QDMA Press Release

Michigan Man Earns National Recognition

Watkinsville, Ga. – The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) has named Michigan QDMA member Jeff Sturgis as winner of its 2004 “Al Brothers Deer Manager of the Year Award.” Sturgis accepted the honor recently during the QDMA's 4 th annual Convention in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The award is named in honor of Texas Wildlife Biologist Al Brothers, considered the father of Quality Deer Management. Brothers co-authored the book “Producing Quality Whitetails” in 1975, and his efforts to encourage landowners and hunters to practice QDM led to the founding of the QDMA in 1988.

“This award recognizes the individual who, through their dedication and commitment to the principles of Quality Deer Management, has made significant on-the-ground achievements in whitetail management,” said QDMA Executive Director Brian Murphy. “Jeff's efforts are testaments to what can be accomplished on small properties with hard work, patience and the application of sound QDM principles.”

Sturgis bought a relatively small piece of land in Michigan's Upper Peninsula – 130 acres – in July 1999. When he took possession, the acreage was covered with spruce, cedar, pine, soft maple and fir – none of which are considered quality deer foods. And the soils were highly acidic, ranging from a pH of 4.1 to 5.2. There essentially were no hard or soft mast producing species and no agriculture within 20 miles.

During his first year of ownership, Sturgis believed fewer than five deer even used the property. He didn't see a scrape, and only located five small rubs – all likely made by the same yearling buck.

Between 2000 and 2003, Sturgis initiated a comprehensive habitat-improvement and food-plot program centered around a large, non-hunted food plot and sanctuary area. Many hours of bulldozer work, almost 40 tons of lime and the advice of a professional wildlife consultant have paid off big for him.

“During the 2003 hunting season, Jeff passed eight different bucks up to three years of age and harvested a yearling doe,” Murphy said. “The occurrence of rubs and scrapes on his land has increased to a point where he can't keep count.

“More importantly, one of Jeff's hunting companions saw more deer last season than the previous four years combined – and he got to hear a buck fight and see bucks chasing does for the first time. Jeff has created a diverse and productive property that any QDM Advocate would be proud of.”

The QDMA is a national non-profit wildlife conservation organization headquartered in Watkinsville, Ga., with members in all 50 states and several foreign countries.

The QDMA is dedicated to ethical hunting, sound deer management and the preservation of the deer-hunting heritage. To learn more about the QDMA and how it can help your hunting, call (800) 209-DEER [(800) 209-3337] or visit www.qdma.com .

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