Deprecated: Optional parameter $function declared before required parameter $page is implicitly treated as a required parameter in /var/www/html/dev-dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/plugins/custom-post-template/plugin.php on line 183

Deprecated: Optional parameter $frontend declared before required parameter $pagination is implicitly treated as a required parameter in /var/www/html/dev-dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/plugins/media-category-library/classes/media-category-library.php on line 635

Deprecated: Automatic conversion of false to array is deprecated in /var/www/html/dev-dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/plugins/media-category-library/classes/media-category-library.php on line 54

Deprecated: Optional parameter $file declared before required parameter $force is implicitly treated as a required parameter in /var/www/html/dev-dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/plugins/google-document-embedder/functions.php on line 100

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the google-document-embedder domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/html/dev-dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131
04/02/20-STATE CANCELS LANA‘I AXIS DEER HUNT DUE TO COVID-19 RISKS – Department of Land and Natural Resources Skip to Main Content

04/02/20-STATE CANCELS LANA‘I AXIS DEER HUNT DUE TO COVID-19 RISKS

April 2, 2020
Categories: 
Forestry & Wildlife, Main, Media, News Releases

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE 
CHAIRPERSON
 
For Immediate News Release: April 2, 2020
 
 

STATE CANCELS LANA‘I AXIS DEER HUNT DUE TO COVID-19 RISKS

  (HONOLULU) –The 2020 deer rifle season within the Lana‘i Cooperative Game Management Area, is being cancelled due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The season was scheduled to run through May 17, 2020. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) reports efforts are underway to notify hunters who are impacted by this cancellation. A new date for the hunt has not been set, but DOFAW noted that it will make every effort to provide an Axis deer hunting opportunity later this the year if the risk of spreading the coronavirus is no longer a threat.

The Lana‘i deer hunting season is very popular, bringing hundreds of visitors to the island from in-state and out-of-state. With both domestic and interisland travel restricted and passengers under mandatory self-quarantine measures it would be very difficult for hunters to even get to Lana‘i. DLNR Chairperson Suzanne Case said, “While we are very disappointed to have to cancel this hunt, the health and safety of Lana‘i’s residents, the hunting community, and our staff is our highest priority”. 

DOFAW will be collecting input from Lana‘i residents and hunters on how to proceed with Lana‘i hunting for the remainder of this year in a manner that protects everyone’s health.

Currently, there are no additional closures of State Forest Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Game Management Areas, Natural Area Reserves, or Na Ala Hele Trails.  There are currently no restrictions on otherwise permitted activities in these areas, including public access, hunting, and recreation, but the people are asked to comply with each county’s mayors’ orders, the Governor’s emergency proclamations, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Hawai‘i Department of Health guidelines for social distancing and personal hygiene. DLNR continues to work closely with other state agencies and will provide notification about any closures or restrictions that may become necessary to keep people healthy and safe.

Additional information on available hunting opportunities can be found at https://dev-dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/

# # #

Media Contact:
Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
(808) 587-0396
Dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov