Wildlife Management Tour

 

 

            Landowners, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts are invited to a free educational event focused on improving the ability of our native forests to produce better "mast" (nut & fruit) food supplies for deer and other wildlife. The NEPA Branch of QDMA (Quality Deer Management Association) is hosting the approximate 2 to 2.5 hour field tour on June 23 starting at 6 p.m. from the Pike County Conservation District parking lot on Route 402 near the I-84 Interchange.

            Bill Pencek, horticulturalist with the Penn State Extension, will lead the first stop on the tour and cover rejuvenating old apple trees to increase their value for wildlife. Pencek will explain how to evaluate trees and restore them to fruit producing condition. He will cover the most important steps to follow and demonstrate pruning and management techniques.

            Robin Wildermuth, certified forester and volunteer with The American Chestnut Foundation, will lead the second part of the tour and take the group to a woodlot and chestnut restoration orchard. The group will learn about the mast producing capability of both oaks and chestnut species, the factors that lead to large or small nut crops and discuss their value as a pre-winter food supply for deer and other wildlife.

            Join us for this informative and educational tour to learn about improving mast food supplies for deer and other wildlife. There will be modest walking on the tour, which is open to the public.

            NEPA QDMA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. QDM is a philosophy or practice for landowners and hunters to work together toward producing healthy deer herds by not harvesting young bucks but harvesting enough does to better balance the herd and maintain quality sustainable habitat. Public awareness and continued hunter education is vital for sound decisions in deer management practices. The National QDMA office is located in Bogart, Georgia. Their website is www.qdma.com. Visit the NEPA Branch website www.qdmanepa.com to learn more about local activities.