Environment DEC
From the August 2008 issue
Deer Watchers Wanted
Opportunity for Deer-lovers
DEC's Cortland Wildlife Office is seeking volunteers for an experimental "Deer Watchers Program." If you enjoy watching deer, this is an opportunity to be part of some "citizen science." If enough volunteers take part, this program will provide valuable data on the size and composition of the deer herd and will be used to improve DEC's Deer Management Program.
Program Scope
DEC is experimenting with the Deer Watchers Program in four areas around the state, including Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 7J in Central New York. Volunteers choose the areas where they will observe deer and are asked to count deer on three separate occasions in the late summer (from August 20 through September 30). Counts can be made from the volunteer's home or from points along roads. The core data is a simple count of total deer seen at the chosen locations. Those willing to spend a little more time can also collect data on the sex and age of the deer observed.
Counting will take place from August 20 to September 30 and can be done from home or from on the road
WMU 7J contains much of southern Onondaga County, the mid-portion of Madison County, and small portions of northwestern Cortland County, southeastern Cayuga County, and northeastern Tompkins County. Anyone living or spending time in the area who enjoys watching deer and has an interest in the sound management of the species is encouraged to participate in the program.
Contact Information
The Deer Watchers Program provides an opportunity for anyone interested in the white-tailed deer and its management to contribute to New York's deer management program. Interested individuals should call David Riehlman at 1-800-388-8244, extension 240.
