Development Plan

The Deer Management Program

Suburban Whitetail Management developed a special set of rules and procedures specifically for this project. Before the full SMW membership was permitted to hunt, the leadership spent several weeks hunting the property and working out final issues with procedures. Then, all SWM participants were required to attend a special orientation to ensure they understood the rules and procedures. The rules were codified in a rule book and given to all SWM participants. In addition, a short orientation video that was required viewing was aimed at sensitizing the bowhunters to the specific issues related to this property. Finally, before each SWM participant was permitted to hunt, they were escorted around the property by one of the SWM leaders. They were shown the property boundaries and sensitive areas.

Documentation

Each participant was given a numbered parking pass, cattle tag, and permission slip, and the property was posted.

Entry and Exit

Participants were required to enter and exit the property in street clothes with all hunting gear out of sight. This meant using pickups with caps or using a tarp to cover their gear. The idea was to maintain a very low profile when passing nearby recreational facilities.

Check-in / Check-out

A central location on the property was identified for Check-in /Check-out. Hunters were required to sign-in and out each day and were also required to complete an observation log. This location contained a map of the property which was divided into zones. Hunters were required to read daily notices posted on the bulletin board by the developer. The developer would close certain zones to hunting on a daily basis depending upon the development activity.

Buffer Zones

Each hunter was required to keep a 150-yard buffer zone between his stand location and any sensitive area.

Tracking Deer

Hunters were required to do everything possible to recover every deer hit. Special tracking teams were set up to help pursue in especially difficult situations.

Deer Transport

All deer were required to be transported completely covered.

Biological Data Collection

Participants were required to collect all of the biological data required by the VDGIF DMAP program. This included both measurements and samples. During the Kill Permit program, the participants collected the same data and samples as well as additional information applicable to springtime harvests.

Post-Mortem

Anytime a potential incident occurred, a post-mortem was conducted with the governing committee and the hunter(s) involved. The situation was fully explored and the leadership determined if any corrective action was required on the part of the hunter or if any modifications in the procedures were required.