NC Coastal Reserve Wildlife Study - Participants Needed
The Northern Sites Office of the NC Coastal Reserve, in cooperation with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, is conducting a pair of studies (Jawbone Study and Wing Study) to help manage wildlife and their habitat on the Buxton Woods, Kitty Hawk Woods, and Currituck Banks Reserves. Currently there is little data on the age, health, and numbers of wildlife harvested from the Reserves. This data is necessary for proper management of both the wildlife population and its habitat. For example it will help managers determine how well the habitat is supporting the population and if programs such as understory thinning, timber management, prescribed burning, and/or planting are necessary. Moreover, the data will allow the Reserve to monitor trends over time. Hunter participation in these studies is critical to their success, and participation is strongly encouraged.
Study Details
The Jawbone Study is for deer harvested from the Buxton Woods, Kitty Hawk Woods, and Currituck Banks sites. Hunters are requested to remove and turn in the lower jawbone from their deer and note several characteristics which describe the health of the animal. Deer age will be determined by analyzing jaw teeth, and deer health will be estimated by its weight, kidney fat content, and antler development.
The Wing Study is for waterfowl harvested from within or adjacent to the Buxton Woods, Kitty Hawk Woods, and Currituck Banks sites. Hunters are requested to remove and turn in a single wing from their waterfowl. Relative age (juvenile vs. adult), sex, and condition (given by wear of feathers) will be determined. We are also hoping to use the feathers for a toxicity analysis.
How to Participate
Detailed directions and assistance can be obtained from the NC Coastal Reserve Northern Sites Office (983 W. Kitty Hawk Rd., Kitty Hawk) or Frisco Rod & Gun (Frisco Shopping Center, Hwy. 12, Frisco). Jawbones and/or wings can be dropped off, and deer harvest recorded, at either of these locations. Directions can also be downloaded by clicking on the following links: Jawbone Study, Wing Study. For more information contact Northern Sites manager Bo Dame at 252-261-8891.