This Monday marked the beginning of white-tail deer rifle season in Manitoba, and motorists and hunters are reminded to be safe during this year's hunting season.

Rob Olson is the Managing Director for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.  He says he has noticed the white-tail deer population seems to be healthy going into winter.

Olson reminds hunters that Manitoba is still in a conservation deer management program and it is "bucks only" for hunting protocol.

As the bucks are in rut season, Olson reminds motorists to be watching at all times for deer on the move across highways and roadways, and this behaviour will continue for the next 3 or more weeks.

"The most important thing to remember," says Olson, "is for hunters to respect the landowners and to hunt safely this season."  He adds the "No permission, No hunting" rule must apply at all times.

Following white-tail deer rifle season many chapters of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation will be holding fund-raising banquets throughout the province.

"They're kind of like fall-suppers," says Olson.  "It's a celebration of the hunt. People tell stories and get together and they're a lot of fun so we encourage everyone to check them out. And if you're not a member of the MWF, then join up with those folks."

Visit www.mwf.mb.ca for the dates, times and locations for those banquets.