The Nature Conservancy's West Branch Research & Demonstration Forest: Deer Wars

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!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Deer Wars - A Must Read for PA Hunters

Well known Pennsylvania outdoor writer and award-winning author, Bob Frye has donated two signed copies of his book Deer Wars, which will serve as part of this year’s

prize package for the West Branch Antlerless Deer Harvest Contests. Deer Wars is a must have for every hunter, as it showcases the history of deer management in PA and discusses the important role that hunters play in forest management and in preserving our hunting heritage. If interested in purchasing a copy of Deer Wars, please let me know, as I have access to limited quantities signed by Gary Alt for the purchase price of $30.

1 comment:

Lewis crowell said...: July 31, 2010

Although not a deer hunter, I enjoy the outdoors, especially birding. Yet I am continually shocked by the damage one species of mammal can cause. It would be safe to say that about 95% of the woodlands in Clinton, Cameron, Potter and McKean Counties have an understory of either hay-scented fern or none at all. Ironically the most remote "wild" areas seem to be the hardest hit.
Considering this, you can imagine my surprise upon entering the Wolfinger Trail System", which is located just outside of Smetport. (McKean County)
Granted, there was plenty of Hay-Scented fern, Striped maple and the usual noxious birch species (sweet birch, etc.) dominating the lower and middle layers. But here it was only 50% not 99.9%. The rest was a lush mix of elderberry, raspberry, witch-hazel, dogwood, sugar maple, and even ash and WHITE OAK regrowth! No Hobblebush yet, but I expect it soon. Even the closed canopy areas were carpeted underneath by a variety of shrubs.
Of course such a diverse, many-layered forest would attract an equally diverse mix of birds. Even in the end-of-July doldrums I saw 10 species of warblers in just 30 minutes. Birds were everywhere- from Golden-Winged Warblers to hummingbirds.
Why is this tract such an oasis? I suspect the combination of plenty of roads, and being only 1/2 mile away from Smethport (with its many deer hunters) is a big factor.
I only hope The Nature Conservancy is most aggressive in cutting down their preserves' deer herds, and not bow down to the "No Doe Killing" zealots.

Concerned,
Lewis Crowell
East Aurora, NY
(20+ year Friend of TNC); July 31, 2010 at 11:34 PM