DOVE CREEK Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists this week began radio-collaring deer and elk as part of a three-year research project designed to help reduce agricultural damage suffered by sunflower producers in Southwest Colorado.
Helicopter crews flying low-level, net-gunning missions Oct. 11-12, captured 20 doe mule deer and eight cow elk in agricultural fields around Dove Creek. Biologists then fitted the animals with satellite-telemetry collars, so their movements through and around crop lands can be followed and analyzed. The two-day operation was timed to fall between the end of archery season and the beginning of the first elk rifle season.
Were really grateful to the landowners around Dove Creek who have made all aspects of this study possible, said Matt Hammond, district wildlife manager for the area.
Hammond thinks that what is learned from this study will help farmers be more successful and more profitable.
Long-term sustainability for agriculture and big game herds is important to the economies of Montezuma and Dolores Counties, he added.
During the past few years, the Four Corners sunflower fields have experienced significant game damage. Under state law, Colorado compensates landowners for damage to agricultural crops caused by wildlife. The former Division of Wildlife has paid large game damage compensation payments, issued kill permits, used pyrotechnics and other hazing techniques, and increased hunter harvest with private-land doe permits.
All of these tools have helped, explained Hammond, But we wanted to be proactive and scientific in our approach to a more lasting solution.
The research project, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Wildlife Research Center, will test a number of temporary fencing techniques designed to exclude deer and elk from crop fields as potential alternatives to more expensive permanent fencing that can block migration routes. Test plots established in five locations will examine the effectiveness of electric fencing, light-nylon wing fences and chemical fencing, using a repellent that smells like predators. Experimental fences were installed this summer.
Permanent fencing around large acreages is expensive for farmers and is not considered good for wildlife. Hammond said. Fences are barriers that can prevent animals from migrating to and from critical winter habitat.
Hammond is hopeful that the temporary fencing techniques being tested will simply redirect elk and deer into areas where they are not likely to cause crop damage.
Researchers will also study deer and elk movements, and map seasonal distribution and migration patterns. This information could help CPW design hunting seasons that will minimize crop damage by more closely targeting big-game harvest.
Its a huge win-win, if we can increase hunter opportunity, help farmers, and manage our deer and elk herds better, said Hammond.
Some hunters have raised concerns about the timing of the capture operation and Parks and Wildlife officials are sensitive to their concerns. The captures were planned purposely to avoid hunting seasons. Patt Dorsey, area wildlife manager, said that it was unfortunate the capture date was pushed so close to first season.
We had a very narrow window of opportunity, and would have preferred to capture animals further out from the hunting season, Dorsey said. But, we needed to wait until the animals were down in the fields, so that we capture and study the animals causing the damage. Additionally, we had to time the capture during cooler weather, after the weaning period, when the helicopter was available, and before winter when migratory deer and elk move into the area. We appreciate everyones patience while the timing came together.
During the next two years, the agency will use the radio collars along with game cameras and field staff to learn more about local deer and elk herds, and about best management practices for reducing crop damage.
Other project partners include the Montelores Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) Committee, the Statewide HPP Council and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
For more information on Colorado Parks and Wildlifes Habitat Partnership Program, please see: http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/PrivateLandProgram/HPP/Pages/HPP.aspx.
For more news about Division of Wildlife, go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/PressReleases.
For more information about Division of Wildlife, go to www.wildlife.state.co.us.