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king' s outdoor world - Hunting Illustrated April/May 2008 - Index

The Latest News and Insights
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Emergency Feeding Implemented
Harsh winter puts wildlife in danger
are many states that have decided to coordinate
efforts to feed starving deer throughout the west
due to extreme winter conditions. Efforts have
been underway in northern Utah, Idaho and Colorado.
Authorities are hesitant to launch a winter feeding program
as there are consquences to doing so, but in extreme
conditions in certain parts of the west programs have
begun. Feeding must be done correctly to allow for proper
food digestion, but it also creates a bad habits for deer and
may keep them longer on the winter range looking for
handouts as well. However, due to the conditions in some
parts, winter mortality will affect herd conditions to such a
level that feeding is a must.
Biologists say Colorado is experiencing brutal
weather in many areas, with Gunnison Basin listed as the
worst. Snowpack levels are among highest ever recorded
5FRESH SIGN5
with many weeks of winter remaining. At the same time,
nighttime temperatures are falling as low as 35 degrees
below zero. Pronghorn antelope and mule deer are hardest
hit. Emergency feeding is underway for approximately
6,500 deer and 500 antelope at 105 locations on federal
and private lands.
About 2,500 elk are being fed weed-free hay
dropped from helicopters. Though elk are faring better
than deer and antelope, some biologists worry about fewer
births and greater calf mortality next spring.
According to some experts, feeding is not
the answer, but just a temporary band aid. The Rocky
Mountain Elk Foundation cautions that in general, some
winter mortality is normal. It’s nature’s way of balancing
herds with their habitat. But when too much winter range
is lost to urban development or invasive weeds, a harsh
winter can be a catastrophic reminder of our obligation to
conserve land. Wildlife habitat is being lost at alarming
rates as cities sprawl and ranchettes consume open spaces
long used by wintering elk and deer. If we don’t act
urgently to protect habitat, eventually the balance will tip
so far against wildlife that severe winterkill will become
the norm, not the exception.
Fortunately for the winter of 2007/2008,
concerned sportsmen and women along with cooperating
famers and ranchers have contributed thousands of dollars
to help in the emergency feeding programs. How much
of an impact this will have on the 2008 hunting season
will be determined as hunting licenses and opportunities
may be decreased in some areas due to the harsh winter
mortality rates.