Feeding deer is sometimes controversial and not always effective. It can maintain deer population numbers at a level which is beyond the ability of the habitat to support them. However, when unusually rough winters hit, it is the only way to keep deer from starving and when the habitat is healthy and the deer need a boost to get them through tough times, it make sense.
The Mule Deer Foundation will be holding it’s sixteenth annual Livermore-Pleasanton Banquet on March 14th. On February 6th at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, The Mule Deer Foundation will be holding it’s 20th anniversary convention. For those who support deer these are important events. Tickets for the Livermore-Pleasanton event are $90 single and $145 couple. For the March 14th event in Livermore, I can take ticket orders over the phone at (925) 373-6601. Information about the convention can be found at www.muledeer.org.
Received this press release from The Mule Deer Foundation today.
January 31, 2008Contact: Mule Deer Foundation
Tel.: 888-375-DEER (3337)
E-mail: info@muledeer.org
Mule Deer Foundation is asking for donations to help feed Mule Deer in Colorado.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is asking for donations to help feed mule deer in the Gunnison Basin of Colorado.Heavy deep snows and cold temperatures have created harsh winter conditions in Gunnison Basin preventing mule deer from reaching their normal food sources requiring that the Colorado Division of Wildlife to begin feeding operations on January 13. Colorado DOW is conducting emergency feeding at over 60 sites.
As of January 24th it was reported that approximately 5,000 deer were on the feeding sites.The feeding effort is targeted at mule deer and pronghorn because their natural food sources are completely covered with snow. Fortunately, the deep snows came late and deer went into the winter in good condition.
Prolonged deep snows and cold temperatures can quickly depleted fat reserves and deep snows which require mule deer to expend considerable energy when moving to cover and food sources.Colorado DOW personnel have been packing trails and roads into feeding areas with snow-cats and snowmobiles. Feeding is being conducted by DOW personnel and volunteers.
Deer are being fed a specific diet of wheat, other grains, dehydrated alfalfa and cottonseed meal in the form of a wafer so it will stay on top of the snow. Deer are being feed about 3 pounds of the feed per day.The public is being asked not to feed deer around their homes or on their property. Feeding deer other types of food can actually do more harm than good.
The public is asked not to approach deer as this may cause them to expend considerable energy needed to survive the extreme conditions.Colorado Gov. Ritter recently asked the Colorado legislature for spending authority for $1.75 million to fund an emergency winter feeding program in Gunnison Basin and other parts of Colorado if necessary.
DOW personnel are monitoring deer herds in Northwest Colorado that have also experienced heavy snows. Biologists have indicated that they are seeing localized areas of deep snow but they have not experienced the prolonged extreme cold and heavy crusting conditions like are in the Gunnison BasinMDF has set up a fund to assist with the purchase of feed.
The specially formulated feed is supplied by Ranchway Feed Inc. in Fort Collins, CO at a cost of $8.00 per 50 lb. bag. CDOW is feeding approximately 3 lbs. of feed per day per deer. One bag can feed approximately 17 deer. A $50.00 donation will feed between 15-18 deer for a week. Monetary donations can be sent to Mule Deer FoundationColorado Emergency Feeding Fund404 East 4500 South Suite B-10Salt Lake City, UT 84107 OrCall 1-888-375-3337
100% of the donations collected will go to the feeding operation. Volunteers can contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife to help with the feeding operation.##
About MDF (www.muledeer.org) The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501c3 organization, with over 10,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. For information about the Mule Deer Foundation please call 1-888-375-DEER (3337).
