Shoots Like a Girl

Each Fall Locust Lake Village participates in the Pennsylvania Game Commission sanctioned Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). The program was started over 15 years ago due to the rapid deterioration of the vegetation within the Village. A study was performed by a PA Game Commission biologist and determined the biggest factor was the overabundance of deer harboring within the confines of Locust Lake Village. The study recommended a strict non feeding of wildlife policy along with the Game Commission sponsored DMAP program. With the assistance of the Commission, the program was custom designed to fit the needs of the Village with four designated hunting areas. A formula of the amount of harvest coupons to be issued to hunters was part of the design. In addition to satisfying the Game Regulations, Locust Lake Village Board of Directors added certain requirements of their own, for additional safety concerns. One of these requirements is the annual qualification of demonstration of proficiency in order to participate in the program. Each participant must be able to hit the target with the required amount of arrows and pre-determined distance. The program is designed for archery only. The PA Game Commission requires that all participants have a current PA state issued hunting license and follow all regulations and laws as published by the Commission. The participants of the program are a mix of property owners and their invited family members and guests. This season we celebrate a first within the participation phase of the program. This year we have the youngest, female archer to ever qualify and be certified for the program. We welcome 13-year-old Ava DeLeonardis. Ava is the granddaughter of LLV Property Owner Bill Hird of Ridge Road. Bill has participated in the program for several years. He is excited to take to the woods with his granddaughter and share both his archery skills and quality family time for his granddaughter’s first hunt of the elusive white tail. Bill stated he feels a lot more comfortable with taking her out for her first time in what he sees as a lot safer and controlled environment opposed to an area such as public state game lands. We wish Ava the best of luck with her first hunting experience. If anyone is interested in participating or would like more information on the DMAP program, contact Andy Gross. Email: Redleggs@outlook.com