Columbian white-tailed deer trap and transplant program
Beginning now through February 2005, ODFW employees are trapping and transplanting Columbian white-tailed deer to expand the deers' range back into historical habitat within Douglas County. Prime habitat is lower-elevation oak and woodland forests.
"We are looking for landowners who have Columbian white-tailed deer on their property and are willing to cooperate in the capture and relocation of these animals," said Tod Lum, ODFW district wildlife biologist. Lum said white-tailed deer captured and relocated will be radio-collared to monitor their movement and survival once relocated.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Douglas County population of Columbian white-tailed deer from the list of federally threatened and endangered species in 2003 after the population climbed to 5,000. The lower Columbian River population continues to be listed as an endangered species.
Landowners who are willing to have Columbian white-tailed deer trapped on their property should call Lum at (541) 440-3353.
Biologists conduct nighttime deer counts
ODFW's annual census of Douglas County deer populations started earlier this month and will continue into December. Fall population counts give biologists a good estimate of the number of bucks and the ratio of does to fawns going into the winter season. Spring counts estimate how many deer survived the winter.
Lum said this information is critical to managing both black- and white-tailed deer populations.
Agency employees are conducting deer counts using official department vehicles with flashing amber lights and spotlights in the following areas: Dixonville, Drain, Elkton, Glide, Myrtle Creek, Oakland, Rice Valley, Scotts Valley, Sutherlin, Steamboat, Toketee, Umpqua, Wilbur, Winchester, Winston and Yoncalla.
Turkey trap and transplant program begins
There is help for Douglas County landowners experiencing problems with large flocks of wild turkeys on their property. The annual ODFW turkey trap and transplant program began this month and continues through February 2005.
Department biologists trap and transplant the birds at no cost to landowners. The birds are transplanted to public lands in Tiller, and central and eastern Oregon where flocks already are established.
Turkeys gather in flocks, and if they are being fed by humans, flocks can quickly grow and become bothersome and destructive.
According to Lum, many problems begin when people feed the birds, which then start to mess on porches, sidewalks, and lawns, rip up gardens and flower beds and raid backyard bird feeders.
"Some people love to see the turkeys but their neighbors may not be as thrilled, so we encourage people not to feed the birds," Lum said.
Landowners who would like turkeys taken off their property should call Lum or Cindy Bright at (541) 440-3353. Lum also reminds turkey hunters to stay on public lands or contact landowners for permission to hunt on their property. Fall turkey hunting season ends November 30, 2004.
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