The state Game Commission yesterday gave preliminary approval to start the antlered deer season statewide on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
For decades, buck season started on the Monday after the holiday. The commission says it is considering the Saturday start “in an attempt to stay current with changing hunting demographics, the needs of (their) license buyers, and to create more opportunities for …hunters.”
That was one change designed to increase the number of hunters in the woods, and it was expected. Another change was not; the commission said it will develop regulations to allow the use of semi-automatic rifles for large game such as deer, bears, and elk. Those weapons are currently only approved for smaller game.
After a public comment period, the change to a Saturday start for buck season could come up for a final vote at the commission’s April 9th meeting. If ready, the semi-automatic rifle proposal for big game could be given preliminary approval at that same meeting.
