SHERIDAN-- Hunters still have big game hunting opportunities this fall. Mild winters combined with good fawn production have produced an overabundance of white-tailed deer in some areas of the Sheridan region.

The 2008 liberal white-tailed deer seasons try to address these population problems. When the population of big game animals exceeds recommended numbers they not only damage wildlife habitat, they also damage livestock forage, and gardens and pose a hazard to vehicles.

To address these problems, 3,000 doe/fawn reduced price licenses were issued in deer hunt area 24 near Sheridan. The 2008 white-tailed doe/fawn season began Sept. 1 and lasts until Dec. 21. Hunters are able to harvest up to four white-tailed does or fawns. As of December 2, hundreds of these reduced price licenses are still available.

Most white-tailed deer hunting is on private land so obtaining access permission from landowners is recommended before purchasing a license. Also, hunters with an unused general license can harvest an anterless white-tailed deer in hunt areas 24 and 27 through December 21.

"This is a great opportunity for new and experienced hunters to put meat on the table, help the Department manage deer numbers and deer use of habitat and help landowners reduce deer damage," says Sheridan Information Specialist Warren Mischke. "It is essential to reduce the number of whitetails in the Sheridan area, not only for the health of the land, but also for the health of the deer herds. Hunters, as they always have, serve an invaluable role in this process."

Mischke adds, "The high population of white-tailed deer also presents a great opportunity to introduce a young person to big game hunting. Be safe and enjoy hunting in northeast Wyoming."