Volunteers needed for Deer Mortality Survey
Big Piney & LaBarge area May 8
April 15, 2005
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department is seeking volunteers to help with their annual Deer Mortality Survey in southwest Wyoming.
According to wildlife biologist and survey coordinator, Gary Fralick, the goal of the surveys is to get a sample of winter mortality on the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Herd for an indication of overall loss and what age classes got hit the hardest by the winter conditions.
"Based on this important survey, we can offer some predictions about what the upcoming hunting season may offer to deer hunters who hunt in the Wyoming Range, Greys River, and Smiths Fork," says Fralick. "This is our 12th year of doing the mortality surveys and it has always been a successful volunteer effort for the Game and Fish. We appreciate the public's help in conducting these important surveys."
Fralick says he anticipates varying levels of mortality depending on the area.
"We are expecting a high deer mortality in areas south of Cokeville, around Sage Junction, because of the extremely cold winter temperatures, deep snow accumulations that persisted most of the winter, and very little feed for game animals on the crucial winter ranges due to the ongoing drought."
"However, we're predicting winter deer losses will be lower on the LaBarge and Daniel winter ranges, due to more moderate winter conditions."
The Cokeville surveys will run Saturday, May 7. Volunteers will meet at 9 AM at the Stateline gravel pit, three miles southwest of Sage Junction on U.S. Highway 30/89. The Big Piney and La Barge surveys follow the next day, Sunday, May 8. Volunteers should meet at the Big Piney High School, 9:30 AM.
To sign up or receive more information, contact Gary Fralick at 1-307-883-2998. Interested persons may also call the Pinedale G&F Office at 1-800-452-9107 or Green River G&F Office at 1-800-843-8096. Volunteers must fill out a volunteer form upon their arrival in order to participate.
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