LAST EDITED ON Nov-19-13 AT 01:42AM (MST)[p]Nobody wants the "antis" to get a footing in Utah but I doubt they can refute the science. I'm also not denying, Ken, that there is a need for study of translocation and that the animals on AI are over objective and capacity. Something needs to be done. However, I've read the packet and minutes to the meetings (same as being there) and can't find specific answers to my questions. This I found rediculous:
"Addendum to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Statewide Management Plan for Mule Deer
The purpose of this addendum to the Utah statewide management plan for mule deer is to provide a list of possible transplant sites for mule deer in Utah. The statewide mule deer plan was last revised in 2008, and did not include any information on transplants or identify any mule deer release locations. However, since that time, it has been determined that transplanting mule
deer may be a viable management tool to help bolster low or struggling mule deer populations. Additionally, transplanting deer may be helpful to reduce populations that are above population objective or causing habitat damage. The following table and figure identify potential release sites for mule deer in Utah. These sites were chosen because they have adequate deer habitat (summer and winter) with low deer densities, they historically have supported larger deer numbers than they currently are, they are in relatively isolated or remote areas, and they have minimal disease risks or concerns. Before being transplanted, all mule deer will be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). If an animal tests positive it will be euthanized and disposed of properly."
Who, when, and where were transplants found to be viable? I'm all for identifying potential sites, but the discussion to relocate animals for the sake of "doing SOMETHING" doesn't cut it. So, they won't issue more tags because of the lame ass park service, figures. I'm not now, nor have I ever been a fan of that agency. Why not allow those deer to be used for studying effective sedation compounds? Why not allow research to be conducted on soft release vs the hard release of opening the trailer and letting them loose? WHERE is the instruction of the wildlife board to make those 200 animals something more than just a warm fuzzy pet project? Collaring those deer is going to push the cost to almost $1500.00 or more dollars per animal depending on the kind of transmitter. Who's going to donate the $300,000.00 to capture, collar, transport, and release those deer? I know where we can get $300,000.00 but I'm sure that's already been spent on "consultation fees". The division doesn't have money to just throw at whatever they want. Especially not money on something that so far, is a NON VIABLE tool for "conservation". I'd rather a human either eat or study those deer hands on and if you can provide PROOF, Ken, that a study is going to accompany this and how its paid for, I'll just right on board and shut up. So far, I can't find anything. Where's your fearless leaders from sfw? They could write that check in a second, right? Same COR conditions as the Southern Utah project and lets see what can be done. I'm tired.....so I'll wait for PROOF of your claims. Not just because someone said so. You can do it. You're smart enough to manage that.
"When you are dead, you don't know that
you are dead. It is difficult only for the
others. It is the same when you are
stupid"
