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The Murderers Creek Mule Deer Initiative Planning Committee will meet April 14 from 3-6 p.m. in the Juniper Room of the Malheur National Forest Supervisor's Office, 431 Patterson Bridge Road in John Day.
The 10-member committee intends to discuss predator management and wildlife law enforcement issues at the meeting. Planning committee members include representatives from Oregon Hunters Association, the Mule Deer Foundation, BLM, Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Warm Springs Tribe plus several private landowners.
Members of the public are welcome to attend to listen to the meeting. An opportunity for public comment is scheduled from 5:45-6 p.m.
The Mule Deer Initiative is a new effort by ODFW and partner sportsman organizations and land managers to increase mule deer in eastern Oregon. Murderers Creek is one of five wildlife management units selected for the initial effort.
Mule deer populations have declined across the western United States for a variety of reasons including loss of habitat, changes in land and predator management practices and other factors. Many of today's hunters grew up hunting mule deer and want their kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities they did.
Mule deer hunting and viewing also contribute significant dollars to eastern Oregon's economy. Last year, more than 74,000 people went deer hunting in eastern Oregon, generating an estimated $22 million for the economy.
The group is expected to meet on several more occasions before making recommendations to ODFW staff.
For more information contact Greg Jackle at 541 575 1167.
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