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 Requests Additional Hunter Help with Deer Reproductive Study

The state Division of Fish and Wildlife is urging deer hunters to be part of an important deer reproductive study that began January 14, the opening day of the late shotgun season, and will run through Saturday, Jan. 28, the end of the late muzzleloader season.

“We are asking hunters to help us get better data on the number, health and range of Delaware’s whitetail deer population by bringing their live-weight (not field-dressed) antlerless deer to one of three check stations where Division personnel will be collecting age and reproductive information. This is critical to the long-range deer management planning effort the Division has undertaken,” said Greg Moore, state wildlife administrator.

The check stations will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily. They are located at:

• Redden State Forest Headquarters near Georgetown in Sussex County

• The White Farm at Norman G. Wildlife Management Area near Viola in Kent County

• Augustine Wildlife Management Area Headquarters near Port Penn in New Castle County

A sample of 600 does is targeted 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.


“Knowledge of populations and what affects populations is the key to successful wildlife management,” said deer biologist Ken Reynolds.

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

 

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