San Francisco, CA -(Ammoland.com)- The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds deer hunters that all deer tag holders are required to report their harvest, even if they were unsuccessful or did not hunt.
Harvest, survival and recruitment information are vital to projecting deer populations and setting tag quotas for the next year’s hunting season. By submitting a completed report on-time, hunters can actively help CDFW assess deer populations and also avoid a fine.
Hunters who harvested a deer are required to report within 30 days of harvest or by Jan. 31, 2017, whichever is earliest. Hunters who did not harvest a deer, or did not hunt at all, must report by Jan. 31, 2017. Failure to report by the appropriate deadline will result in a non-reporting fee of $21.60 being assessed when purchasing next year’s tag.
CDFW instituted a grace period during the first year of mandatory deer tag reporting so deer hunters could become acclimated to the new reporting regulation, which was enacted on July 1, 2015. During the 2015 season, only half of all tag holders reported, while others reported late or submitted incomplete reports. The grace period has now ended and fees will be assessed for 2016 tag holders who do not report on time.
Some 2016 tag holders have already reported and CDFW appreciates their cooperation.
Tag holders have two options for submitting a completed report. The preferred method is online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/hunting#9941260-tag-reporting.
Reports may also be mailed to the address listed on the report card (CDFW Wildlife Branch, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94299-0002).
About the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW):
The Mission of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.
For more information, visit: www.wildlife.ca.gov.