§110.1.  Quality Deer Management Program

A.  The department shall have authority over the Quality Deer Management Program ("program"), and shall formulate additional guidelines according to property-specific objectives, goals, and limitations.

B.  The program shall be developed using a management philosophy that encourages good stewardship and unites landowners, hunters, and managers in a common goal of producing biologically and socially balanced deer herds within existing environmental, social, and legal constraints.  The program shall include protocols for the protection of young bucks, including an adequate harvest of female deer to maintain a healthy population in balance with existing habitat conditions and landowner desires.  The program shall also promote the production of quality deer, quality habitat, and quality deer hunting experiences.

C.  The department shall use its resources to do the following:

(1)  Instruct and train qualified personnel as to the policies and procedures for administering the program.

(2)  Supply landowners, hunting clubs, and cooperating agencies with pertinent brochures, handouts, and other information containing management techniques and applications.

(3)  Properly prepare and suggest wildlife management recommendations.

(4)  Develop and maintain a close working relationship with other state and federal agencies or non-governmental organizations that have similar or corresponding programs directly or indirectly affecting public and private land development and management.

(5)  Provide incentives to encourage landowners and hunting clubs to participate in the program.

D.  The program shall be voluntary, and landowners or hunting clubs who participate in the Quality Deer Management Assistance Program are eligible to participate in this program.  Qualification for participation in this program shall be determined by rules and regulations promulgated by the commission, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Acts 2010, No. 337, §1.