[ODFW-News] ODFW News: Upland bird hunting seasons closed in Baker and Wallowa counties

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: Mary Hoverson (541) 963-2138, Ext. 34	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (541) 963-6670
	
For Immediate Release	Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004

Upland bird hunting seasons closed in Baker and Wallowa counties

LaGRANDE - Severe winter weather conditions have resulted in an
emergency closure of upland bird hunting seasons in Baker and Wallowa
counties. The emergency closure will go into effect Friday, Jan. 16,
2004, two weeks before the original season closure date of Jan. 31.

Recent snow and ice conditions have placed birds under stress,
concentrated them in riparian areas near roads and limited their access
to feed. These conditions can be devastating to populations, and can
cause upland bird populations to drop precipitously.

Between Christmas and New Year's Day, Baker and Wallowa Counties
received close to two feet of snow. Temperatures warmed to above
freezing immediately after New Year's Day, followed by periods of
rain. Since then, temperatures dropped as low as -20 F. in many areas,
resulting in deep crusted snow at lower elevations. An additional 3 to 6
inches of snow has accumulated on top of the crusted snow.

Chukars, huns, gray partridges and quail have moved down to riparian
areas to eat berries and other accessible vegetation. These birds are
extremely vulnerable to harvest and harassment, especially in areas
where open roads occur along the riparian zones. Based on observations
by ODFW personnel and Oregon State Police officers, illegal road hunting
has been widespread. 

"Birds were in good shape before the snowfall, but are now losing
their physical condition due to the cold conditions and increased
harassment by traffic and hunters," said Baker District wildlife
biologist George Keister.

If present weather conditions persist, local populations of these
upland birds may be lost due to direct effects of severe weather,
harvest, or from loss of physical condition resulting from constant
harassment. Populations stressed in January still have many weeks to
survive before spring. 

Officials also are concerned about harassment to big game populations
sharing the same wintering areas as upland game birds during these
severe winter conditions. Hunters pursuing upland game birds may place
additional stress on concentrated big game animals such as deer, elk and
bighorn sheep. Although big game animals can withstand longer periods of
harsh weather without adequate nutrition than upland birds can, any
harassment can reduce their ability to cope with severe weather events.


"Although December census flights indicated deer were in good
condition, constant harassment may contribute to a reduced survival rate
this year," said Keister.

Hunters will be notified of the early season closure by signs placed in
hunting areas, by news releases, and by notices posted to the ODFW Web
site.

ORS 496.162 and 496.012 grant the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission
authority to set seasons as necessary to protect wildlife populations.
ORS 183.335 authorizes emergency temporary rule-making.

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002