MulePacker
Active Member
- Messages
- 513
After observing all the "contraversy" good or bad on the Northern Utah shed season I have decided to give my perspective as an initiator of the new regulation/law.
First I would like to clear the DWR of any conspiracy, stupidity or wrong doings of any kind.
This law came about because of the Cache Deer Herd working group on which I sat. This group was facilitated by the DWR and had a few members from the DWR, RMEF, MDF, SFW, BOC, N.R. RAC, ATV Users, USU Wildlife personnel, Public Land Managers USFS and BLM, general citizens and others. The committee met at least monthly in 2006. We tried to identify anything that may be having an impact on recovery. Subcommittees were formed to research different areas effecting the mule deer recovery on the Cache. We had guest speakers and gathered as much information as possible. Speakers included a biologist from Idaho leading their Mule Deer Initiative, A PHD student studying mule deer mortality, Biologists etc.
After gathering as much info as possible and breaking into the subcommittees we formulated items that we felt were inhibiting mule deer recovery. Each item then was addressed to solutions and plans were made. There was a long list of items that could help; Traffic warning signs, habitat improvemnent, modified hunting strategies and seasons, harassment, etc.
We looked at each item intensley, and then provided action statements for that item. Some of these items will be long term some were not possible at all and others have been implemented.
In a nutshell this brings us to the Shed Season. From the research and information there was indisputable evidence that shed hunters do play a roll in the recruitment of deer into the Cache Deer Herd. In herds that have been monitered over the past 5 years with aerial tracking collars, there was higher fawn mortality and lower birth production on herds where shed hunting pressure was consistent. From research we reviewed there was enough evidence to indicate that stress during the winter months (Feb, thru April) did result in low fawn production and survival. After hearing this the committe made an action item to get a shed season, I personally fought hard and made motion for this and believe it is as much an inhibitng factor on mule deer recovery as other items such as predators and drought. I have witnessed the worst of shed hunters the past few years. From running deer off feed sites to get the antlers dropped on the feed row in the middle of the night, to chasing deer on snowmobiles on the Hardware Plateau, taking dogs along for exercise and then not being able to call them off of chasing a deer, trespaasing on properly posted property, ignoring seasonal closure on the Millville WMA and I could go on. Now I realize that many will still take the opportunity to hunt sheds whether they pick them up or not. I just challenge you to ask yourself this question, Am I a law abiding citizen or not? You see all laws in this country are made for the honest, it is the dishonest that have blatant disregard for the laws and are called criminals.
So for you who have chose to complain, chastise the DWR whine and pout. Blame Me for the Shed Season because as you were out shed hunting, recreating hiking or whatever last year, I was studying research, attending meetings, debating, and wondering what we could do to insure my grandchildren and you experience the excitement of seeing a mule deer, hunting and finding sheds. It is no secert that mule deer are on the decline and I hope maybe my efforts slowed that decline just a little. Thanks to all who will respect this effort and law and in doing so slow the decline. Thanks to the DWR for giving this group of sportsman a chance to truly learn the issues behind mule deer management and doing a fine job of facilitating the process.
Travis Sparks
First I would like to clear the DWR of any conspiracy, stupidity or wrong doings of any kind.
This law came about because of the Cache Deer Herd working group on which I sat. This group was facilitated by the DWR and had a few members from the DWR, RMEF, MDF, SFW, BOC, N.R. RAC, ATV Users, USU Wildlife personnel, Public Land Managers USFS and BLM, general citizens and others. The committee met at least monthly in 2006. We tried to identify anything that may be having an impact on recovery. Subcommittees were formed to research different areas effecting the mule deer recovery on the Cache. We had guest speakers and gathered as much information as possible. Speakers included a biologist from Idaho leading their Mule Deer Initiative, A PHD student studying mule deer mortality, Biologists etc.
After gathering as much info as possible and breaking into the subcommittees we formulated items that we felt were inhibiting mule deer recovery. Each item then was addressed to solutions and plans were made. There was a long list of items that could help; Traffic warning signs, habitat improvemnent, modified hunting strategies and seasons, harassment, etc.
We looked at each item intensley, and then provided action statements for that item. Some of these items will be long term some were not possible at all and others have been implemented.
In a nutshell this brings us to the Shed Season. From the research and information there was indisputable evidence that shed hunters do play a roll in the recruitment of deer into the Cache Deer Herd. In herds that have been monitered over the past 5 years with aerial tracking collars, there was higher fawn mortality and lower birth production on herds where shed hunting pressure was consistent. From research we reviewed there was enough evidence to indicate that stress during the winter months (Feb, thru April) did result in low fawn production and survival. After hearing this the committe made an action item to get a shed season, I personally fought hard and made motion for this and believe it is as much an inhibitng factor on mule deer recovery as other items such as predators and drought. I have witnessed the worst of shed hunters the past few years. From running deer off feed sites to get the antlers dropped on the feed row in the middle of the night, to chasing deer on snowmobiles on the Hardware Plateau, taking dogs along for exercise and then not being able to call them off of chasing a deer, trespaasing on properly posted property, ignoring seasonal closure on the Millville WMA and I could go on. Now I realize that many will still take the opportunity to hunt sheds whether they pick them up or not. I just challenge you to ask yourself this question, Am I a law abiding citizen or not? You see all laws in this country are made for the honest, it is the dishonest that have blatant disregard for the laws and are called criminals.
So for you who have chose to complain, chastise the DWR whine and pout. Blame Me for the Shed Season because as you were out shed hunting, recreating hiking or whatever last year, I was studying research, attending meetings, debating, and wondering what we could do to insure my grandchildren and you experience the excitement of seeing a mule deer, hunting and finding sheds. It is no secert that mule deer are on the decline and I hope maybe my efforts slowed that decline just a little. Thanks to all who will respect this effort and law and in doing so slow the decline. Thanks to the DWR for giving this group of sportsman a chance to truly learn the issues behind mule deer management and doing a fine job of facilitating the process.
Travis Sparks
