DEER PROGRAM REPORT DEER ROGRAM REPORT

2006-2007 WMA Deer Harvest NarrativesHurricane Katrina has had a lasting impact on the WMA. Timber damage from sustained, hurricane-force winds ranged from 5% to 75%of the standing timber. High winds damaged stands of mature, bottomland hardwood more than upland stands of mixed pine and hardwood.Downed timber from the hurricane was scattered throughout much of the WMA, and hunters were unable to access large portionsof the area. However, due to the hard work of WMA personnel and their supervisor, nearly all access trails were opened by the beginning ofthe 2006-2007 season. The increase in man-day usage is most likely due to increased hunter access.Below average rainfall during the previous spring and early summer limited browse in areas which receive adequate sunlight. Browsepressure on summer food plots was heavy. Winter food plots, however, yielded low returns because of an exceptionally dry fall and winterand late planting dates.Timber management practices are being implemented to increase production of deer browse. Most of the mature, upland pine standshave been thinned and burned. Most Hurricane Katrina timber salvage efforts are complete. As a result of Katrina, the mature, closed-canopybottomland hardwood stands which dominated most of the area have had the ecological impact of a timber thin. Although such areaswill be difficult for hunters to access, the amount of deer browse generated will continue to provide quality habitat for deer on the WMA.O’Keefe WMAWritten by: Brad HolderO’Keefe WMA is a 5,919-acre area located near Lambert, MS in Quitman County. Man-daysand harvest have continued to increase on the area over the past 9 seasons. Thirty-one bucksand 31 does were harvested during the 2006-2007 season. Buck weights seem to be stable orSeason Harvest Man-days2004-2005.................54............... 1,3662005-2006.................60............... 1,6152006-2007.................62............... 1,825slightly increasing when compared to past seasons. Doe weights and lactation rates decreased 3-11%. Lower doe weights, lactation rates,and a large percentage (52%) of 3.5+ year old does in this past season’s harvest indicate an overpopulated deer herd. An average to belowaverage acorn crop on the area may have also contributed to lower weights. This area is surrounded by crop land which provides above averagesummer and winter forage. Area food plots of clover, oats, and wheat developed well particularly later in the fall and early winter andwere used early and often. Hunters indicated lower deer sightings. This was probably due to above average winter temperatures. Hunterscontinue to support more progressive antler regulations on the area such as the 15-inch minimum inside spread.Old River WMAWritten by: Russ WalshOld River WMA was in the direct path of Hurricane Katrina as it roared through south Mississippi.Season Harvest Man-daysIt was estimated that 70% of the prime bottomland hardwood on the 15,408-acre areawas left a tangled, ravaged mess. Logging operations are still ongoing in an effort to salvageand clean up the area. It will take decades, if not longer, for the area to return to pre-storm conditions.2004-2005...................5.................. 4102005-2006...................5.................. 2072006-2007...................9.................. 360Although access was tough, man-days increased 42% to 360. Harvest also increasedfrom 5 to 9 (44%) with 6 bucks and 3 does. The large areas of new growth will provide excellent habitat for several years to come.Lower Pascagoula River WMAWritten by: Russ WalshLower Pascagoula River WMA is a mix of bottomland hardwoods traversing along the Pascagoula Basin in Jackson County. Parts of thearea were heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina, with road access being a significant issue.Season Harvest Man-days As with other areas, increased sunlight from downed timber will provide excellent browse for2004-2005.................30............... 2,589 several years. The Hurricane Katrina hindered road and water access was greatly improved for2005-2006.................11............... 1,559 the 2006-2007 season. However, man-days only rose a slight 2% to 1,584. Harvest increased2006-2007.................18............... 1,584 39% to 18, with 14 bucks and 4 does.WMA Na r r at i v e sUpper Pascagoula River WMAWritten by: Russ WalshUpper Pascagoula River WMA lies within George County, and coupled with Lower Pascagoula,totals 37,124 acres. Continued work by area personnel following Hurricane Katrina 2004-2005...................2............... 2,081Season Harvest Man-daysimproved access and food plot plantings across the area. Although Hurricane Katrina hindered 2005-2006...................0.................. 341access during the 2005-2006 season, lack of hunter compliance was also a problem. The 2006-2007.................12.................. 8922006-2007 hunting season brought additional law enforcement to the area, thus helping toimprove the situation. Reported man-days increased 61% to 892 and harvest increased 100% to 12. Of the 12, 9 were bucks and 3 weredoes.2006-2007 Mississippi Deer Program Report17