The Nature Conservancy's West Branch Research & Demonstration Forest: Directions to West Branch Forest

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!

Directions Take Interstate 80 West to Lock Haven Exit/Route 220. Take Route 220 North. Exit at Pine Creek/Route 44 North. Turn left off the exit ramp onto Route 44 North. Go approx. 10 miles, to the town of Waterville. Continue on 44 North another 7 miles to the junction of 664 & 44. Continue on 44 North past the Fin, Fur & Feather on the right. Go another 4 miles. You will pass under power lines, and a sub-station will be off to the left. Take your next left on Hyner Mountain Road towards Hyner View State Park. This road may not be marked with a road sign, but is across from Merrill Rd. Go one mile, and turn left on Ritchie Road (dirt road) just before the steep grade sign - you will see a sign and parking area for the "Hiding Bear Ski Trail." Go 2.2 miles to a fork in the road which goes right and straight. There will be a metal building on the right. Continue straight. Go .5 mile, until you pass the pipeline corridor. Go another 1.5 miles onto our property (look for the yellow signs), to the green gate on the left. Just past the gate is a pull-off on the left, by the Sugar Camp Road sign. The cabin sits back behind the spruce trees on the left side of the road.