Tag: winter deer trapping

A Change of Pace

There was no deer trapping this last week. Although my crew expressed sadness upon hearing the news, I was happy to have a change of pace. I must admit, the adrenaline rush from tackling deer has waned. In abundance, anything can lose its luster — especially long, cold hours waiting for the net to drop. Perhaps more than the cold, the idle hours are what bothered me most. I was eager to learn something new! Continue reading “A Change of Pace”

Spring is Coming

Although it hardly seems like spring is near, the signs that the season is beginning to change are all around. Grasses are becoming green in southern Pennsylvania and the buds are about to burst into leaves soon. The red hue on the ridge tops will be green in a few weeks’ time. As the season changes, we are entering the twilight of our deer trapping season. Continue reading “Spring is Coming”

In the Thick of Winter Deer Trapping

It’s been a while since I’ve been home. Hell, it’s been a while since I had a day off. In the thick of winter deer trapping, my life is consumed. By day we prepare and by night we capture deer, every day — repeat. Continue reading “In the Thick of Winter Deer Trapping”

The Art of Storylines

Needless to say, I spend many cold, uncomfortable, late-night hours in the blind. Sometimes, I keep busy by scanning our trapping site for deer, eagerly waiting for them to make their way under the net. However, this isn’t always my role and most nights are mind-numbing and boring. How do I endure these times? I welcome storylines! Continue reading “The Art of Storylines”

Is it Criminal?

In darkness, the truck lumbers up the windy road. A car follows about fifty yards behind. They were sent on a job this odd hour. They were told that it wouldn’t take long. Unbeknownst to them, a meeting was scheduled with a corpse. Continue reading “Is it Criminal?”

My First Deer

In the beginning of my wildlife journey, I remember watching a video of a biologist enter a clover trap to subdue a deer. It was exciting and frightening at the same time. With enthusiasm, I was proud to say, “that could be me one day!” The time has come to tackle a deer. Continue reading “My First Deer”

I’m Allergic to Deer

Seriously? After all these years of hunting, you would think that I would have known by now. Apparently, field dressing a deer was never enough to really get my allergies going but working with them is terrible. Just my luck, I’m allergic to deer! Continue reading “I’m Allergic to Deer”

First Trapping Night

We combined forces. Our first trapping night was to be shared between the two crews. Many of us were green. Out of a dozen, maybe two or three had experience working with deer. We would perform under the supervision of our section leaders. Hopefully, their presence would provide guidance and not intimidation. We were nervous but excited to trap deer for the first time! Continue reading “First Trapping Night”

The Purpose of Trapping Deer

Originally, when I applied for a position to trap deer this winter, I thought that I would be working on the other half of the Deer-Forest Study. If you recall, I spent two seasons sampling herbs and woody species as a Forest Field Technician. The supervisor for the deer and elk section had other plans for me, however. During my job offer, he asked if I was interested in working on the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) study in South Central Pennsylvania. He added that I would make a good fit to the crew that he was assembling. I still don’t know what that means but I could not pass the opportunity to assist a new study. After all, wildlife disease is fascinating! I accepted a position on the Blair County CWD deer trapping crew. That is why I am here in Martinsburg this winter. Continue reading “The Purpose of Trapping Deer”