The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced it has completed the analysis of an aerial white-tailed deer survey of state forestlands that should prove an important tool in ensuring future forest regeneration and healthy habitat for deer and other wildlife.

Vision Air Research Inc., an Idaho-based independent wildlife research firm, was contracted to target 10 sections of state forest land totaling 207,527 acres in the aerial count. Flying when able, February 13 through April 11, researchers supplied Bureau of Forestry officials with final films and data showing deer numbers in sections of eight of the state's 20 forest districts.

Surveyed deer densities ranged from a high of 23.69 deer per-square-mile in the Promised Land area of Delaware State Forest, Pike County, to a low of 8.63 deer per-square-mile in the southern section of Sproul State Forest, Clinton and Centre counties.

The second highest whitetail concentration was 20.29 deer per-square-mile in the Denton Hill area of Susquehannock State Forest, in Potter County; followed by 18.21, McIntyre Wild Area, Tiadaghton State Forest, Lycoming County; 14.89, Paddy Mountain area, Bald Eagle State Forest, Union, Centre counties; 13.97, Algerine Wild Area, Tiadaghton State Forest, Lycoming County; 12.20, Hicks Run area, Elk State Forest, Elk County; 11.20, Trough Creek area, Rothrock State Forest, Huntingdon County; 10.91, Arnot area, Tioga State Forest; Tioga County; and 9.64, Cedar Run area, Tioga State Forest, Tioga County.

The results also will enable better utilization of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program that enables hunters to kill more than one deer in designated areas when properly licensed.

DCNR has been asked by the PGC to add several State Game lands to the flight contract and survey those areas this fall, just prior to deer rifle season. Also, DCNR plans to continue the use of FLIR technology on state forestland, especially where the commission is conducting research, and the bureau is evaluating browsing impact and habitat recovery indicators in response to deer population levels.

The complete study, visit the Aerial Survey webpage on DCNR’s website.

NewsClips: Aerial Survey Finds Disparity in Deer Concentrations

7/22/2005