Minutes of January 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, Frank Myers, Ted Novak, Marc Yenkel and Boyd Wiltse. General membership and guest attendees: Kathryn Amirjo, Joey Burk, Brian Butts, Terry Butts, Dan Cassidy, Jim Diamond, Mark Diamond, Randy Hebden, Lynn Grencz, Bob Jacobson, Sheila Jacobson, Chuck Jones, Richard King, Robert Morton, Paul Newman, Bruce Patterson, Brian Reisner, George Rice, Amanda Russo, Perry Russo, Shelley Russo, Bill Sclesky, Dick Shellenbarger, Dale Sheltrown, Ron Southwell, Al Urban and Carl Wheeler. New members introduced to the group were Joey Burk, Robert Clark, Dan Cassidy, Randy Hebden and Paul Newman.
The first order of business was the nomination and election of the Board of Directors, as called for in our by-laws (doesn't seem possible that two years passed so quickly). Board members re-elected to a new two-year term were Ed Spinazzola (President), Frank Myers (Vice-President), Phil Andres (Treasurer), Boyd Wiltse (Secretary), Ted Novak and Marc Yenkel. Newly elected Board members were Bob Jacobson, Perry Russo and Bill Sclesky. And a very special thanks to departing Board members Herb Klekamp and Jim Williams for their many contributions.
Secretary Report: Boyd Wiltse motioned to accept secretary report for August meeting as printed and mailed to the general membership. Motion 2nd by Marc Yenkel. Motion carried.
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Phil Andres reported 1998 calendar year gross income of $8,536 and expenses totaling $8,710 or a net loss of a $174 for the year. We have a balance of $1,929 in the bank for continuing operations. Motion by Ted Novak and 2nd by Dick Shellenbarger to accept treasurer's report as read and pay all outstanding bills.
Education Report: Ed Spinazzola reported that the 1999 educational seminar will be held at Jay's Sporting Goods, Clare, MI on September 18th, and Dr. Karl V. Miller has accepted to be our featured speaker. 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 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.
Dick Shellenbarger outlined D.N.R. progress on establishing a formal procedure for evaluating Quality Deer Management proposals. A rough draft has been completed and will be released to appropriate individuals for their input, including Ed Spinazzola who represented our Branch during the initial working sessions. Other public organizations represented in the work sessions include Commemorative Bucks, Michigan Bowhunters and Michigan United Conservation Club.
Perry Russo spoke about DMU 124 and the QDM Workshop to be held January 16th at the Minden City Township Hall. Flyers have been disseminated throughout the area advertising the town hall meeting, which will include a DNR slide presentation and some thoughts, by our president, Ed Spinazzola, about the attributes of QDM.
Ted Novak reported that deer qualifying for the hunter award program include any doe harvested and bucks with at least three points on one side. A successful deer hunter bumper sticker will be awarded to those QDMA members, who report their successful hunts to Ed Spinazzola or Boyd Wiltse.
New Business:
Perry Russo volunteered to chair QDMA activities and representation at the up coming Deer Spectacular in Lansing (February 12th, 13th and 14th). Thanks Perry!
After a brief discussion, it was motioned by Ron Southwell to again utilize the services (approximately $200) of the Gladwin Record in making flyers, promoting QDM and our seminar, available at the Gladwin County fair and the Clare County and Gladwin County SCS offices. Motion 2nd by Carl Wheeler. Motion carried.
Bruce Patterson and Boyd Wiltse volunteered to contact MUCC and determine what is required for our Branch to become a MUCC Affiliate.
Ted Novak discussed Ed's up-coming trip to Arkansas to participate in a deer study group and motioned that the Branch pay for his hotel and travel expense including meals. Motion 2nd by Boyd Wiltse. Motion carried.
Fund raiser - Will plow, disk, etc. small plots up to 20 acres for food plots, garden, etc. Prefer within 20 miles of Big Rapids-Evart area. Contact Al Urban, Mid-Michigan Branch QDMA member at 1-616-867-3237.
A spirited discussion was held regarding the subject of deer baiting. An informal survey of members present indicated that 13 were in favor of a baiting limitation, such as 10 gallons per hunting site, and seven (7) preferred a complete elimination of baiting while one preferred unlimited baiting. The item was chaired as the membership agreed that the Branch was not prepared to draft a position statement at this time, especially in view of ongoing review by the DNR in connection with the TB issue and current regulations. We will support the DNR as it aggressively pursues the best course of action for eradicating TB from the deer herd!
The newly elected Board met briefly after the meeting. All current officers were nominated, accepted and re-appointed to their current positions - Ed Spinazzola, President, Frank Myers, Vice-President, Phil Andres, Treasurer and Boyd Wiltse, Secretary. Committee activities were discussed and Directors accepting to chair committees were as follows: Education, Ed Spinazzola; Raffle Tickets, Ted Novak; Seminar Program, Ed Spinazzola; and Membership, Boyd Wiltse. Committee chair-people responsible for ensuring that their committees are adequately represented by Branch members. Note: Any members wanting to participate on any of these committees, please contact the applicable chairperson.
Announcements: The next regular quarterly meeting for the Mid-Michigan Branch QDMA will be Saturday, April 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!
Web Page Webmaster: Boyd Wiltse, Secretary Mid-Michigan Branch QDMA
Page Updated: 18 Jan 99 The QDMA Logo shown above is Trademarked and may not be used without written permission from QDMA National Headquarters (call 1-800-209-3337 or write to QDMA, P.O. Box 227, Watkinsville, GA 30677).