Hunter Welcome & Introduction

Thank you for your interest and participation in the Quality Deer Management Program at West Branch Forest. The 2010-2011 Deer Season is upon us and DMAP coupons are still available. Similar to years past, DMAP coupons are allocated to interested hunters on a first come, first served basis. If you're interested in obtaining an antlerless coupon(s) or would like general hunting information for The Nature Conservancy's West Branch property please email meckley@tnc.org or call 570-220-6097.

HARVEST GOAL: 25 Deer (20 Does : 5 Bucks)

Similar to last year, our objective for 2010 is to harvest 25 deer across the entire property (4.75 square miles), with hopes of removing 20 antlerless deer and 5 bucks. We realize that this harvest rate will not adequately reduce the overwintering deer densities to a scientifically desirable level, however we believe it is a step in the right direction, especially if we can maintain or even slowly increase this harvest rate over the next decade. As a result, it is anticipated that habitat conditions will greatly improve. If we can consistently harvest an adequate number of deer each year to reduce deer browse impacts, TNC will continue to implement a wide array of planned forestry operations and activities to stimulate the development and advancement of a new forest. Similar to the Quality Deer Management Association, our values are to bring existing white-tailed deer populations into balance with their habitat and promote quality over quantity until the habitat can support higher deer densities.

2009 Harvest Summary: 16 Deer (8 Does : 8 Bucks)

2008 Harvest Summary: 18 Deer (12 Does : 6 Bucks)

The Nature Conservancy would like to thank all participating DMAP hunters who spend time afield at West Branch in pursuit of white-tailed deer. Local hunters play a key role in helping us to balance our forest and wildlife management objectives.

Good luck this 2010 hunting season - hunt hard and hunt safe!


Thursday, July 29, 2010


Successful Youth Hunter, Tyler Swortwood

Successful veteran West Branch Hunter, Don Goss

Spring gobbler season roared in with a good bit of early season action. Mulitple hunters experienced one or two good weeks of hunting before the mating season fizzled and the birds got quiet. The unseasonably warm early Spring temperatures are thought to have caused an early mating season. Both successful hunters pictured above connected during their season openers.
Joe and Randy Shady took advantage of the early Youth Season and devised an effective game plan to enable their young family member, Tyler Swortwood the opportunity to harvest a nice Tom. Word in the woods is that Joe's sweeting talking yelps and purrs put that bird within just a few steps of Randy and Tyler's setup.
Don Goss came upon his hot bird not long after daylight at one of his favorite spots.
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