How often we think ourselves so mighty as to cheat nature, running against the grain of the very essence of life itself, how often we fail so miserably.

In the end, nature will always win.  Will we ever learn?

From a fear of not controlling our surroundings we resist the natural cycles of life and of death.  We suffer when we should celebrate.  We cry when we should be laughing, in a cage of our own design, triggering the trap that ensnares us with our own hand.

A wise individual seeks to achieve a balance both within themselves and with the natural world around them.

A life attuned to nature is a life of true contentment of mind and of spirit.

Light your life’s fire and set your spirit free.

Jeff Cash

Kids are funny.    Sometimes funny Ha Ha, sometimes funny as in a little off and sometimes funny as in off the scale nut jobs.    Hormones, insecurity and inexperience with life in general often seem to be the culprits there although some of us never do shed the funny.   Of course we were all kids once so whether or not we want to admit it we were all, well … funny … at least once.

I remember in my teens I participated in a church based youth group very similar to the various scout programs but with an underlying emphasis on Christianity.    At one of what I recall being weekly meetings at the village Church, myself and a friend were laughing about something.    I have no idea what that something was but I remember being called together for a group prayer, a regular part of each meeting.

Once the prayer was initiated by one of the adult group leaders I recall uttering an only partially restrained laugh which soon turned into an uncontrolled ongoing series of muffled laughs as I tried so hard to stop, even putting my hands over my mouth.    My buddy next to me started in too with the contagious laughter that I had brought to the prayer circle, kicking me several times in the hope that it would help me stop.   It didn’t help either of us.

The situation passed shortly after the prayer ended.   My memory of that little faux pas however has stuck with me for several decades since.

As a parent I often think of that evening and the many other moments of my childhood when my behavior may have been looked at as odd, disruptive, even disrespectful or rude.    Especially when I find myself observing “funny” behavior from my own or other people’s kids.    I sometimes have to stifle the manly instinctive reaction I have to quell odd behavior due to my upbringing and the professional requirements of my work.

As a hunter I recognize that there is sometimes a definite need for strict and disciplined behavior.    Hunter and firearms safety for example is an arena that I don’t play around with.   If you act a fool with a firearm in my presence it’s the last time you’ll have that opportunity.    You’ll also never forget it and hopefully never put anyone else in danger in that way ever again.

There are also times though when we all just need to cut loose, lighten up and when a sense of humor is the single most cherished, appreciated and necessary thing in the world.   Like when you get back to deer camp!

So one of life’s lessons for me has been that it’s ok to be funny haha, funny as in a little off or acting like a complete fool and we all need to do just that from time to time.    I’ve learned to relax a bit, to not get so uptight when I see others acting funny, reminding myself that if no one is at risk of getting hurt or killed then it’s all in good fun.

Laughter is good for the heart and sometimes kids can be the best teachers of that very important lesson.

Jeff Cash

In surfing the web today I came across a most excellent resource for those of you who are interested in outdoor info, news or the latest trends in the great State of Arizona.  The site is called The Desert Rat.

The Blog I happened to read there today focused on the need to be wary of venomous creatures at this time of year.  I found this very interesting as it caused me to look back on a few months in 1990 when, after leaving the Air Force, my wife and I stayed with some of her family for a time in the Tuscon area.  It just so happened to be near this time of year and I remember well some of the creatures this Maine boy saw for the first time in my life.

I recall the black widows living in my in-laws shed.

I remember the little green scorpions that I found in a dried up river bed out in the desert near the Colossal Cave.

I remember the wild lizards I chased around the demolished remains of a building on the outskirts of the city.  I remember catching one too.

I remember the gecko climbing the screen door as I sat in my in-law’s living room.

Thanks to The Desert Rat those memories came rushing back again.

I encourage you to check out The Desert Rat, a great source of information on a very different type of wilderness than I’m used to here in Maine!

Jeff Cash

How many times in our lives are we beset with moments where we have to make a decision of right or wrong with little or no opportunity to weigh the various dynamics of that instant and the consequences that will come from whatever it is that we choose?  Rather than simply a question of this way or that, beef or chicken, venison or trout,  I mean a decision which carries with it more of an intrinsic element of a moral challenge.

Photo by Jeff Cash

Such moments can hit us when we least expect them.  Yet, shouldn’t we be prepared to make such decisions quickly with little or no need to really process the situation when the issue is one of ethics or morals?  Do we really have to take the time to pull out a moral compass to decide right from wrong or is it something we should know instinctively at any given moment?

As hunters, outdoor activists, naturalists, fisherman or whatever title you may feel suits your individual enjoyment of and participation in the natural world around us, we often find ourselves facing  moments where we are presented with a scene, a circumstance or situation which gives us an opportunity to choose an action which is right or one that is wrong.

When hunting with a bucks only license, on your last day of the season you see a doe in your last fleeting few moments of legal hunting.  Shoot or don’t shoot?

When brook fishing for trout you pull in one that is just shy of the 6 inch minimum.  Do you keep it or throw it back?

While hiking through a protected woodland trail you realize after breaking for a meal that you forgot to bring a container to carry your waste material out with you.  Do you stuff the materials in your pockets or pack or do you leave the litter in the woods?

After driving three hours to get to your favorite hunting location you realize you left one of the two required pieces of blaze orange clothing at home.  Do you hunt with only one or do you head back home?

As a youth hunter required to remain within sight of an adult hunter you spot a huge buck moving just beyond your view where you could easily follow but where doing so would take you out of the sight of your adult hunter who hasn’t see the deer.  Do you follow your prey or do you stay within sight of your adult hunter?

These are just a few possible scenareos but ones which you may well find yourself or possibly have already found yourself.  Did you make the right decision?  Would you make the right decision?  Do you even now have a doubt as to what you would do?

Or are you confident in your moral and ethical bearing?

None of us are perfect and we all do from time to time make mistakes or bad decisions.  We all tend to strive however to enable and empower ourselves and our children with the necessary character strengths to make good decisions and for our own part, to be good examples to others and reinforce within ourselves our own good nature, reminding ourselves that we are indeed good and honest people.

Still some care little for honesty, honor or character.

So are you a good example to others?  When your children, family members or people from your community think of you do they think of an honest person or someone less than honorable?  Are you considered a responsible person or someone folks don’t tend to leave their kids alone with?  When you look in the mirror what do you think of the person you see looking back at you?

We all have choices and every day is a new opportunity to choose the direction for our life.  May we all choose wisely for ourselves and for those who depend upon and learn from our example.

Jeff Cash

Editor’s Note:  The following News Release was sent to me today from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.  I just want to point out the very last individual honored at today’s presentations.  That man is Larry Grant.  I have known Larry Grant for several years now and had the honor and pleasure of working with him for a few of them.  I have heard some refer to Larry as a gentle giant.  This may be due to his large 6 & 1/2 plus foot height and broad shoulders or his deep booming voice tempered by a kind heart and a reassuring smile.  Larry represents the very best of the law enforcement community and is a grand example for the rest of us to strive to learn from and to model our own personal and professional lives after.

For the last couple years Larry has suffered through the terrible effects of what is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS.  In spite of this Larry has continued to grace us with his laughter, that comforting smile and the incredibly strong sense of his internal strength.

I am truly honored to have worked with Larry, to have laughed with him and to be able to call him a friend.  My sincere congratulations to you Larry.  -Jeff

March 19, 2010

Maine Warden Service Presents Annual Honors

ORONO – Maine Warden Service Game Warden Mike Morrison of Charleston was recognized today as “Warden of the Year” for his commitment to conservation law enforcement, particularly efforts to combat poaching in his district, which is one of the highest deer-kill districts in the state.

The honor, and other awards, was bestowed during the annual meeting of the Maine Warden Service in Orono. Today, the men and women of the 132-person Maine Warden Service and guests commemorated the 130th Anniversary of the nation’s oldest conservation law enforcement agency. On March 9, 1880, the Maine Warden Service was formed. The first violation came three days later, when two poachers were caught for killing a pregnant doe. They were fined $71.

“Since 1880, the Maine Warden Service has been committed to serving and protecting the public and conserving Maine’s natural resources,” said MWS Col. Joel Wilkinson, Chief Game Warden. “Whether enforcing Maine’s fish and wildlife laws, protecting all of those who engage in outdoor activities or supporting our fellow brothers and sisters in the Maine law enforcement community, we as Maine Game Wardens are dedicated, adaptable and focused in our work. We wear the title ‘Maine Game Warden’ with pride and out of respect for the people of Maine for whom we serve. Congratulations to our team on this, our 130th Anniversary.”

Today’s annual meeting was attended by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin, IF&W Deputy Commissioner Paul Jacques, members of the IF&W Advisory Council, the IF&W Legislative Committee, and other guests.

“For the last seven years, it has been my honor and my pleasure to work with you,” said Commissioner Martin, who became head of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in 2003. “Although it’s been challenging, given our limited resources, it’s been an honor for me to be part of this family. The Maine Warden Service celebrates 130 years this month. It’s because of your dedication and your service to the people of the state of Maine that there will always be a Maine Warden Service.”

This year’s honorees are:

Warden of the Year/Shikar Safari Club Wildlife Officer of the Year Award: To Mike Morrison, a 33-year veteran based in Greenville, nominated by Sgt. Bill Chandler and Warden Chris Dyer. During his career, Warden Morrison, the son of a retired Game Warden Grey Morrison, is recognized for his dedication to the public safety of the citizens and visitors of his district, his enforcement of Maine’s poaching laws, his commitment to youth and safety education, and his involvement in community activities. Warden Morrison created the Outdoor Partners Program, which shares outdoor recreation and law information at events throughout the state.

Warden Morrison has served as a cadre in the training of new wardens, as a member of the Maine Warden Service Color Guard, and as a member of the Overhead Search and Rescue Team and the Dive Team. He is well respected by other law enforcement agencies in the area.

“Mike is well respected by the sporting public in his district,” said Sgt. Bill Chandler. “During his career, Mike has proven to have an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. Much of Mike’s success is in catching the intentional violator. During a recent fall, Mike had received some information about some illegal deer kills.  Mike went to the suspected violator’s residence and spoke with the suspect. Mike arrived and stated to the violator, ‘You know why I’m here.’ The violator hung his head and told Mike that the deer were in the barn. Mike recovered three illegal deer from the subject’s barn.”

Colonel’s Award: To retired Resident Agent in Charge Christopher Dowd of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, selected and presented by Col. Joel Wilkinson, for his distinguished support and service to the Maine Warden Service and its mission.

“Resident Agent in Charge Dowd has played a key role in fostering the relationship between the USFWS and the Maine Warden Service,” said Col. Wilkinson. “This relationship is crucial in order to offer the citizens of Maine the best law enforcement service regarding the protection of natural resources. His professional approach to managing a complex investigation with various organizations is recognized by all who has had the pleasure of working beside him.

“RAC Dowd’s commitment to assisting the Maine Warden Service has lead to the successful apprehension of numerous individuals who have intentionally violated our state fish and wildlife statutes. Many of these cases have involved the illegal commercialization of wildlife. When an out-of-state violator leaves our state with illegally possessed fish and wildlife, we contact the USFWS and work cooperatively to complete these complex investigations that most of the time lead to subsequent federal prosecutions.”

Supervisor of the Year Award: To Sgt. Mark Warren of Edgecomb. Presented by Warden Doug Kulis. For his expertise in field management, and instruction at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

“As a supervisor in the Maine Warden Service, Sgt. Warren uses his 22 years of experience and knowledge to create unity, trust and teamwork,” said Warden Kulis. “One of Sgt. Warren’s strongest attributes is his ability to gain the trust and respect of the wardens he supervises. Sgt. Warren has been upfront and honest, and he gives praise when it is deserved and constructive criticism when necessary.”

Meritorious Service Award: Given to a Game Warden for conduct above the ordinary course of duty when, because of initiative, courage and diligence, the Game Warden places himself in danger while performing his duty.

To Warden Bruce Loring of Enfield, nominated by Warden Jim Fahey and presented by Sgt. Bill Chandler. For his efforts to rescue two men in a pickup that were stuck in snow on a snowmobile trail on 25-00-0 Road in Township 34. The rescue took approximately four hours and two trips on the trail by snowmobile because of the winter storm that was under way and the location where the men eventually were found. The snow was falling heavily, visibility was zero, trail conditions were treacherous, and Warden Loring needed to rely on his GPS unit he mounted on his sled to get to the location. “Warden Loring displayed the courage and perseverance under dire circumstances that Maine Game Wardens are known for,” according to Sgt. Chandler.

Exemplary Service Awards: Given to a Game Warden who has rendered relevant outstanding service which deserves special recognition.

To Game Warden Pilot Daryl Gordon of Eagle Lake, presented by Sgt. Brian Gray. For his air patrols of Maine’s woods and inland waters that direct wardens on the ground to possible fish and game law violators. “Warden Pilot Gordon was instrumental in the night hunting patrols conducted by wardens on the ground this past fall in the Northeast Division,” said Sgt. Gray. “He flew over 10 details, resulting in at least 13 cases, which could not have been made without his assistance.”

To Warden Eric Blanchard of Lyman, presented by Sgt. Tim Spahr. For his persistence to apprehend a convicted felon illegally hunting without a valid license. The violator thought he was in the clear because he fled on foot. However, he dropped archery equipment in which he was identified as a New Hampshire resident. On the last day a search warrant was valid, the violator was found in Maine by Warden Blanchard and arrested. “Warden Blanchard’s effort in this case demonstrates an above-average technical knowledge of the law, ability to work with other agencies, and commitment to get the job done.”

To Warden Doug Kulis of Georgetown, presented by Sgt. Mark Warren. For his distinguished service in investigating poaching violations, particularly wild turkey and waterfowl, in his coastal Maine district. “Warden Kulis has the discretion of a seasoned officer and understands the value of summonses versus warnings, and has earned the respect of the hunting community and the Department as a result,” said Sgt. Warren. “Not all Game Wardens are created equal. Some are very good at catching people in violation, some with public relations, some at recreational vehicle law enforcement and watercraft enforcement. Warden Kulis seems to handle the many aspects of the job with relative ease and confidence.”

K-9 Conservation Case of the Year Award: To Game Warden Paul Farrington and Koda, of Springfield, presented by Corporal Wayde Carter. For their recovery of key evidence under four inches of snow during a poaching investigation of a deer kill.

Maine Warden Service Association Legendary Game Warden: To retired Game Warden Donald Gray, presented by Warden Chris Dyer and Retired Game Warden Larry Grant. Walker has served the Maine Warden Service for more than 40 years. Retired Warden Gray was instrumental in forming the Maine Warden Service’s Search and Rescue Team during the winter of 1963-1964. The need for the team was demonstrated by the deaths of Ranger Ralph Heath and Mrs. Margaret Ivusic, who lost their lives on Mount Katahdin in October 1962 during an untimely snowstorm. Mrs. Ivusic thought she was taking a short cut to Chimney Pond and became stranded on a ledge. Both died during the storm. In 1964, the team went to the mountain to recover their bodies.

Lifetime Distinguished Service Award: To retired Game Warden Larry Grant, presented by Col. Joel Wilkinson and Major Gregory Sanborn. Grant was instrumental in the formation of the Maine Warden Service Color Guard in the 1970s and the creation of the Legendary Game Warden Award in the early 1980s.

Last week my wife and I were the beneficiaries of an exceptional opportunity after a stroke of good luck that I recently experienced.

A couple weeks ago I was notified that I had won a monthly sweepstakes drawing from a major international entertainment corporation.  Part of that prize package included a round trip vacation package to Los Angeles and a stay at a luxury hotel in the midst of Beverly Hills, Hollywood and the Century City area of LA.

Now, anyone who knows me realizes that a choice vacation for me is being in a log cabin or camp in the middle of nowhere far from the noise and stress of mankind and our bustling artificially created cities.  Remember that I grew up living in a small home on a dirt road alongside a beautiful spring fed lake in a town of approximately 500 residents spread over quite a large area and in spite of my having seen a good part of this world over the years that sort of rural environment has always felt to me to be my home, my haven from the world at large.  You can probably imagine some of my concerns about spending a week in the playground of the rich and famous.  The Beverly Hillbillies were certainly referenced many times in the week or two prior to heading to California.

I spent some time wondering what sort of natural wildlife might exist in LA.  I mean we see every day some of the man made wildlife out there with gangs and the miles and miles of tall buildings and freeways, traffic like we have never seen in Maine and everything in the world available to a person who has money to spend.  But I wondered if I would see some of nature’s wildlife while I was there.

The first day or so I can’t say that I saw much more than some of the scariest traffic I’ve ever experienced and the inside of of our hotel room.  After ordering steak and cheese sandwiches and a couple ginger ales for $90 we figured we had better venture beyond our hotel room if we were to survive the trip.

After an adventure to Santa Monica Blvd. we soon found ourselves sitting in an enclosed patio outside a Starbucks enjoying our coffees and taking in the scenery.  While sitting there I put my head back and looked up into the blue sky overhead.  To my surprise I saw flying overhead what appeared to be an Osprey circling in search of prey and all the while being harassed by some black birds and a lone seagull.  Aside from some finches and a squirrel this was my first sighting of what I saw as evidence of nature’s wild and raw presence in that part of the world.   This one sighting gave me hope.

A couple days later we spent the day at Universal Studios in Hollywood.  Lots of man made wonders to be found there and in fact we enjoyed the day very much.  While on a studio tour of various sets, studios and lots our trolley car happened to pass something else which also gave me hope.  In the midst of this fabulous wonder of man made lights and effects while passing through a greener portion of the grounds between sets I spotted a Deer Crossing sign!  I know that of all the incredible eye candy available to us there in Hollywood one might expect that I would be impressed with things such as the Terminator 2 3-D show, the fantastic Waterworld show that we enjoyed or even the humorous and creative caricature that my wife paid an artist to make of yours truly.  But no, I was more taken with this simple deer crossing sign in the middle of this man made world.  I suppose I took this sign as evidence that in spite of the millions and millions of dollars and the years and years of self celebratory presence of man in this place wild nature still survived.  Wild nature still existed in spite of all that we had done there!

A Deer Crossing Sign in Hollywood! Photo by Jeff Cash

My friends, wild nature is raw, powerful stuff.  We make a great deal of what we do as humans in this world but in the playground that some might call the essence of the church of mankind, wild nature in all it’s untamed beauty still survives and impacts our “powerful” man made world.

I am truly amazed by nature every day!

Jeff Cash

With the focus of my own hunting and outdoor experiences being the spiritual growth, enrichment and the celebration of our natural place in the world,  I often find myself drawn to resources, groups and individuals that share in that appreciation.  One such organization is right here in the State of Maine.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Located in Augusta, The Maine Primitive Skills School is an amazing source of instruction and experienced based education on such subjects as philosophy, healing, wilderness survival skills, shelter construction, ceremony, homesteading arts, self reliance, tracking skills, bow making, flint knapping, composting and an ongoing extensive list of courses and workshops with a similar focus including one entitled Spirit of the Hunt.

I strongly encourage anyone seeking instruction in primitive skills, strengthening their connection to the natural world or deepening your wild spiritual self awareness to contact The Maine Primitive Skills School.  You can view The Maine Primitive Skills School web site where you can see for yourself some of the details of what the school has to offer as well as details of the individual classes and workshops.

You can also subscribe to monthly newsletters or contact them directly if you have any questions.

My friends – Be strong, be safe but be wild!

Jeff Cash

In pondering the subject of today’s Sacred Hunt Blog I was reminded of the grand role that coffee plays in the lives of so many of us.  For me that role began to be defined at a very young age and like a life long friend has been a part of my journey ever since.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

My first memories of coffee began as a recognition that drinking coffee was something the grown ups did, especially when family or friends stopped in to visit.  Quiet life in rural Maine meant these visits were often the most significant social aspect of our existence aside from our monthly trip to “civilization” for groceries or shopping needs.  As a result coffee took on a rather important role being a focus of our interactions with others but something we kids were not permitted to share or experience.

This changed within the first season or two that I went whitetail hunting.  You have to understand that hunting whitetail deer in Maine during the month of November can be darn cold.  One of the most important lessons and skills a young hunter in Maine learns is the importance of fighting the urge and instinct to move when your feet start to feel like they’ve become ice or the cold has started creeping from your extremities to your core.  Eventually though even the most experienced hunter has to give in to the frigid New England cold.  So often when leaving the woods and returning to our vehicles the adult hunters would have a thermos of hot coffee waiting.  One especially cold morning after several hours in the woods I was offered some coffee when we got back to the vehicles.  That was the first taste of coffee that I remember having.

In later years I found that coffee also became a handy tool for helping me get through overnight shifts, helping me get through a long drive home after a work day several counties from home, and perhaps most significant in my daily life that it helps me to shake off the sleep of the early morning hours before starting my day.

Coffee.  A warm, soothing, comforting friend that has been a part of my life since childhood in the woods, on the road, at work and at home.

All hail the mighty coffee!

Jeff Cash

Through several decades of study in various martial arts, philosophical schools of thought, spiritual and religious training and by way of both simple and at times more complex direct life experience I have become familiar with many theories and beliefs that help me to understand both myself and the world around me, the wildness both inside and out.

In my constantly evolving and hopefully increasing understanding of life one of the areas I have focused on is gender,  the roles our society seems to assign to them and the effect of free will and the following of one’s inner spirit or voice in the face of those seemingly societal expectations.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

The ancient oriental philosophies often referenced how everything contains some element of what would appear to be it’s opposite maintaining a balance of extremes.  Natural law echoes those ancient philosophers by teaching us that all things in nature seek a balance and that when things are out of balance sometimes extreme measures are experienced that right the imbalance returning things to a more harmonious yet fluid state.

When I was a child the hunters I knew were all men.  Hunting was, so far as I knew, a “man’s” activity.  There was no right or wrong to that concept back then, at least to the eyes of the young male child that I was.  It simply was the way it was and I accepted that.

A few years later I had some female relatives that were rumored to be hunting a little bit.  While the concept seemed foreign to me at the time and may have been the brunt of some of the old timer’s social conversations, I accepted it as being a sign of the changing times likely affected by the very rural area of my home town and the depressed economy that seems chronically bound to small towns and back woods villages.

One of those relatives, a cousin, later went on to become one of a handful of Registered Maine Guides who happen to be women.  While certainly not the first she proved herself to be a brave woman who through her calling and pioneering spirit has become a positive role model for many other young women in the years since.

In the last 20 years women in the outdoors have become more and more common and more accepted by most outdoor enthusiasts.  Many like myself actively support and celebrate women who follow the calling of their wild spirit within, the ancient huntress spirit that, while societal influences have not always supported them, have always been there hidden beneath the sometimes forced exterior of what women were told they needed to be.  I find it incredibly exciting to see this reemergence of women in the outdoors and I am honored to do what I can to give all outdoor enthusiasts, men and women alike, the respect and support they deserve for sharing the universal passion of the wilderness, of the outdoors, the woods & waters  and of the hunt.

I hope more women choose to listen to their inner hunter, the wild woman inside themselves.  No woman ever needs the approval of a man to be true to themselves and I hope no woman ever feels that they do need that approval.  Being true to one’s self is as unique to each of us as is our own mind, our own heart and emotions and our own spirit.

We share many things, men and women.  At the same time we are all unique and special individuals following our own paths.  There are many paths through the outdoor world and each is as valid, as valuable and as amazing as the next whether tread by man, woman, deer or bear.

Whenever our paths meet in this natural wilderness I will certainly be blessed.

Jeff Cash

AUGUSTA, Maine – Preliminary deer harvest numbers show a decrease of 14% from the 2008 harvest with an initial tally of 18,045 deer taken by hunters.

“To put this into perspective, we must consider that the 2008 and 2009 winters represent the most severe back-to-back winters since 1971-72,” according to IF&W Deer Biologist Lee Kantar.

Long winters with deep snows have a tremendous impact on the overwinter survival of deer.   Both expected regional declines in deer abundance and adverse hunting conditions — two weeks of poor hunting conditions during the firearms season — played a role in the fall 2009 harvest decline.  Decreases in the deer harvest from 2008 also were expected given the 16% decrease in any-deer permits for Maine’s hunters (reducing overall success rates).  The reductions in any-deer permits for 2009 were necessary to allow the deer herd to begin to recover.

Relative to adjacent provincial and state jurisdictions, the decline in Maine’s deer harvest was less in comparison to our Canadian neighbors in Quebec and New Brunswick whose deer harvests declined greater than 30% during the same time period, but was greater than the decline in New Hampshire’s deer harvest (decrease of approximately 5%).

For 2009, Department biologists projected a statewide harvest of approximately 19,289 deer.  The annual deer harvest projections by department biologists in the late spring result from an analysis of mortality and reproductive rates, harvest trends, and any deer permit allocations to meet Wildlife Management District (WMD) goals and objectives.  Thus our initial number for statewide harvest was 6% less than projected.

Over the next few weeks, department biologists will complete a more detailed analysis of the 2009 harvest and will release the final deer harvest number and further details about how the harvest looked by season, WMD, sex and age.