Information is the key to carrying out this responsibility. Because hunters are out in the woods for extended periods of time, hunting, watching, and listening to wildlife, they are one of DNR's most valuable sources of information about wildlife species. Nova Scotia deer hunters take an active part in the management of the province's deer herd. Department staff carry out pellet group inventory counts, which suggest the size of the herd.
Staff also examine the bone marrow of road kill deer.
This information is evaluated to determine the herd's condition. The deer population is still relatively low in number compared to past years, even after last year's Buck Law. The Buck Law will be in effect again during this fall's hunting season, from October 28 to December 3. Hunters will only be allowed to hunt bucks- mature, antlered, male deer. Beginning this year, Natural Resources is carrying out a new project that requires assistance from hunters.