Gunnison update

[Waygoner]

I went to a DOW meeting about the feeding program last night. There were 300-400 people there signing up to volunteer. The program should last 6-8 weeks depending on the weather. The first shipment of feed has arrived and the program will be in full swing by this weekend. They'll try to set up separate areas for deer and elk to keep them apart. There are 260 antelope in the valley that they'll try to feed also.

I'm heading out this morning to help at a location a few miles east of town. We've had bitter cold temps this week, -26 this morning with a cold front expected later this week. Hopefully this operation will sustain the animals until we get some warmer weather.

Thanks to all who have donated to the effort.

 

[DougW]

Waygoner-

Thanks for the update, and that is awesome that so many showed to help out. I'd appreciate any further updates from here on out. The
DOW is also eyeing the Craig-Meeker area as snows are deep, esp. on the northern portion.

Your cold front should get there later today, but ironically it may actually warm things up a bit....problem is, wind and snow come with it too.

Doug

 

[B_F_E]

Curious as to how much money they have raised ?

 

[huntindude]

Thank you for the update and please keep us posted. lots of us NR guys may not be there to help but we'll keep donating if this drags on, thanks for your help in getting the feed where its needed.

 

[Waygoner]

I'll continue to post updates as the program gets going. I haven't heard how much money has been donated yet.

 

[manny15]

Now if you could just get that kinda responce to feeding the homeless.........

 

[huntindude]

How would you score them?

 

[DIYHunter]

"Now if you could just get that kinda responce to feeding the homeless........."

We've been feeding the homeless (some homeless by choice of course) from sea to sea for years, in case you hadn't noticed.

Feels good to make a donation after watching this develop and not being able to do anything but hope the weather breaks. Thank you to those who are also donating their time. There are those that would argue the Gunnison Basin herd is overpopulated, I'm not so sure about that, but I am sure I don't want a massive deer kill on the Wesrtern slope. Hope it does some good.

 

[Waygoner]

I was told that without the feeding program we could expect a 50% mortality rate for does, 30% for bucks. They hope to cut those numbers in 1/2. Expect fewer tags next season.

 

[CoHighcountryman]

Waygoner,
How long do they plan on feeding?







Muledeer Rock!!!!

 

[Waygoner]

6-8 weeks, longer if necessary.

 

[CoHighcountryman]

Do you guys have enough volenteers to feed for that long?I have sent in a couple of donations to help. I hope we can save as many as possible. Keep up the good work.



Muledeer Rock!!!!

 

[B_F_E]

Manny, proly cause deer aren't as crazy as you or the homeless.

;-)