Oct 20, 2013 3 min read

A study of deer and the forest they live in could have long-term affects for hunters statewide moving forward as the Pennsylvania Game Commission adjusts its deer management data.

The commission has undertaken a new study, in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Penn State and the and U.S. Geological Survey’s Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit to view the impacts deer have on forest regeneration, and the current methods used to evaluate those impacts.

As part of the study, forest regeneration data, deer impacts, deer populations and forest-management practices will be monitored. In addition, hunters will be surveyed to gather information on their activities while hunting the study areas. The study areas are located within Bald Eagle, Rothrock and Susquehannock state forests on properties enrolled in the state’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). Study areas are marked with signs in parking lots and along roads.

Hunters must register when hunting these study areas. Hunters can register by visiting the white-tailed deer page at the Game Commission’s website, then clicking on the “Deer-Forest Study” link in the “Research and Surveys” category.

After deer season concludes, hunters will be mailed a survey to record their hunting success and experiences. Individual surveys will remain confidential. Only summary information will be provided as public information.

It’s important for those who do hunt these areas to take part in the survey. It will be their chance to help forge the deer management of the state moving forward.

• After several months of filling, draining and refilling Dutch Fork Lake due to issues involved with what is basically the opening of a brand new lake, it appears the process has come to an end.

Dutch Fork Lake is finally refilling to a sustainable level.

The lake reopened in the spring after work on the dam and breastworks were completed. But the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission was forced to draw it back down several times to fix minor issues.

It now appears that all those issues have been resolved and, hopefully, the lake will now be drawn down again.

• While most Deer Management Units around the state have sold their allotted number of antlerless deer licenses, the local WMUs are two of four in the state that still have licenses available.

In WMU 2-A, which includes all of Greene and most of Washington counties, 9,212 of 49,000 available licenses remain for sale as of Friday.

In WMU 2-B, which includes the northeast corner of Washington County, 25,325 of 62,000 available remain.

• With archery season now underway, you’ll notice that the deer kill coupon has again made an appearance on this page.

Successful deer hunters who do not wish to mail in their deer kill can also send it via e-mail to be at dlolley@observer-reporter.com. Please list deer kill in the subject line of the e-mail.

Also, successful bear hunters can also register their kills the same way.

Outdoors editor F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.