ODFW efforts help deer, elk survive winter

Winter conditions at Wenaha Wildlife Area. Photos courtesy Keith Kohl, ODFW

by ODFW
1-27-2017
Website

After six years of drought, parts of Oregon are experiencing a harsh winter with impressive snow packs.  Although fish and wildlife populations will certainly see long-term benefits from the winter moisture, Oregonians are undoubtedly worried about increased winter mortality of deer, elk and other wildlife.  

ODFW does expect to see increased winter mortality. ODFW biologists will measure the extent of that mortality during our annual big game surveys this spring.

Although it is natural for big game populations to suffer winter mortality, biologists have learned from harsh winters of the past. ODFW has since taken on large efforts to reduce overwinter mortality through programs like the Mule Deer Initiative (MDI) and by improving historical management practices. Notable management actions throughout Oregon include:

  • Habitat enhancement: ODFW, private landowners and partnering agencies spent over $18 million since 2010 removing encroaching juniper and enhancing forage for big game on over 266,000 acres of summer and winter habitat.
  • Connecting habitatsODFW and ODOT worked together to install structures allowing wildlife to pass safely across Highway 97, connecting summer and winter ranges for mule deer.
  • Protecting winter range: ODFW regularly works with local governments to identify and protect winter ranges that could be lost while planning industrial and urban developments.
  • Limiting disturbanceODFW has worked with partners to restrict travel through winter ranges and frequently directs funding to Oregon State police to increase enforcement in winter range, allowing wildlife to conserve energy during critical times.

ODFW and scientists have also learned from past management practices. Emergency feeding of big game is now generally accepted as ineffective and has many negative consequences. Feeding programs reach only small portions of the targeted populations, can permanently divert populations from traditional winter habitat, and can lead to additional mortality. The additional mortality is a result of concentrating animals, which increases disease transmission, predation and poaching. Additionally, rapidly shifting wild animals from a natural diet to agricultural feeds can be fatal for the animals.

While ODFW does not plan emergency feeding this year, the department will continue our long-standing feeding programs at Elkhorn, Wenaha, White River, and Jewell wildlife areas. These programs gradually introduce agricultural feeds and are in place specifically to keep deer and elk off adjacent agricultural properties. Currently, the three wildlife areas in eastern Oregon feed 70,000 pounds of hay and nearly 33,000 pounds of pellets per day to thousands of elk and deer. Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area in western Oregon feeds 950 pounds of hay per day as a partial diet to several hundred elk. Feeding on these wildlife areas started in December and will continue daily, until natural forage conditions improve.

On a positive note, fall green-up was good this year and animals headed into the winter in good body condition. ODFW has not yet seen significant mortality among deer or elk herds. Should spring surveys find significant over-winter mortality and tag reductions are needed, ODFW will announce changes and notify hunters by April 15.






OR Department of Fish & Wildlife Reports
for Wednesday, January 25th, 2017

Alsea River: Alsea River Fishing Report
Kilchis River: Kilchis River Fishing Report
Nestucca River: Nestucca River and Three Rivers Fishing Report
Salmon River: Salmon River Fishing Report
Siletz River: Siletz River Fishing Report
Siuslaw River: Siuslaw River Fishing Report
Trask River: Trask River Fishing Report
Wilson River: Wilson River Fishing Report
Yaquina River: Yaquina River Fishing Report
Applegate Reservoir: Applegate Reservoir Fishing Report
Applegate River: Applegate River Fishing Report
Arizona Pond: Arizona Pond Fishing Report
Ben Irving Reservoir: Ben Irving Reservoir Fishing Report
Chetco River: Chetco River Fishing Report
Coos River: Coos River Basin Fishing Report
Coquille River: Coquille River Basin Fishing Report
Diamond Lake: Diamond Lake Fishing Report
Elk River: Elk River Fishing Report
Emigrant Reservoir: Emigrant Reservoir Fishing Report
Expo Pond: Expo Pond Fishing Report
Fish Lake : Fish Lake Fishing Report
Floras Lake: Floras Lake Fishing Report
Galesville Reservoir: Galesville Reservoir Fishing Report
Hemlock Lake: Hemlock Lake Fishing Report
Howard Prairie Reservoir: Howard Prairie Reservoir Fishing Report
Hyatt Lake: Hyatt Lake Fishing Report
Illinois River: Illinois River Fishing Report
Lake Marie: Lake Marie Fishing Report
Lake Selmac: Lake Selmac Fishing Report
Lemolo Lake: Lemolo Lake Fishing Report
Loon Lake: Loon Lake Fishing Report
Lost Creek Lake: Lost Creek Reservoir Fishing Report
Plat I Reservoir: Plat I Reservoir Fishing Report
Tenmile Lakes: Tenmile Basin Fishing Report
Willow Lake: Willow Lake Fishing Report