Similar to years past you are welcome to hunt at West Branch Research and Demonstration Forest and are encouraged to use treestands if inclined to do so as long as they are not damaging to trees. The use of a modern tree stand safety harness (fall restraint system) is encouraged for those who hunt out of trees. For more information on tree stand safety please visit: http://www.treestandsafetyraffle.blogspot.com/
A complete list of activities that are prohibited on The Nature Conservancy's properties is as follows:
- Trapping of any wildlife is prohibited.
- Use of motorized vehicles of any sort is prohibited, except over public access roads.
- The use of tree spikes and the construction of permanent tree stands are prohibited.
-Camping, fires, horseback riding, bicycling, collecting flora, fauna, or mineral specimens is prohibited.
- Artificial feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
-All pets are prohibited with exception of seeing eye dogs.
- Alteration of natural growth or natural features for the purpose of enhancing the beauty, neatness, or amenities of the preserve is prohibited.
- The introduction of exotic species (species non native to a particular area) is prohibited.
- Hunting of any animal with dogs is prohibited.
- The use of pesticides is prohibited.
Please notify the preserve manager (570-220-6097; meckley@tnc.org) f you see anyone engaged in the activities listed above.
2010-2011 Hunting Season: An online forum for participating hunters
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.
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!
