The Allegheny National Forest will have map specialists available at the Deer Season Kick-Off to help hunters learn how to make their own hunting maps. The Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC) is sponsoring this training for hunters. Map specialists will show hunters how to utilize the interactive mapping system of the Allegheny National Forest available to the public.

This mapping presentation is one of the free presentations for deer hunters and conservationists starting at 12:30 p.m. in the University Room at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford on Sunday, Oct. 27. Doors open at noon. The mapping presentation will start at 1:30 p.m.

“Using Interactive Maps Available for the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC) Area and Allegheny National Forest (NF)” by staff from the Allegheny National Forest.

Do you like using the hands-on approach that the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) has developed with their “make your own hunter maps,” then come learn how to make your own hunter maps for the KQDC and the ANF? Additional hands-on time will be available during the afternoon.

Other activities for the afternoon will occur at the following times:

12:30 p.m. — “Woods Butchering: An Improvised, but Practical Approach” by Ben Moyer, Outdoor Writer and Naturalist.

1:40 p.m. — Special this Year for Deer Hunters – a light thank-you lunch will be provided with updates about the KQDC. Enjoy lunch and learn what’s new in your hunt area within the KQDC deer hunting area west of Bradford and north of Kane.

2:30 p.m. — “Live Demo: How to De-bone a Deer in the Field” by Merlin Benner of Wildlife Specialists, LLC

3:30 p.m. — Personal opportunity to try out the new ANF online hunter map, chat with presenters, and visit the deer hunting vendor booths.

All of these seminars are free to deer hunters. The UP-B Environmental Studies and Biology Clubs, and the UP-B Energy Science and Technology Program are co-sponsoring these seminars with the KQDC. Prizes, such as trail cameras, will be awarded randomly during the day.

The KQDC will once again be offering free check station services to hunters at its deer checking station on Rt. 59 at Timberdoodle Flats. The checking station will be open the first two days of the rifle deer season and again on the second Saturday. All hunters checking their deer at the check station will receive a raffle ticket for a rifle of the caliber of their choice. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the rifle deer season.

The KQDC is almost 75,000 acres of public and private lands managed to improve deer populations and habitat. The land is west of Bradford and north of Kane in McKean County. The cooperators are Sand County Foundation, Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Allegheny National Forest, Bradford Water Authority, Conservation Forestry, Collins Pine Co. (Kane Hardwood), and RAM Forest Products. Additional information can be obtained at www.kqdc.com or www.Facebook.com/The KQDC.