In the News - January 2008
The buck stops here
SEARCY, Ark. - Although deer season is almost over, it's not too early to
begin getting ready for next year. The best way to prepare for next year is by
attending The Buck Stops Here, a wildlife meeting Jan. 19 at Searcy.
Wildlife experts from Arkansas and Mississippi will provide valuable
information of interest to all large game hunters. The meeting is an effort of
the White, Prairie and Woodruff offices of the University of Arkansas
Cooperative Extension Service.
"Managing your habitat for deer is a never-ending job," said Dr. Becky McPeake,
extension wildlife specialist. "Many hunters plant food plots to attract and
harvest deer. But if you want to sustain deer, they need ‘native’ food plants to
keep them going throughout the year."
McPeake said food plots can help deer make it through the late winter and
early spring before their typical forage "greens up." Plots can also help in
late summer as deer prepare for the upcoming fall rut and winter food scarcity.
"All of this takes plenty of planning, as well as an understanding of deer
biology, nutrition, and harvest management strategies to improve your local deer
herd," she said.
Hunters will get plenty of help and advice at the one-day workshop.
Among the speakers are Steve "Wildman" Wilson with the Arkansas Game and Fish
Commission, luncheon speaker; Dr. Bronson Strickland with Mississippi State
University; and Dr. Don White of Monticello, assistant professor/wildlife at the
Forest Resources Center at the U of A at Monticello; and Dr. Jon Barry,
assistant professor/extension forester at Hope.
White has conducted a number of research studies about elk along the Buffalo
River and now is working in partnership with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
on tracking deer movements with GPS radio collars in south Arkansas. According
to White, this new study will improve what we know about deer movements in
relation to flooded habitats as well as hunters. White will be discussing deer
biology and nutrition, and how to age deer by looking at their teeth.
Strickland will discuss his work on the pros and cons of using antler
restrictions to mange for older-aged bucks. He is one of three researchers who
prepared a report describing the effects of Mississippi antler regulations on
the age structure, antler characteristics and buck production.
Putting a twist on what is normally considered a food plot, Barry is going
native. Barry, a forester and botanist, will describe plants suitable for
developing native food plots. Barry believes that native plants often provide as
much nutrition as non-natives, with much less expense.
White County Agent Keith Martin will describe food plot basics and offer an
optional tour of a food plot demonstration area comparing three experimental
plots.
The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration at Eagleview and concludes
after a 3 p.m. optional field tour of food plots. The $25 per person fee ($35
per couple) includes lunch and workshop materials. For more information about
how to get to the lodge, contact your county extension agent or Keith Martin at
kmartin@uaex.edu or (501) 268-5394.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
This meeting is open to all interested persons without regard to race, color,
national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status,
or any other legally protected status. Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information should notify the
county extension office as soon as possible prior to the activity.
January 8, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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