Utah DWR to spend $30,000 to feed deer

[Elkhunter]

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will begin feeding mule deer affected by recent heavy snowfall in Cache and Rich counties.
The agency plans to spend at least $30,000 on the effort, the first of its kind since 1998 in Utah, and is seeking volunteers to help.
“We don't do this lightly, especially in this day and age of diseases,” said acting agency director Miles Moretti. “But this is extreme.”


http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2526210

 

[ELKCHSR]

If our professionals that get paid for this think it is a good idea, especially in the light of what they know about congregating wild animals, lets give it a try and see what happens...

 

[BuzzH]

This issue is a tough decision for a wildlife biologist.

Creating feed grounds, like those found in Jackson, are a bad idea. You're carrying way more animals than the land can sustain and setting up a prime situation for disease.

This issue is a bit different, but I wonder what deer and elk did before people could fling hay out the back of truck?

The bigger question is why dont the deer have appropriate winter range?

Could it be cattle grazing?
Could it be fire suppression?
Could it be housing developments?

 

[schmalts]

Elk numbers may have a lot to do with it. Seems like when elk move in deer are gone, so is the food for them.

 

[BigHornRam]

I would say housing development would be number one. My sister in law and family lived in Logan for several years and above their subdivision is a high fence that keeps the deer out of the valley. The elk in this area have been fed for sometime in order to keep them out of valley and peoples yards. No easy answer here.

 

[ELKCHSR]

Great points Buzz....
I wonder if we can hear from any one in the area to fill us in on a little more info.