February 1, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 25 

For more information, contact Joe Rogerson, Deer and Furbearer Biologist, Division of Fish & Wildlife, 302-735-3600, or Michael Globetti, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Feedback sought on Delaware’s new deer management plan
Draft version of “Guide to How and Why Deer are Managed in The First
 State” is available online and will be discussed at upcoming meetings

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife has just completed a draft version of Delaware’s Deer Management Plan, the first plan ever produced for formally addressing the future of a deer herd that has grown into a state success story of wildlife restoration.

Before the plan is officially completed, the Division of Fish & Wildlife is soliciting feedback  from anyone with interest in and concern about how deer are managed in Delaware. “Whether you are a farmer, hunter, outdoor recreationalist, or someone who might have hit a deer with your car, you probably have concerns about how deer are managed in Delaware,” said Joe Rogerson, F&W deer and furbearer biologist. “We want your input on how you feel the state’s white-tailed deer population can be managed. Public input is valuable in moving forward with management of our deer herd.”

The new Delaware Deer Management Plan can be found at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Pages/Delaware_Deer_Management_Plan.aspx

Comments can be submitted by mailing them to:
     Deer Management Plan Comments
     Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife
     6180 Hay Point Landing Rd
     Smyrna, DE 19977
or by emailing to Joseph.Rogerson@state.de.us .

Comments will also be accepted at three public meetings the Division will host in February, one in each of the state’s three counties. The dates and times are:

            New Castle County – Thurs., Feb. 18, 7-9 p.m.
            Ommelanden Hunter Education Center
            1205 River Road
            New Castle, DE 19720

            Kent County – Tues., Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m.
            DNREC Auditorium
            Richardson & Robbins Building
            89 Kings Hwy
            Dover, DE 19901

            Sussex County – Wed., Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m.
            William Carter Partnership Center – Rm. 529
            Delaware Tech Owens Campus
            Seashore Hwy (Rte 18)
            Georgetown, DE 19947

Written comments and suggestions will be accepted until the close of business on April 1, 2010. The finalized Delaware Deer Management Plan is expected to be available for review in May or June.

“This plan will guide the Division’s efforts on everything related to deer management over the next 10 years, so we hope to receive a lot of valuable feedback and comment from the public so that we can manage Delaware’s deer population in the best manner possible,” said Greg Moore, Wildlife Section administrator. 

For more information about the Delaware deer management plan, or anything else related to white-tailed deer in the state, please contact Joe Rogerson, Fish and Wildlife Deer and Furbearer Biologist, at 302-735-3600.