The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will issue fewer deer and pronghorn tags this fall because of harsh winter conditions and a higher than usual mortality rate.
“It came early, it lasted long and the snow kept accumulating,” said Brian Ratliff, ODFW district wildlife biologist. “We saw some elk mortality, as we always do, but it was not significant. Due to their size, elk can generate more body heat at less energetic cost and they can get thru crustier snow easier than smaller ungulates like deer and pronghorn.”
ODFW will reduce Baker County pronghorn and buck tags by 50 percent, and cancel two doe hunts on agricultural lands. It will also reduce tags in Union County by 35 percent while reducing Malheur County by 40 percent in the Beulah Unit and by 25 percent in the Owyhee Unit.
Go here for more details.
(Photo source: ODFW)