Outdoor News Daily

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, in collaboration with the University of Delaware, will begin research projects on white-tailed deer and wild turkey this month, focusing on Redden State Forest and surrounding areas in Sussex County. During the month of January 2010, deer hunting on Redden’s Jester and Townsend tracts will be prohibited. Hunting activities on Redden State Forest for the 2010-2011 hunting season should remain unchanged.

The purpose of the deer study is to fill information gaps about habitat use, survival and movement of deer in Delaware. This research will help the Division more effectively manage our deer population in a manner that addresses concerns related to agricultural production and public safety, while still providing for the recreational enjoyment of this popular wildlife species.

“White-tailed deer are an important species in Delaware because of their popularity for hunting and wildlife viewing. However, due to issues such as crop damage, habitat degradation and the potential for deer/vehicle collisions, we must manage Delaware’s deer herd at appropriate levels,” said Deer Biologist Joe Rogerson.

The reintroduction of the wild turkey back into Delaware, nearly 200 hundred years after it became locally extinct, remains one of the Division’s greatest success stories. Today, the popularity of turkey hunting in Delaware continues to grow and consecutive record harvests have been reported for the last three years, noted Wildlife Biologist Matt DiBona.

“To maintain public demand for quality hunting experiences while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of wild turkeys in Delaware, we will be collecting scientific data on turkey survival and reproduction within the state,” DiBona said. “This project will help identify potential factors limiting turkey population growth and will provide management strategies for maintaining and increasing wild turkey abundance in Delaware.”

For maps of Redden State Forest, including the location of the Jester and Townsend Tracts, please visit http://www.dda.delaware.gov/forestry/maps.shtml.

For more information, please contact Matt DiBona or Joe Rogerson at 302-735-3600.

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