NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
The Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management at Susquehanna Environmental Management Division held a mentored youth deer hunt Nov. 9 on Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
Fourteen youth hunters, ranging in age from 8 to 16, participated in the hunt alongside their adult mentors. The Environmental Management Division has hosted these hunts since 2003.
“These hunts provide a safe environment to mentor our youth with hands-on instruction,” said Heather Hoban, chief, Environmental Management Division, DLA Installation Management at Susquehanna. “Additionally, these hunts help keep the deer population at or below the natural resources carrying capacity of the available habitat, reduce deer related impacts to employee safety and decrease the chance of wildlife-related vehicle collisions on the installation.”
The hunt is entirely coordinated by volunteers who ensure the hunt is conducted safely and efficiently. Ten volunteers from commands across the installation provided safety training, escorted hunters to designated hunting locations, provided a variety of support services and coordinated a potluck breakfast and lunch for the event.
“This was a well-organized, well executed and safe hunt,” said hunt volunteer James Hooper, deputy to the commander, DLA Distribution, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania.
In order to conduct the hunt, the Pennsylvania Game Commission issues a special use hunting permit which allows hunting on the installation. Over the course of the daylong hunt, four buck were harvested.
“My son was ecstatic to get his first deer, and I was personally thankful that he was able to do so in such a safe and organized setting,” said hunt mentor Jeff Connelly, management analyst, DLA Installation Management at Susquehanna. “We were also grateful for the excellent hospitality suite of great hunting food that kept us warm and motivated throughout the day.”
The next mentored youth hunt is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2025, and is open to junior license holders and mentored youth 8-16 years old. Each youth participant must be escorted by an adult sponsor that is employed by DLA Distribution, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, DLA Installation Management at Susquehanna, any federal employee stationed at the Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna, or active-duty service members affiliated with Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna.