The Institute of Ecosystem Studies recognized by the Wildli...( servation the Massachusetts Metropolit...)

Mr. Winchcombe notes, "Our program relies on cultivating and retaining hunters who are committed to our management goals. It's not about bagging the biggest buck; it's about maintaining the deer population at a level that supports the health of both the forest and future generations of deer and other forest inhabitants. In addition to passing a firearms proficiency test and attending a pre-hunt orientation meeting, participants must be sensitive to the fact that the hunt takes place on an active research campus with numerous field sites."

To date, the IES Deer Management Program has revealed useful information about maximizing deer harvest and hunter safety, assessing vegetation response to deer control, implementing deer deterrents, evaluating how management impacts deer population health, and training and retaining a cadre of informed hunters. Findings have been published in Northeast Wildlife and the Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Proceedings.

In response to the award, IES President and Director Dr. Gene E. Likens stated, "The Deer Management Program is an important example of the knowledge that can be gained by sustained long-term research. We are honored by the recognition and hope that our findings continue to inform deer management initiatives throughout the northeastern U.S. and elsewhere."

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Contact: Lori Quillen
quillenl@ecostudies.org
845-677-7600, ext. 233
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
16-May-2007