Staff Writer
In late 2008 and early 2009, the Aroostook County Conservation Association (ACCA) was formed in the spirit of boosting the dwindling numbers of white-tailed deer.
Aroostook County Conservation Association President and Vice President Jerry McLaughlin and Mark Reynolds, respectively, spread seed April 1 that grew into browse for deer. The organization used about 300 pounds of seed over three acres, which did grow into nourishing food for the deer to eat.
The ACCA work differently than most clubs, which tend to operate relatively leisurely.
From the start, the ACCA has been running at a sprint because the cause they serve is literally one of life and death.
“Our goal is to save the deer one at a time,” said ACCA President Jerry McLaughlin.
Over 200 sportsmen and women from across Maine have joined the ACCA, contributing time, funds, and participation to the club which has taken a few proactive steps toward helping the deer.
2008 was one of the worse winters for Maine’s deer population across the state, having the lowest deer harvest since the beginning of the any-deer permit system in 1986. A preliminary harvest number of 21,062 deer showed a 27 percent decrease from the 2007 numbers statewide.
According to Lee Kantar, Maine Deer and Moose Biologist, there is a decrease in the overall number of permits being granted for 2009 compared to the 2008 number.
“The 2008/09 winters were pretty hard on the deer popluations, so in that circumstance the number of deer permits become limited,” Kanter explained. He expects another low harvest year for the whole state, adding that what the deer really need is a string of mild and short winters, and need to be as fat as possible going into the winter months.
Kanter stated that food plots can help individual deer.
“If food plots are producing forage, that can only help,” he said.
The ACCA has planted 16 food plots to help build up fat-stores on the white tail to help them survive the upcoming winter and held a successful coyote hunt to reduce predation.
According to McLaughlin, it could take years to determine whether or not the predation control or the food plots have impacted the deer one way or another, but the ACCA is committed to improving the deers’ habitat to ensure a healthier, larger herd.
With improved browse at the 16 new food plots, the deer should theoretically have more fat on them to keep them healthy through the winter and with fewer predators, the organization is hoping for a increased survival rate this winter.
Individuals interested in joining the ACCA can contact McLaughlin at 896-3140.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie BazinetAroostook County Conservation Association Vice President Mark Reynolds and President Jerry McLaughlin inspect the state of one food plot grown for the deer on the forestry roads of Irving Woodlands. Not only did the growth help prevent soil erosion on the roads, it has been a source of food for area ungulates.
