Free seminar offers information on deer management Feb. 4

There will be a free deer management seminar and expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Delaware State Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall in Harrington, with complimentary lunch for all attendees. Doors open at 8 a.m.

A team of experts will present strategies for successful hunting and explain the benefits of quality deer management at this educational session designed for farmers, landowners, hunters, and anyone interested in wildlife management. An on-site vendor expo will include exhibits on taxidermy, food plots, habitat improvement, and forestry planning, and there will be raffles and door prizes.

Young people interested in hunting, wildlife and natural resources are encouraged to attend. There is no charge and no reservations are needed.

Seminar topics will include wildlife habitat management, understanding the benefits of quality deer management, successful hunting strategies, antler growth and development, and aging bucks on the hoof.

The event is sponsored by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the Quality Deer Management Association in Delaware, and the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Department of Natural Resource and Environmental Control.

Scheduled speakers include:

• Kip Adams - QDMA education & outreach coordinator, certified wildlife biologist

• Mark Buxton - owner, Southeastern Wildlife Habitat Services

• Dr. Mark Connor - manager, Chesapeake Farms in Chestertown, Md.

• Joe Hamilton - QDMA founder, certified wildlife biologist

• Joe Rogerson - Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife big game and furbearer biologist

• Larry Walton - vice president of Vision Forestry LLC

• Erich Burkentine - regional forester, Delaware Forest Service.