In 1998 a joint project was initiated with the Northumberland County Woodlot Owners Association and the New Brunswick
Wildlife Council and with private land owners. The goal of this project was to encourage private land owners within
deer wintering areas to manage their woodlots and provide a sustainable level of deer habitat.
To date, 7 major areas have been recognized as being crucial deer wintering habitat. These areas range in size
from approximately 1000 to over 3000 acres. With the average woodlot size of approximately 100 acres, it is essential that
we strive to have Woodlot Owners work together towards obtaining deer habitat.
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A long term habitat supply was examined on each of the areas. The Woodlot Owners Association is now at the stage
of providing land owners with information and recommendations as to how they can manage their woodlot for deer wintering habitat
along with meeting other objectives.
The Department of Natural Resources and Energy has also taken an interest in this project. A deer yard located in
Renous, N.B. is presently being utilized by deer on both private and crown land. The wildlife biologist at region 2
headquarters, Tom Pettigrew, has decided to take this section of crown land out of regular management regime and set it aside
as a deer wintering management zone.
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The area available for deer wintering habitat on private woodlots is currently low mainly due to the harvesting practices
which have been occurring. However, with proper silviculture treatments and other management activities the area providing
this habitat will increase and be beneficial to the deer.
These management activities may not only obtain the habitat objectives but may also provide land owners with some economic
gains. Activities such as partial harvesting can be a good example of this, and it will provide cover and browse needed
for deer.
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The first stage of this project is near completion and it is hopeful that this can be taken to the next level.
This level will also need the involvement of the Woodlot Owners Association, the Land Owners, and the Wildlife Council.
It will require providing a support base and possible funding opportunities for on-the-ground management activities.
