Mid-Michigan Branch
Q
uality Deer Management Association
Minutes of April 10, 1999 Meeting, 12 noon at Jay's Sporting Goods
Meeting called to order by President Ed Spinazzola. Board members present: Ed Spinazzola, Phil Andres, Bob Jacobson, Bill Sclesky and Boyd Wiltse. General membership and guest attendees: Lee Brooks, Joey Burk, Rian Andres, Jason Cline, Brian Courser, Norm Engel, Chad Huber, Randy Hebden, Sheila Jacobson, Chris Jones, Chuck Jones, Jim Newman, Bruce Patterson, Brian Reisner, Derek Sclesky, Rick Sullivan, Al Urban, Annette Williams and John H. Williams.
- Secretary Report: Secretary Boyd Wiltse reported that our current membership totals over 300 members, as compared to a total state membership of 150 just a year ago. Bruce Patterson motioned to accept secretary report for January meeting as printed and mailed to the general membership. Motion 2nd by Chuck Jones. Motion carried.
- Treasurer Report: Treasurer Phil Andres reported current bank balance of $1,908, less outstanding operating expenses of about $600. Motion by Sheila Jacobson and 2nd by Chuck Jones. Dick Shellenbarger to accept treasurer's report as read and pay all outstanding bills.
- Education Report: Ed Spinazzola reported that he recently talked with Dr. Karl V. Miller and everything is a go for our featured September 18, 1999 Seminar speaker. As previously reported, Dr. Miller is a research scientist and instructor in wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. He has conducted extensive research on the physiology, behavioral ecology, and habitat requirements of white-tailed deer. He has also many written works/studies including the Quality Whitetails book, The Why and How of Quality Deer Management. Deer function throughout the year and deer vocalization and vision represent just a couple of areas in which he has significant expertise.
It was unanimously agreed that we would not charge a Seminar entrance fee, however, donations will be encouraged to help cover some of the expenses.
- Ed up-dated the group on the excellent turn-outs and feedback we've received from the townhall QDM meetings held earlier this year in Scotsville and Minden City, as we continue to spread the QDM message.
Boyd also pointed out that Perry Russo has a QDM workshop scheduled for May 22 in Sandusky, and plans on scheduling additional summer QDM workshops in Ubly and Caro.
- Quality Deer Management Working Group - Ed indicated that progress continues on the State QDM Draft Document and a meeting is scheduled for April 29 in anticipation of finalizing the Procedure.
- Boyd Wiltse made a motion, seconded by Bruce Patterson to support the statewide feeding ban resolution adopted by the NRC at their March 10, 1999 meeting, as follows:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Natural Resources Commission hereby calls upon the Michigan Legislature to ban statewide supplemental feeding of wild free-ranging white-tailed deer and elk for the good of the natural environment, the deer and elk resources, the livestock industry, and the people of the State of Michigan.
Branch motion carried unanimously.
- Motion by Bruce Patterson and 2nd by Norm Engel to advise Whitetails Unlimited that we would like again participate in a joint banquet with them on September 11, 1999. Motion carried unanimously.
- Ed mentioned the up coming Jay's Kids Day, August 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Several Branch members volunteered their time last year for this outstanding event. A sign-up sheet was passed around and several members volunteered their time for August 14th. This is a great cause and is very rewarding from a personal standpoint. If you would like to sign-up, please contact Boyd Wiltse (810-231-9560) or Jay's Sporting Goods - Ken Logan (517-386-3475). Jay's has been very good to us and this represents a small effort on our part to help out (which is fun besides).
- Announcements: The next regular quarterly meeting for the Mid-Michigan Branch QDMA will be Saturday, July 10, 1999, 12 Noon at Jay's Sporting Good's, On Old US 27, one mile north of Clare, MI.
As Ed says, let's keep the fun in hunting and deer management!
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.