow is designed to handle, your arrow will probably fly off target. b. broadhead sharpening -be careful to not cut yourself while sharpening broadheads. Your broadheads should be razor sharp but don't rut yourself in the process. c. practice your shooting as much as possible. d. obtain written permission from private landowners, before hunting on their property. e. obtain a general statewide archery buck deer permit andor a general archery elk permit, and know the boundaries oflimited entry units and other restricted areas in the area where youll be hunting. states best Many of the deer herds on reached buck to doe ratio and total population objectives called for in Utahs deer management plants. Cranney says the dry weather will be a factor in this years hunt "People who like to hunt from tree stands that are close to water will probably have the most success, as the deer will really be focused on these water sources, he said. "Hunters who like to stalk animals will probably have a harder time. The dry vegetation will make it hard to walk without making noise. "Hunters who like to stalk animals should try and hunt in high elevation areas, Cranney said. "Also, some rain before the hunt would really help as it would moisten the vegetation in lower elevation areas and make it easier to walk quietly. As of July 31, permits for the archery hunt were till available from Division of Wildlife Resources offices and the Divisions Internet Website .(www.nr.state.ut.usdwr dwrhtm). General archery buck deer permits are statewide permits this year. They allow hunters to hunt any open hunting unit in the state except limited entry units, which may be hunted only by those who drew a limited entry permit earlier this year. Cranney says the statewide opportunity makes this season ara great time for first-tim- e to the hunters pick up chery sport "The statewide permit gives hunters a chance to try different areas of the state, which is great for learning different areas and finding a place you like, he said. "If you've hunted archery for a few years, though, I would advise you to stay in an area youre familiar with, Cranney said. "The more you know about an area the better your success will be, no matter how the deer populations in it are doing. "This is especially important for a guy with a bow, Cranney said. "In archery hunting, the best success comes to hunters who know the habits of animals in the area theyre hunting, and where the water sources are. Cranney reminds hunters to be careful with fire this season and to learn of possible fire restrictions by checking with the agency that manages the area they plan on hunting. Southeastern Region "Hunting in the Southeastern Region is expected to be slightly better than last year, although prescouting hard some for hunting. pared "The drought may prove beneficial to archery and muzzleloader hunters, since deer are expected to be con- centrated around water, Bates said. "However, dry conditions will make stalking and tracking difficult. La Sal Mountains. Shortening the general rifle hunt to five days last season has helped the herd improve slightly, but the deer population is only at 43 percent of the unit objective and it has a lot of room to grow. Fawn production this year was poor and may not be enough to main- tain the herd at its present size. The buck to doe ratio is 9 bucks per 100 does and needs to improve. Abajo Mountains. The rifle season shortened has helped. This unit is now at its buck:doe objective of 15 bucks per 100 does. The deer 5-d- ay population slightly. The is improving unit is at 54 per- cent of its population objective. Slightly better hunting is anticipated this year than last Bates also provides some information about the regions three limited entry deer units. General season archery hunters are reminded that they may not hunt these units. They are open only to hunters who drew a limited entry permit earlier this year San Juan Elk Ridge. Good . hunting is expected for those who drew a limited entry permit Numbers of permits have conditions are going to be been cut in recent years to protough, says Bill Bates, South- vide bigger bucks for permit eastern Region wildlife man- holders. ager. "Drought conditions continue to impact fawn recruitment and survival. Tb find success, Bates says hunters need to do some pre . . S85!8!!88l8i88!!8!8i8!!888S8!!88!88!!88!8l8!88888SSS88B BLUE MOUNTAIN FROM THE MONT1CELLO RECREATION DEPARTMENT (Dumudhjip W IMME'4 Friday - Saturday August 17 18 8 pm -- SAN JUAN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS Colorado Pro Rodeo Association & L-B-ar 4 Rodeo Company Montrose, CO Events BULC RIDING TEAM ROPING CALF ROPING MIXED TEAM ROPING BREAKAWAY SADDLE BRONC BRONCS STEER BARE-BAC-K Thanks to all the other parents who helped. If you have a baseball or softball uniform or ball equipment, please return them either to the Pool or to the City Office. Soccer sign-u- p will be the first week of school. Parents, we need your help as Soccer coaches. Please take a turn! kank Eddie Allred yu, WRESTLING t BARREL RACING Prices Adults $5 Ages $3 5 & Under Free Family Pass $25 6-- 16 LOCAL ENTRIES COME AUGUST 66-1- 0 PM OR CALL 435-SB7-M- Q7 jississ3SssssssssssssS5ss5sssssssstsS8sSss8ss3sssssssssssssssSSssSss!SSiiss&i!sssss!!5!!an"BaaaH |