|
|
Post by Cindy on Feb 7, 2005 14:32:33 GMT -7
I heard some upsetting news recently that really got my blood to boiling. As all you know this has been a good winter as far as snow in parts of Colorado. This snow has brought down the deer and elk herds from the higher elevations to feed in the valleys. But guess what? Most of the valley areas are ranches and hay meadows. And the hay stacks have high fences around them to keep the animals out of them, I dont blame the ranchers for protecting what needs to be fed to their livestock. But what are the deer and elk suppose to eat? They are so far surviving on what wild grasses and sage brush they can find. But with the promise of more snow coming and our snowiest months yet to come they will soon start finding less and less to eat. I remember about 20 some years ago seeing hundreds and hundreds of deer and elk starving near the roadways near here, it was sickening. The DOW attempted to feed them but it was too late.
Now heres the kicker. DOW does not intend to start feeding the deer and elk till they have a 30% starvation death rate in the deer. If the deer are dieing from starvation isnt it to late to feed them? What kind of percentage will actually die by the time our winter is over, and then we have to think about all those deer and elk that survive this winter and what shape they will be in for giving birth this spring, will they miscarry or abort their babies to retain strength. The mortality rate when this is all done is going to be overwhelming I think. I dont understand what the DOW is thinking or why this strategy.
We spend a lot of time in the back country, far from roads. Places that take days to hike and ride into, but I have yet to see an over abundance of deer and elk. I may enjoy hunting them but I enjoy seeing them even more.
The deer and elk are still looking healthy. But they are coming down to the highways and finding food in the meadows and on the hillsides along these roads, many are getting hit. Was told that 15-20 deer a night are being hit just in our area. And a few elk a week. Why dont they start feeding these animals to keep them back and away from the roads and cars?
Is there someplace or somewhere we can complain and be heard? I hate to see a repeat of many years ago.
Cindy
|
|
|
|
Post by Mountainman on Feb 10, 2005 7:15:54 GMT -7
That must be hard to watch Cindy. Has the DOW, or any other private organization, started air dropping feed? Anyone been killed yet from hitting one of these animals on the highway?
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Feb 10, 2005 8:25:27 GMT -7
DOW refuses to start feeding till there is a 30% kill in deer from starvation. DOW will not allow any private individual or organization to feed the wildlife. If you are caught feeding them you will be slapped with a citation, heafty fine and possible jail time. DOW is upset with several of the ranchers around here claiming they are feeding the game, and watching them closely to catch them. They say the ranchers are putting to much feed out for the livestock and feeding the wildlife in turn...well what do you expect, the deer and elk are in the meadows with the livestock eating the same stuff, if you dont feed enough then the livestock will suffer as well. To my knowledge there has been no one killed in hitting a deer or elk, but it sure totals a vehicle, especially hitting an elk. Saw a truck the other day that hit an elk out by the lake, dont know how no one was injured in that one. A elk herd of 300 are within a mile of our horses and the 9 angus bulls we are feeding, if this herd keeps migrating towards town they will be at the horses soon.
I sure hope DOW changes their minds and starts feeding before its to late, but we shall see.
Cindy
|
|
|
|
Post by Mountainman on Feb 10, 2005 10:12:01 GMT -7
I'm not sure were I stand on this topic. It is a form of heard management. Kind of an extrem way of doing it. However, I'm not there to witness the suffering. Hope for warm weather soon.
Ed
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Feb 10, 2005 10:31:58 GMT -7
It is herd management, but I think its a little extreme. why wait till there is 30% death toll, by then most the rest are going to be weak as well from starvation, how many more wont be able to bounce back even after feeding. DOW does not sell any over the counter tags for hunting season for deer here, and no doe tags even in drawing. If there is an over abundance of deer then why not increase the amount of tags, or why not a late season hunt in December or January for deer if there is to many, why let them die due to starvation when there are many of us that could put that meat to good use.
So far the deer and elk are still looking good. Havent seen but a couple deer that dont look like they may last the winter but that is not unusual to see a few every winter no matter how much snow, just think its their time. But there is not much feed left, not sure what nutrients they get from sage brush. Another good storm or two and even the sage brush will be buried in many places. Warmer weather would be nice for them as long as it dont turn off frigid again and crust the snow. Rain and freezing temps would really be bad for them, makes the snow to hard to dig through. We just have to cross our fingers I guess and pray for the best.
Cindy
|
|
|
|
Post by Mountainman on Feb 10, 2005 14:10:25 GMT -7
It is herd management, but I think its a little extreme. why wait till there is 30% death toll, by then most the rest are going to be weak as well from starvation, how many more wont be able to bounce back even after feeding. DOW does not sell any over the counter tags for hunting season for deer here, and no doe tags even in drawing. If there is an over abundance of deer then why not increase the amount of tags, or why not a late season hunt in December or January for deer if there is to many, why let them die due to starvation when there are many of us that could put that meat to good use. So far the deer and elk are still looking good. Havent seen but a couple deer that dont look like they may last the winter but that is not unusual to see a few every winter no matter how much snow, just think its their time. But there is not much feed left, not sure what nutrients they get from sage brush. Another good storm or two and even the sage brush will be buried in many places. Warmer weather would be nice for them as long as it dont turn off frigid again and crust the snow. Rain and freezing temps would really be bad for them, makes the snow to hard to dig through. We just have to cross our fingers I guess and pray for the best. Cindy I think it's extreme too! But I guess it will work.......Only the strong will survive. I'd rather see the DOW put on a "Special Hunt" or something to thin the herd. But how would you regulate it. Most people would shoot the big and healthy animals instead the ones that wouldn't make it through the winter. And if the animal are having a hard time in the snow, how would a hunter get to them? Road hunt? I guess the best way would to sell more tags during regular seasons and air drop feed in times like these. Or even sell over the counter tags in times like this. It would generate dollars for the state. Maybe even donate the meat to local churchs or food pantries. Just to throw out a few ideas........ Ed |
|
