ODFW biologists have identified declines in black-tailed deer populations, hunter success, deer harvested and hunter participation. An analysis of 40 years of buck-to-doe ratios found a drop from about 40 bucks per 100 does to about 25 bucks per 100 does. The population declines may be associated with disease, changing timber management practices that reduce the quality of deer habitat, or other factors.
The information presented to the Commission is currently being presented at public meetings being held throughout western Oregon. Information on the public meetings can be obtained at
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/public/NewsArc/2004News/January/013004news.htm.
Input received at the public meetings will be forwarded to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. The Commission plans to give initial guidance on 2005 black-tailed deer seasons at its March meeting and make a final decision in June.
The Commission heard the following options:
*Buck deer season: Three options are under consideration, including:
A) Maintain current general season structure. Add a mandatory reporting and mandatory check-in requirement, and change the bag limit to a "buck with a visible antler."
B) Change the season to a 31-33 day season, alter rules for the Cascades and Wilson-Trask hunting units, change the bag limit to a "buck with a visible antler," require mandatory reporting, require mandatory check in for harvested deer in selected hunting units and create selected controlled hunts for bucks or either-sex animals.
C) Create an October 1-31 season, alter rules for the Cascades and Wilson-Trask hunting units, change the bag limit to a "buck with a visible antler," and create selected controlled hunts for bucks or either-sex animals.
*Antlerless deer seasons: Set seasons concurrent with general buck season, phase out many 600 series "antlerless deer" hunts, and possibly end the awarding of preference points if changes are made that would significantly reduce 600 series tag numbers.
*General archery season: Use 2004 season structure for next five years, change bag limit to "buck with a visible antler."
*Multiple deer hunting opportunities: Phase out many 600 series "antlerless deer" hunts, focus remaining 600 and 800 series hunts in areas with agricultural damage, create new 100 "buck" hunts where populations are robust, and possibly end the awarding of preference points if changes are made that would significantly reduce 600 series tag numbers.
*Late archery deer season: Incorporate season into a single controlled hunt with dates consistent with late elk archery season, establish bag limit to be one deer or one buck with visible antler, depending on local population.
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