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!


Tree Stand Safety Outreach and Fundraising Initiative

Last hunting season I received word that a long-time, local friend was tragically killed after falling from a home-made tree stand during the rifle season opener.  The news, hitting so close to home was devastating.  My friend leaves behind a young wife and a 2 year old son.  In reflecting upon my own hunting style and the risks that I often take in hunting alone, particularly with an outdated tree stand safety harness, I realized such an incident could easily happen to any of us.  Furthermore, due to my own carelessness, I seldom inform family or friends of the location in which I'll be hunting, of which I often resort to a generic note that reads, "Gone Huntin".

Struggling to understand how or why something like this happens, I decided to take action.  Having connected with numerous hunters over the past few years, I feel its important to engage hunters on tree stand safety.  With the help of the North Central Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association and with financial support and donations from The Nature Conservancy, Hunter Safety Systems, Gander Mountain, Dicks Sporting Goods, and J.E. Taylor Hunt Club our of Virginia, we crafted an integrated Tree Stand Safety Outreach and Fundraising Initiative.  100% of the proceeds from this campaign will go towards establishing a Trust Fund for my friend's young son. 

For more information log onto http://www.treestandsafetyraffle.blogspot.com/

If you are interested in contributing to this cause through buying and/or selling raffle tickets, please contact myself via email (meckley@tnc.org) or by phone (570)-220-6097.

Your time and support is greatly appreciated.

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