MADISON – The state Department of Natural Resources is proposing a 2010 deer hunting framework with fewer areas targeted for herd control and a larger portion of the state under traditional “buck plus quota” regulations.
To grow the herd in northeast Wisconsin, the department is proposing issuing no bonus antlerless permits in 18 deer management units where populations are well below goal (compared to 13 last year). This year, for the first time, the department is proposing that archers be restricted from shooting an antlerless deer in these units also, consistent with gun hunters and with the support of bow-hunting groups.
The Natural Resources Board is scheduled to act on the proposal at its April 28 meeting in Green Bay.
The department is recommending a regular nine-day season for 66 deer management units. In four seasons (2007-2010) the number of regular units has grown from 22 to 66. Regular units are those where hunters are able to shoot a buck plus a carefully controlled number of antlerless deer with unit-specific permits. Some units would have no antlerless permits available to facilitate maximum deer population growth.
A total of 46 DMUs are proposed for herd control status, down by 10 units from the 2007 season.
Herd control units are those where the deer population is estimated to be more than 20 percent above the healthy population goal for that unit. In addition to being open to unlimited antlerless deer harvest during all deer hunting seasons herd control units will have an additional antlerless deer gun-hunting opportunity October 14-17. There is no limit to the number of antlerless deer permits hunters may purchase for herd control units. Antlerless permits for herd control units are $2 each. In buck-plus-quota units, bonus antlerless permits cost $12 when they are available.
In the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone in south central Wisconsin all 22 units would be earn-a-buck in 2010, a regulation that requires hunters to “earn” a buck permit by shooting an antlerless deer. The number of EAB units in the CWD Management Zone has remained constant at 22 as wildlife officials seek to stop the spread of chronic wasting disease among wild deer.
Final antlerless deer quotas and permit availability for regular units won’t be finalized until late spring. Biologists will continue to track winter and spring weather and fine tune permit levels. So far, winter effects appear to be mostly moderate with a few small areas experiencing severe conditions.
Analysis of the 2009 harvest figures is mostly complete. Deer registrations provided by hunters yield a rich and deep pool of information on hunting success rates, age and sex distribution in the herd and regional population trends. Using these data biologists estimate the 2009 prehunt population was 1.37 million and the post-hunt population, also called the overwinter population, at 990,000.
The estimated statewide post-hunt population of 990,000 is about 25 percent above the new overwinter population goal of 794,000. However, deer populations vary greatly around the state being near or below goal in northern Wisconsin and generally above goal in the farmland regions of the state. Higher overwinter population goals were recently adopted by the Natural Resources Board and approved by the legislature following extensive public involvement, listening and working sessions with hunters, private landowners and stakeholders from agriculture, forestry, university and government.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke (608) 264-6023 or Bob Manwell (608) 264-9248
Source: Wisconsin DNR
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=219#art2
Showing posts with label Whitetail Deer Management. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Whitetail Deer Management. Show all posts
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Monday, April 6, 2009
Creating a Food Plot Start to Finish: What to Do With the Soil Test Results
Creating a Food Plot Start to Finish: What to Do With the Soil Test Results
...continued weekly post on creating the perfect whitetail deer food plot.
So far you have take the soil samples you need from the area that you plan to plant your crop. You have submitted your soil samples to be tested and now you have the results. What do you learn from the results and what do you do with them?
Soil test reports will typically be returned with a page for each sample that you submit. Each page will have a summary of the nutrients in the soil and usually a table(or graph) showing which nutrients are low, adequate, or high. Each page will also contain a lime and fertilizer enhancement recommendation page or some call an amendment.
Each amendment will most likely recommend the enhancements needed for that exact soil sample so each sample amendment different. Unless you have the money to treat each section with the exact nutrient needs, I recommend you try to look for trends in the amendments. Look for a general amount of lime and fertilizer that will cover your soil and apply to the whole food plot. For most soils, you will be covered and wont have to spend a large amount of time segmenting each section out and applying fertilizer to one, lime to another.
For general help on soils, two tons of lime per acre is the minimum amount and will not "overlime" any food plot that calls for lime. Lime should be applied five to six months before you plan to plant any crop. This will give the lime time to impact the soil.
Fertilizer application will depend on how easy of access you have to the plot. If you can't bring a large applicator into the food plot area, like a tractor, try using a concentrated fertilizer. Fertilizer recommendations are a little easier to read, you will be given the recommendations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If the recommendation is to apply 80 pounds of nitrogen, 80 pounds of phosphorus, and 80 pounds of potassium per acre, the nutrients could be supplied in 800 pounds of 10-10-10, 615 pounds of 13-13-13, or 400 pounds of 20-20-20. Obviously, if you are spreading this by hand, then you may want to consider using 20-20-20, even if it is more expensive.
Soil tests are the hardest part of the food plot creation. To make life easier, you can always work through your local greenhouse, they will be able to recommend the type of fertilizer based on your soil test.
...continued weekly post on creating the perfect whitetail deer food plot.
So far you have take the soil samples you need from the area that you plan to plant your crop. You have submitted your soil samples to be tested and now you have the results. What do you learn from the results and what do you do with them?
Soil test reports will typically be returned with a page for each sample that you submit. Each page will have a summary of the nutrients in the soil and usually a table(or graph) showing which nutrients are low, adequate, or high. Each page will also contain a lime and fertilizer enhancement recommendation page or some call an amendment.
Each amendment will most likely recommend the enhancements needed for that exact soil sample so each sample amendment different. Unless you have the money to treat each section with the exact nutrient needs, I recommend you try to look for trends in the amendments. Look for a general amount of lime and fertilizer that will cover your soil and apply to the whole food plot. For most soils, you will be covered and wont have to spend a large amount of time segmenting each section out and applying fertilizer to one, lime to another.
For general help on soils, two tons of lime per acre is the minimum amount and will not "overlime" any food plot that calls for lime. Lime should be applied five to six months before you plan to plant any crop. This will give the lime time to impact the soil.
Fertilizer application will depend on how easy of access you have to the plot. If you can't bring a large applicator into the food plot area, like a tractor, try using a concentrated fertilizer. Fertilizer recommendations are a little easier to read, you will be given the recommendations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If the recommendation is to apply 80 pounds of nitrogen, 80 pounds of phosphorus, and 80 pounds of potassium per acre, the nutrients could be supplied in 800 pounds of 10-10-10, 615 pounds of 13-13-13, or 400 pounds of 20-20-20. Obviously, if you are spreading this by hand, then you may want to consider using 20-20-20, even if it is more expensive.
Soil tests are the hardest part of the food plot creation. To make life easier, you can always work through your local greenhouse, they will be able to recommend the type of fertilizer based on your soil test.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Creating a Food Plot Start to Finish: Soil Testing
Creating a Food Plot Start to Finish
Soil Testing
I plan to do a weekly post mapping the how to's on creating the ideal Whitetail food plot. Each post will consist of a basic step which will eventually lead to a complete series of steps to creating the ideal food plot that Whitetail Deer will not be able to resist.
I begin my series of posts with Soil Testing. I am not an expert in soils, so when I began creating food plots I used the experts from universities and geological partners to help me understand the purpose and science from soil testing. I will gladly share what I found and give you the sources to do the research yourself.
What is a soil test?
The best answer I could find was on the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. "A soil test is a process by which elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc) are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their "plant available" content within the sample. The quantity of available nutrients in the sample determines the amount of fertilizer that is recommended. A soil test also measures soil pH, humic matter and exchangeable acidity. These analyses indicate whether lime is needed and, if so, how much to apply."
So I dissected out the parts to help us get through the soil testing that I used to help me start my food plot.
Basic Soil Testing Procedure
To obtain a good soil sample make sure the sample is characteristic of your yard or field. This requires taking a minimum of 5 core soil samples for an area and mixing them together to form a composite.
If the soil is different in your garden or lawn or fields, then a different composite soil sample should be taken for each area. Soil samples may be taken at any time of the year. However, if you want to plan for the next year's growing season, then fall is best. Fall testing will allow you to take advantage of "end of the year" sales, as well as plan for the upcoming spring.
Fill out the soil information sheet from your County Extension. The form may be picked up and filled out at home, or in the Extension Office when you actually bring in the soil samples.
Use a garden trowel, spade, sampling probe or auger to take core samples. (Most County Extension Offices have sampling probes and augers available for loan.)
Scrape away the surface duff/litter and insert the probe or auger into the soil to plow depth or at least 6 inches.
Take 5 (minimum) core samples for every 5 acre section. A popular sampling pattern is in the shape of a "W" where you would take a sample at each point.
Mix the core soil samples in a clean container and place about 2 cups (1 pint) into a plastic bag.
Label the bag with your name, field/site location, and sample number.
Record the field/site and sample location on a sketch. Keep this for reference.
Take the soil samples and information sheet to your County Extension Office or send the soil samples directly to a soil testing laboratory. For example: The cost for a soil test through the Portage County Extension Office is $15 for garden and turf, and $6.50 for field crops.
The next post will be what to do when you get the results of your soil test.
Sources:
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
http://www.agr.state.nc.us/cyber/kidswrld/plant/soiltest.htm
Soil Testing: Why and How to Do It &What Does It All Mean?
http://www.co.portage.wi.us/groundwater/action/soiltst.htm
Soil Testing
I plan to do a weekly post mapping the how to's on creating the ideal Whitetail food plot. Each post will consist of a basic step which will eventually lead to a complete series of steps to creating the ideal food plot that Whitetail Deer will not be able to resist.
I begin my series of posts with Soil Testing. I am not an expert in soils, so when I began creating food plots I used the experts from universities and geological partners to help me understand the purpose and science from soil testing. I will gladly share what I found and give you the sources to do the research yourself.
What is a soil test?
The best answer I could find was on the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. "A soil test is a process by which elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc) are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their "plant available" content within the sample. The quantity of available nutrients in the sample determines the amount of fertilizer that is recommended. A soil test also measures soil pH, humic matter and exchangeable acidity. These analyses indicate whether lime is needed and, if so, how much to apply."
So I dissected out the parts to help us get through the soil testing that I used to help me start my food plot.
Basic Soil Testing Procedure
To obtain a good soil sample make sure the sample is characteristic of your yard or field. This requires taking a minimum of 5 core soil samples for an area and mixing them together to form a composite.
If the soil is different in your garden or lawn or fields, then a different composite soil sample should be taken for each area. Soil samples may be taken at any time of the year. However, if you want to plan for the next year's growing season, then fall is best. Fall testing will allow you to take advantage of "end of the year" sales, as well as plan for the upcoming spring.
Fill out the soil information sheet from your County Extension. The form may be picked up and filled out at home, or in the Extension Office when you actually bring in the soil samples.
Use a garden trowel, spade, sampling probe or auger to take core samples. (Most County Extension Offices have sampling probes and augers available for loan.)
Scrape away the surface duff/litter and insert the probe or auger into the soil to plow depth or at least 6 inches.
Take 5 (minimum) core samples for every 5 acre section. A popular sampling pattern is in the shape of a "W" where you would take a sample at each point.
Mix the core soil samples in a clean container and place about 2 cups (1 pint) into a plastic bag.
Label the bag with your name, field/site location, and sample number.
Record the field/site and sample location on a sketch. Keep this for reference.
Take the soil samples and information sheet to your County Extension Office or send the soil samples directly to a soil testing laboratory. For example: The cost for a soil test through the Portage County Extension Office is $15 for garden and turf, and $6.50 for field crops.
The next post will be what to do when you get the results of your soil test.
Sources:
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
http://www.agr.state.nc.us/cyber/kidswrld/plant/soiltest.htm
Soil Testing: Why and How to Do It &What Does It All Mean?
http://www.co.portage.wi.us/groundwater/action/soiltst.htm
Friday, January 16, 2009
DNR Releases Deer management to continue at Havenwoods State Forest
Deer management to continue at Havenwoods State Forest
News Release Published: January 16, 2009 by the Southeast Region
Contact(s): Judy Klippel, Havenwoods Superintendent, 414-527-0232Tom Isaac, Wildlife Biologist, 262-670-3409
MILWAUKEE – The Department of Natural Resources will again use sharpshooting to reduce the deer population in Havenwoods State Forest. This is the seventh year of the deer management plan, which was initiated in March 2003. This year’s goal is to reduce the herd by a maximum of 12 deer.
The current estimated population in Havenwoods is 25 to 30 deer. Wildlife biologists recommend a population of between four and 10 deer based on the size of the property and the ability of the vegetation to support the deer herd and other wildlife.
Havenwoods superintendent Judy Klippel said that the large population of deer had been damaging plant communities and creating problems for other wildlife within the property. However, reduction of the deer herd in recent years has been helping reduce the amount of new damage. A large deer herd also increases the potential for deer/vehicle accidents.
Wildlife management staff experienced in urban deer management point out that sharpshooting can be a safe and efficient means of removing deer. It has been used successfully in Milwaukee County parks since 1995. A shooter operates from an elevated stand and directs the shot downward from a position with good visibility and away from public access, ensuring human safety. The shooter can fell a deer with a single shot, killing it instantly and humanely.
Several clearly marked locations will be selected in Havenwoods away from homes and trails. On January 22, experienced sharpshooters will work in the morning and late afternoon. January 23 is the backup date. Signs will be posted on the property alerting visitors when the shooting will take place. The property will be closed to the public during the sharpshooting sessions.
Havenwoods State Forest was established in 1980 and encompasses 237 acres on Milwaukee’s north side. The grounds are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. The environmental education center is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and most Saturday mornings. For more information on the deer management program, call Havenwoods at 414-527-0232
News Release Published: January 16, 2009 by the Southeast Region
Contact(s): Judy Klippel, Havenwoods Superintendent, 414-527-0232Tom Isaac, Wildlife Biologist, 262-670-3409
MILWAUKEE – The Department of Natural Resources will again use sharpshooting to reduce the deer population in Havenwoods State Forest. This is the seventh year of the deer management plan, which was initiated in March 2003. This year’s goal is to reduce the herd by a maximum of 12 deer.
The current estimated population in Havenwoods is 25 to 30 deer. Wildlife biologists recommend a population of between four and 10 deer based on the size of the property and the ability of the vegetation to support the deer herd and other wildlife.
Havenwoods superintendent Judy Klippel said that the large population of deer had been damaging plant communities and creating problems for other wildlife within the property. However, reduction of the deer herd in recent years has been helping reduce the amount of new damage. A large deer herd also increases the potential for deer/vehicle accidents.
Wildlife management staff experienced in urban deer management point out that sharpshooting can be a safe and efficient means of removing deer. It has been used successfully in Milwaukee County parks since 1995. A shooter operates from an elevated stand and directs the shot downward from a position with good visibility and away from public access, ensuring human safety. The shooter can fell a deer with a single shot, killing it instantly and humanely.
Several clearly marked locations will be selected in Havenwoods away from homes and trails. On January 22, experienced sharpshooters will work in the morning and late afternoon. January 23 is the backup date. Signs will be posted on the property alerting visitors when the shooting will take place. The property will be closed to the public during the sharpshooting sessions.
Havenwoods State Forest was established in 1980 and encompasses 237 acres on Milwaukee’s north side. The grounds are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. The environmental education center is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and most Saturday mornings. For more information on the deer management program, call Havenwoods at 414-527-0232
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