Mule Deer Fanatic

Steve Merlo’s Outdoor Column

Cal Deer Association to hold annual banquet

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“With California’s deer herds in a steep decline due to predation and dwindling habitat, hunters and other conservationists need to do all they can to promote healthy mule deer and blacktail deer environment in the Golden State.

While several of California’s herds are stable or at least growing steadily, the majority still suffers, needing a decent jump-start to return to the unprecedented numbers of the mid-1900s.

Creating prime deer habitat is an expensive proposition, taking a whole lot of sportsmen’s dollars and hard work to stimulate a healthy deer herd rebound. But just raising dollars to promote animal welfare is not enough — deer advocates need to be certain all their monies remain where it will do the most good — inside California.

Enter the California Deer Association. Dedicated to the promotion of California’s deer herds for hunting and conservation, the group retains every penny it earns entirely within California for exactly that purpose.

On April 12, the local chapter of the CDA will hold its seventh annual fundraising dinner and banquet at the Kern County Fairgrounds. The event is usually a sellout. I’ve been to the last three events and can attest to its popularity and fun. This year’s banquet has changed buildings, allowing a greater number of people to attend. Last year’s event actually turned folks away.

Right now, tickets, raffle and sponsor packages are available at reduced pricing to stimulate sales.

The event begins at 4:30 p.m. for cocktails, with dinner and the evening’s festivities immediately afterward.

There will be a general raffle and live and silent auctions for outdoor-related gear, including guns and wildlife art. Contact Steve Hill (331-4536), Gene Darter (823-1858), Ed Frank (589-1635) or Mike Hayes (397-1200) for more information.”