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| Home | Branch News | Upcoming Events | Banquet | Completed Projects | Deer Harvest Data | Harvest Pictures | Officers/ Board | President's Message | Contact |
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President’s Message
It has been a while since I’ve had the time to sit down and put a new president’s message together, but there has been quite a lot going on. Before I start rambling about the things we have done and the things we want to do I’d like to invite anyone that would like to get more involved in a group that is proactive in deer management to do so. Groups like ours are always in need of individuals that want to make a difference and be a part of a team. New people also mean new growth and new ideas, which is the backbone of an expanding, evolving and successful organization. So anyone wishing to come join us can do so by contacting any of its officers or attending a meeting.
Our first event after my last message was our week long attendance at the Luzerne County Fair. While we had the chance to talk to many fine people we were hampered in our efforts with wind and rain. However, if you come to fair to talk to us next year be sure to look inside as our booth has moved to a more steady climate.
Our next event consisted of our annual harvest data collection at the Suburban News office in Sweet Valley. This year we only collected data from 33 deer on the first day which is nearly half of what we normally do. The rain and fog had put a major damper on the hunting for the day which kept the kill down as well as the hunter’s desire to travel again after getting dried off and warmed up in a nice warm cabin. We did weigh and measure some very nice bucks throughout the day, but this year we didn’t get a single doe to weigh and age. The collection of data from female deer is equally important so hunters are encouraged to bring them to our check station as well. If you want to see the break down of the data that was collected you can do so on the harvest data section of the website.
Following the hunting season we had our antler scoring roundup where hunters bring in their bucks to be scored and we had more than usual this year. We scored 26 bucks with the biggest one being killed locally by an archer that scored 151 inches. Anyone wanting to attend this event even if they don’t have a deer of their own to be scored is encouraged to come as it is always a thrill to see the quality of bucks that roams the countryside that we may have never seen otherwise.
In January we started our annual winter habitat project. This project took place in an area known as High Knob which is above cider run on State Game Lands #57. It is a border cut along a dead end access road. The roadway was becoming overgrown primarily by birch and maple. We are cutting 15 feet on both sides of this access road for approximately a mile to allow more sunlight to reach the roadway which will help with phase two of the project. Phase two will consist of the roadway being planted with buckwheat, oats, and various species of brassica.
One of the great things about this project is that the Red Rock Chapter of the NWTF teamed up with us for this project and is the second project that we worked together on. At the time I’m writing this we already have 200 man hours into the project. We encourage any sportsmen clubs, conservation organizations or individuals to join us to help us complete these much needed projects.
Our next big project was our annual fundraising banquet. This was our 7th annual banquet and the funds that we raised are used to fund research on whitetail deer, youth education, habitat improvement projects and more. Each year we have been very happy with the success of our banquets and it is the steadfast dedication of our banquet committee that helps make it the success that it is. Luckily, despite the condition of our economy we had another successful banquet. Many thanks go out to our donors, sponsors and of course our attendees.
Lastly, one great piece of news is that we were successful at obtaining a $10,000 grant from Chesapeake Energy. This money will be used to maintain existing food plots and create new ones on the state game lands within our boundaries. We are encouraged by their eager willingness to help us improve habitat on public lands. With the ever increasing cost of lime, fertilizer and seed this money was greatly needed to help expand our habitat projects.
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