Antlerless deer permits reduced by 20%

The Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for this year's antlerless deer draw, but there will befewer huntingpermits available than last year, due to the number of deer that died during the harsh winter.

A total of 2,250 permits will be issued, compared to 2,700 in 2014 a decrease of about 20 per cent.

It's the second year in a row the number of permits hasbeen reduced because of the declining deer population.

In 2013, there were 3,450 permits.

This past winter was one of the most severe for starvation, Joe Kennedy, aprovincial deer biologist,has said.

With metre-deep snow in much of the province from February through early April, deer had a difficult time travelling to find accessible food,said Kennedy.

In addition, there was an increase in the number of deer killed by vehicles.He estimatedthe overall deer mortality in the southern part of the province was about double the usual amount.

The provincial government has reducedthe number of permits available in a bid to allows the deer population to rebound.

A specific number of permits are available for each wildlife management zone where hunting is permitted.Hunters may only apply for one zoneand must first purchase a 2015 deer hunting licence from a private vendor or Service New Brunswick.

Applications for the antlerless deer drawcost $4.52 and may be submitted in person at a Service New Brunswick location or by mail to the Department of Natural Resources.

Results of the draw will be available the week of Aug. 17, officials said.

Successful applicants will receive a validation sticker in the mail prior to Oct. 1.