Mid-Michigan Branch Quality Deer Management Association
Minutes of January 21, 2001 General meeting and
February 3, 2001 Board of Director Meeting
Meeting called to order by President Ed Spinazzola. Board members present:
Ed Spinazzola, Phil Andres, Bob Jacobson, Bill Sclesky, Boyd Wiltse and Marc Yenkel. General membership and guest attendees: Mike Allshore, Leon Hank, Sheila Jacobson, Richard King, Bruce Patterson, Keith Seltz, Dick Shellenbarger, Ron Southwell, Bill Tuberille, Al Urban and Carl Wheeler.
Secretary Report: Boyd Wiltse reported that our membership continues to grow with paid-up members totaling nearly 500. Bruce Patterson moved to accept secretary report as written for the October meeting. Motion 2nd by Sheila Jacobson. Motion carried.
Treasurer Report: Phil Andres reported current bank balance of $6,000. The 2000 calendar year expenses and revenue amounted to $8,256 and $7,438, respectively, or a net loss for the year of $818. Motion by Bruce Patterson and 2nd by Sheila Jacobson to accept Treasurer's report. Motion carried.
Education Report: Ed Spinazzola updated members on educational accomplishments for the year, including several workshops held throughout the State. Most noteworthy was the seminar held in Ludington, which officially kicked-off activities for the newly formed West Shore Branch. We have a continued need to establish more Branches, as the demand for deer management information increases at a very fast pace in the State. Some other activities covered were:
- Upcoming February 3rd Townhall Meeting for feedback on the DMU 107 Demonstration.
- Deer aging/evaluation coverage.
- First Annual National Quality Deer Management Association Convention - Saturday, March 3, 2001, Athens, GA.
- Booklet on forming QDM cooperatives in development stage by QDMA and Mississippi University.
- Deer map by state and joint 50/50 sharing of cost with Michigan DNR and Tri County Sportsman Club donation.
- Several member properties were volunteered for Mid-Michigan Branch sponsored youth hunts. Thanks!
Board of Directors: All existing Directors were re-elected for another two-year term. Sheila Jacobson, Norm Engel, Richard King, Bruce Patterson, Al Urban, and Carl Wheeler.
Marc Yenkel announced that he had a moderator for the Feb 3 DMU 107 townhall meeting, and would make all necessary arrangements for the 2nd year feedback session on the minimum 3-point on one side antler requirement.
Bruce Patterson and Bill Sclesky shared success stories on the Mid-Michigan Branch sponsored youth hunts. Thanks to all!
Dick Shellenbarger made a fine presentation of DNR activities, and covered items that were under review by the Agency.
QDMA Billboard: Ed volunteered to look into a Mid-Michigan area QDMA billboard, similar to the one designed and erected by the Thumb Area Branch. Where, how many, length of time and cost options will be evaluated.
Al Urban updated the group on the deer management interest and success that they have been gaining in their hunting area. He also announced that they were holding a Deer Management Workshop on February 24, 2001 in Reed City to help landowners improve the quality of the deer herd.
Announcements: Next quarterly general meeting will be held April 7, 2001, 12 Noon at Jay's Sporting Goods, Clare, MI.
February 3, 2001 Special Board of Directors Meeting
A special meeting was called for February 3, 2001 to formulate the Mid-Michigan Branch QDMA position on the legalization and use of crossbows, and assign representatives to the Special State crossbow study group chaired by NRC Commissioner Jerry Bartnik (initial group meeting date of February 7). Members/Directors present were Ed Spinazzola, Phil Andres, Chuck Jones, Norm Engel, Frank Myers, Ted Novak, Bruce Patterson, Bill Sclesky, Boyd Wiltse, and Marc Yenkel. A summary of crossbow pros and cons from a wildlife and hunter standpoint was developed and used in arriving at the Branch's position below. Reference material included information from other states DNR agencies and outdoor writer articles.
- Position developed: The Mid-Michigan Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association supports the legalization and use of crossbows in Michigan for deer hunting. In support of the position statement, it was further agreed that the use of crossbows would help retain hunter numbers (allowing the non-handicapped and physically challenged to deer hunt, such as the aged, youth and those with conditions that are less than 80% disability).
- It also was a consensus of the group that the legalization and use of crossbows would not be detrimental to the deer herd, and could help in our quality deer management goals.
- Norm Engel and Frank Myers volunteered to represent the Branch's position at the February 7 State Committee meeting.