Contact: Ken Reynolds, Wildlife, phone: (302) 653-2883 , e-mail: kenneth.reynolds@state.de.us
or Greg moore, Wildlife, phone: (302) 739-9912

Division of Fish and Wildlife Asks Hunter Help with Deer Reproductive Study; Donations to Sportsmen Against Hunger Also Will Be Accepted

To get a fix on the number, health and range of Delaware’s whitetail deer herd, the state Division of Fish and Wildlife will be partnering with hunters on a deer reproduction study that will run from Saturday, Jan. 14, the opening day of shotgun season, through Saturday, Jan 28, the end of the muzzleloader season.

Hunters are asked to help with data collection by bringing does that have not been field-dressed to Redden State Forest Headquarters in Sussex County, Norman G. Wildlife Management Area in Kent County or Augustine Wildlife Management Area in New Castle.

The check stations will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily. Hunters will field-dress their deer while Division personnel collect age and reproductive data from each animal.

“We understand that this is a bit of a sacrifice of time and energy on the part of the hunters, but the information will be invaluable to the long-range deer management planning effort the Division has undertaken,” said deer biologist Ken Reynolds. “Most hunters know that habitat is the key to the survival of any species. But many are unaware that knowledge of populations and what affects populations is the key to successful wildlife management.”

A sample of 600 does is required for a scientifically-valid study. If that number is not reached with hunter participation, the Division will seek the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture deer management team to collect the additional animals.

Hunters can also drop off un-field dressed deer that they want to donate to the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program at those locations, participating butcher shops or at new walk-in coolers located at Assawoman Wildlife Area Headquarters, Trap Pond State Park, the Aquatic Resources Education Center at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, and the Augustine Wildlife Area Headquarters.

“We hope these additional drop-off sites will encourage more hunters to help feed the less fortunate people in our state,” said State Wildlife Administrator Greg Moore. “It’s a very worthy cause.”

For more information about these programs, contact Ken Reynolds at 302- 653-2883 or the Division of Fish and Wildlife main office at 302-739-9912.

 

-30-

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page