Author Archive

Oregon Mule Deer Initiative

Posted by on Wednesday, 23 February, 2011

Fast facts about Oregon’s mule deer

  • The estimated 2009 Oregon mule deer population of 216,154 is below the statewide management objective of 344,900 animals.
  • Mule deer (found east of the Cascades) and black-tailed deer (west of the Cascades) are the same species but different sub-species of deer.
  • Deer have a smaller digestive track than elk or cattle, so their forage needs to be of higher nutritional quality.
  • Mule deer breed once per year, in late fall, and does generally produce two fawns.
  • In 2008, about 70,000 people went deer hunting in eastern Oregon, generating almost $22 million for the economy.
  • Ranches, farms and other private lands provide winter range and other important habitat for mule deer.
  • Utah Deer Application Deadline

    Posted by on Wednesday, 23 February, 2011

    The Utah Deer Application Deadline is March 3, 2011.

    Go to the “States” tab for more info.

    Good Luck on the Draw

    Wolves in Utah – Friend or Foe

    Posted by on Wednesday, 19 January, 2011

    Excerpts from the Utah DWR:

    ——————————————————–

    Are there wolves in Utah?

    Although there have been confirmed wolf sightings — and some instances of wolf-related livestock depredation — there are no known established packs in Utah.

    Are wolves protected under the Endangered Species Act?

    Yes. As of Aug. 5, 2010, wolves in the western United States, including all of Utah, are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

    Can I kill a wolf that’s attacking my livestock?

    No. Wolves are now listed as an endangered species and are fully protected under the Endangered Species Act. If wolves begin harassing or harming your livestock, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

    Will I be reimbursed if a wolf kills my livestock?

    As long as wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act, the state of Utah will not reimburse you for livestock killed by wolves. However, livestock owners may be eligible for compensation from a private organization. For details, see the Wolf Compensation Trust set up by Defenders of Wildlife.

    Does Utah have a long-term plan for dealing with wolves?

    In 2003, the Utah Legislature directed the DWR to prepare a wolf management plan. The DWR convened a diverse team with members from many interest groups. This effort had two main goals:

    • To encourage the USFWS to delist wolves and give management authority to the state
    • To outline how the state of Utah would manage wolves

    In 2005, after an exhaustive public process, the Utah Wildlife Board and Utah Agricultural and Wildlife Damage Prevention Board approved the Utah Wolf Management Plan.

    What will happen if a wolf enters Utah?

    In 2010, the Utah Legislature passed legislation (see S.B. 36, Wolf Management) directing the DWR to request that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service immediately remove any wolves discovered in Utah. In compliance with the new law, the DWR sends a removal request to the USFWS each time a wolf is discovered in Utah.

    What is the DWR’s position on wolves?

    The DWR’s position has always been that wolves should be removed from the protection of the Endangered Species Act and be managed by the state of Utah. DWR leadership, the governor’s office and Utah’s congressional delegation have repeatedly requested that the federal government transfer management to the state. The DWR will continue urging the USFWS to delist wolves statewide. After that occurs, the DWR can implement its plan and manage wolves responsibly whenever — and wherever — they enter Utah. However, while wolves are endangered, the DWR does not have the authority to manage them, regardless of their impact on livestock or wildlife.

    The DWR recognizes that unmanaged wolf populations may pose a serious threat to Utah’s wildlife. In nearby states — including Idaho, Montana and Wyoming — wildlife officials attribute declines in their elk herds to the unchecked growth of wolf packs. The DWR wants to prevent a similar situation from occurring in Utah. The DWR has a plan and personnel that can effectively manage wolves statewide.

    New Mexico Application Process Begins

    Posted by on Tuesday, 4 January, 2011

    Starting January 5, you may apply for hunts in New Mexico. Good Luck

    See the States tab for more info.

    To You – Happy Holidays

    Posted by on Thursday, 23 December, 2010

    Here at Mule Deer Fanatic, we hope you had a great hunting season, and that you will draw deer tags for 2011. To your SUCCESS!

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS

    Utah continues to go Downhill

    Posted by on Thursday, 9 December, 2010

    The Utah DWR has been wanting for years to force deer hunters to hunt in smaller units. In 2012 that is slated to become a reality. And, because mule deer numbers continue to decline, the number of hunt permits will be cut by about 13,000 tags or about 15 %.

    The Utah DWR cannot comprehend that predators are responsible for declining mule deer numbers so it is the hunters that must suck it up. The state will be divided into 29 units, and buck to doe ratios must be 18/100 (DWR count) or permits numbers will fall further.

    By now, most hunters have forgotten the promises made by the DWR when they cut tags to 90,000 and divided the state into five regions. The DWR promised that there would be more bigger bucks and a better hunting experience and that the deer numbers would increase. But the herd just keeps going down hill and they cannot figure out why.

    The DWR is now making similar promises for the new plan. Permits prices are to increase to make up for the revenue shortfall, so once again, hunters take it in the shorts. Mule deer are moving into subdivisions to escape the predators.

    Very few hunters showed up at the public meetings to oppose the plan

    A Magnum Buck from Utah’s Henry Mountains

    Posted by on Wednesday, 8 December, 2010

    Terri Hunt, a Utah resident killed this buck on the Henry Mountians in 2010

    Photo submitted by Paul Baxter

    Mountain lions are moving East

    Posted by on Monday, 6 December, 2010

    The western mountain lions are running out of mule deer so they are moving east to eat whitetails. Western Missouri just had a confirmed mountain lion sighting along with a photo. Hair was taken from the site for DNA testing.

    Happy Holidays

    Posted by on Monday, 29 November, 2010

    I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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    Nice Kansas Archery Buck 2010

    Posted by on Monday, 29 November, 2010

    The last few years, Kansas has been making a showing. Here is one for your viewing pleasure:

    Photo submitted by Paul Baxter