ODFW Commission Adopts Deer Management Plan
Photo: wildlife.alaska.gov
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Commission announced today that it has adopted a “Black-Tailed Deer Management Plan,” Oregon’s first long-term strategy to manage this particular species of deer.
“Black-tailed deer are one of the most popular big game animals to hunt, a sport that generates millions for the economy,” said Marla Rae, Commission Chair. “This plan will improve understanding of this important game animal and its habitat needs.”
According to ODFW, last year more than 72,000 hunters pursued black-tailed deer during the general rifle season, and black-tailed deer hunting in Oregon generates $35-60 million in net economic benefits.
Since black-tailed deer are secretive and live in dense forests, the species is difficult to survey. ODFW uses hunter harvest, wildlife damage reports, and past years of survey data to manage the deer population. The new plan will build upon this work and improve both data collection methods and understanding of black-tail habitat needs. As with other species, hunter cooperation and reporting will play a key role in management.
The ODFW Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel meets monthly. For more information, visit the ODFW web site.
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Tags: black-tailed deer, ODFW