Wood Lake Scout Reservation Conservation Committee

Deer Management Plan

The Wood Lake Conservation Committee has observed the damage done to the walnut and white pine trees planted in 1990 and 1991 on the south side. We have also noticed that the 1500 hardwood trees planted between each row of white pines are almost entirely destroyed. The entire wood lot is showing damage from the browsing deer. It has become evident that the deer herd that roams our Township is overly abundant.

After consulting with Crane Pond State Game Area, and the Wildlife Biologist, we found that the deer heard in our area is as densely populated as anywhere in the state.

Currently the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is putting into practice methods of Deer Quality Management (DQM) throughout the state. The most effective method in controlling and sustaining a healthy deer herd is through controlled hunting.

Allowing hunting on private land also helps to eliminate recreational trespass and poaching. In the 2003 hunting season, the ranger has asked 2 hunters to leave the property, and the conservation committee found evidence of deer poaching. The property lines have been posted, but that in itself is not a deterrent to a trespasser who knows that the ranger lives and does 90% of his work on the other side of the lake.

It is for the above reasons that the Conservation Committee unanimously requested a two year pilot program allowing deer hunting on the south side only in 2004. This DQM plot had only take place during the Archery and firearm seasons as dictated by the MDNR. Typically the Archery season begins October 1, and ends November 14. The Regular Firearm (shotgun only) begins November 15, and ends November 30.

The up most priority and concern of the committee has been the safety of the units camping at Wood Lake Scout Reservation. It is for that reason we recommend that the reservation be closed to youth use during the firearm season. Generally this will only affect the first weekend the season is open. The second weekend of firearm season is Thanksgiving weekend, and we have not had a group rent during that weekend in over 20 years. During the Archery season we will let troops know that the south side is off limits. They would have to cross a lake, stream or swamp to get to the south side, and we feel this is a good visible boundary line.

The conservation committee also understands that if the land on the south side is leased for deer hunting, many people will want the opportunity to participate. We also realize that like other councils it is an opportunity to generate new money. We plan to control both issues by advertising and accepting applications within the Scouting organization. No one will be allowed to apply or hunt as a guest without being a currently registered member of the BSA.

Advertising will be via the La Salle Scroll. The application will require a copy of the current membership card, and a $25.00 non-refundable processing fee. The actual cost to lease the land will be handled in the same manner as we do with the timber sales, sealed bid. The contract will be awarded on the basis of amount of bid, and reputation of the applicant. The application will accept bids of gift in kind, if it is an item already on the capital fund or long range maintenance list. The council has the right to refuse any bid. Only one contract will be awarded for the dates previously stated. The contract will be for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. The winner of the contract will be notified, and will make payment in full at the time of contract signing. Each contract will allow for a total of 10 hunters. The contracted individual must be present at all times. The contracted will tour the property with the ranger to learn the property lines, and receive a key to the gate. Violation of rules set forth by the council or MDNR will revoke the right to hunt, without a refund.

After each hunting season the conservation committee will review the success of the hunt, and make changes to the rules if needed for the following season.

After reviewing the DQM program on January 12, 2008 the Conservation Committee voted to recommend the continuation of the DQM program for the 2008 - 2009 seasons exactly as conducted for the 2006- 2007 seasons. The Committee arrived at this decision after hearing reports from Michigan Department of Natural Recourses, Ranger George, and two of the neighbors to camp.        

                                                                             Yours in Scouting

                                                                           Ed Bennett

                                         Wood Lake Conservation Committee    

La Salle Council BSA

Wood Lake Scout Reservation

Deer Quality Management Application 2008 & 2009 Season

All applicants must be at least 21 years of age and currently registered as a member of the Boy Scouts of America, and a copy of the membership card must accompany this application.

All applications must be accompanied with the non-refundable $25.00 application processing fee.

Applications must be in the council service center no later than Friday June 6, 2008 1:00 pm.

The awarding of the lease will take place on Monday June 16, 2008

Please print and answer all information boxes.

Wood Lake Scout Reservation

Conservation Committee

DQM

Advertising will be via the La Salle Scroll. The application will require a copy of the current membership card, and a $25.00 non-refundable processing fee. The actual cost to lease the land will be handled in the same manner as we do with the timber sales, sealed bid. The contract will be awarded on the basis of amount of bid, and reputation of the applicant. The application will accept bids of gift in kind, if it is an item already on the capital fund or long range maintenance list. The council has the right to refuse any bid. Only one contract will be awarded for the dates previously stated. The contract will be for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. The winner of the contract will be notified, and will make payment in full at the time of contract signing. Each contract will allow for a total of 10 hunters. The contracted individual must be present at all times. The contracted will tour the property with the ranger to learn the property lines, and receive a key to the gate. Violation of rules set forth by the council or MDNR will revoke the right to hunt, without a refund.

After each hunting season the conservation committee will review the success of the hunt, and make changes to the rules if needed for the following season.

After reviewing the DQM program on January 12, 2008 the Conservation Committee voted to recommend the continuation of the DQM program for the 2008 - 2009 seasons exactly as conducted for the 2006- 2007 seasons. The Committee arrived at this decision after hearing reports from Michigan Department of Natural Recourses, Ranger George, and two of the neighbors to camp.       

 Please follow the rules for the Dear Quality Management program. In addition, the following is expected to be observed.

1). Contact the Ranger before anyone accesses the property. Ranger George can be contacted by phone or e-mail.

2). Do not leave the lock on the gate in the unlocked position. Take the lock with you or lock it on the gate after you have entered.

3). Stay on the camp property. Do not cross a fence line without neighbor’s permission. This includes following a wounded animal.

4). Park in the designated parking areas. Do not block the camp road.

5). Please keep track of the total deer taken, sex, and size. This information will be used by the committee to determine the success of the management plan.

6). All guests are your responsibility. Any complaints or reports of damage will be referred to you for compensation.

Contact recourses:

Wood Lake Ranger

George Kornfeld (269) 435-7533, woodlake@myrural.com

Wood Lake Campmaster chairperson

Dennis Vanden Bossche H: (574) 259-8405 Cell: (574) 532-6151 WLCampMaster@aol.com