The Elusive Whitetail Hunter Education and Instructional Program

On Sunday February 28th, beginning at 7:30 AM, The Elusive Whitetail Hunter Education and Instructional Program with its experienced and knowledgeable instructors will join together with Sonja Christensen current Deer & Moose project leader for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Originally from northern Minnesota, Sonja graduated with a biology degree from Minnesota State University. While completing her undergraduate degree, she worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biology research intern, focusing on the whitetail deer.

In 2006, Sonja began her Masters research through the Pennsylvania State University Wildlife and Fisheries Science program and the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. She led a research project investigating habitat use, movement and survival rates of white-tailed deer at Assateague Island National Seashore, on Maryland's eastern shore. In April of 2008, while finishing her Master’s degree, Sonja accepted her present position with the Division where she is currently employed.

She has most graciously accepted our invitation along with a team of biologists to enhance our participants knowledge in the understanding of the Whitetail Deer.

Our second morning segment will be divided into three groups, the first will remain at the club house to get a hands on demonstration by Rick Gagnier on field dressing rabbit, Rick who has been hunting the great woods of Maine, has had the experience of harvesting a Bull Moose and the joy of hearing that lovely sound of a Beagle on the run. He will be spreading his vast knowledge while preparing those who may want to attend our afternoon segment of Field dressing a Deer.

The second group will have the pleasure of participating in the first of two Wildlife Tracking interactive demonstrations performed by Julie Towne from Cape Ann Trackers. A certified Cyber Tracker who as a young child has always been interested in animals and nature. It wasn't until 1996 when she attended Tom Browns Tracking School in New Jersey that she really became passionate about studying wildlife as a way of learning more about the ecology of the natural world. After actively studying animal tracking for five years and completing over 200 hours of instruction with White Pine Program she has recently become certified as a Level One Tracker by Cyber Tracker Conservation Website. Julie participated in an apprenticeship program in preparation for her evaluation, which consisted of more than 100 questions on animal tracks and sign over the course of two days. Though she has more familiarity with tracking during the winter months, Towne not only passed Level One evaluation, but she also scored just a few points away from earning a Level Two certification. The second tracking segment will be after lunch.

The third group will be instructed by Gerry Lemire and his brother Albert who are both certified IHEA instructors and have over 50 years of combined experience in the art of Tree-Stand Placement and Safety. They will demonstrate the proper use of the Ladder, Fixed, and Climbing Tree-Stands.

There will be a short break for lunch which participants may bring or purchase from the kitchen of Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club. After lunch participants will begin the first segment of the afternoon with either Miss Towne with interactive tracking or join Gerry, Rick & Albert for a hands on Tree-Stand interaction with the aid of Hunters Safety Systems Vest & Lone Wolf Tree-Stands.

Our second afternoon segment will consist of proper shot placement and Game Recovery with a hands on Field Dressing demonstration, which will conclude the program for the day. Anyone wishing to participate in the Meat Processing which will be held on March 7th will be instructed on the time and location.

Though this program will be free of charge a small token of appreciation to help promote future educational and instructional programs will be sincerely welcomed.

All interested participants will be required to preregister by Tuesday February 23rd, for more information or to preregister for this upcoming program please mailto:gerry@theelusivewhitetail.com. or call Gerry Lemire (508) 450 – 8518.