The main goal of the
Central Coast Chapter is
to
raise funds for use by
the MDF on projects
related
to mule deer
and black-tailed habitat
and
conservation efforts.
California
Central Coast Chapter Spotlight
May/June 2007
By Eddie Reynoso
The California Central Coast Chapter (CCC) was one of the first chapters to be formed in support of the Mule Deer Foundation. The year 2007 marked the CCC’s 17th year of fundraising support for the MDF and our species!
During the early years, the Chapter was acknowledged often for having the highest gross and the highest net as well as providing the highest bid for state tags (wildlife legacy). Starting in 2003, when official records were kept, the CCC has been first or second in both highest net for a fundraiser and highest wildlife legacy funds with the exception of 2006. In 2003 and 2005 the chapter won awards for both highest net revenue for a fundraiser and highest net contribution to the wildlife legacy funds. In 2006, the chapter had the highest net contribution to the wildlife legacy funds and was third in the highest net contribution.
The CCC and its members have sponsored, donated, and facilitated the Governor’s Tule Elk Hunts at Grizzly Island for the past seven years. In this effort, members provide both food and preparation for all meals for two days and for up to 60 people. A similar project was also donated to the Sunrise Duck Club. The CCC is active in representing the MDF at a variety of other programs such as – the local Ducks Unlimited Annual Greenwings BBQ, the Point Reyes Outing, and the annual fundraiser for local Safari Club chapters. But one of the Chapter’s strongest interests is in supporting and encouraging youngsters to become involved in hunting and fishing. CCC has one of the largest youth attendance for a fundraiser. The youth have a large part of the Chapter’s program and they are able to win many items in the raffles, live and silent auctions, and special games that are specifically for the youth.
However, the main goal of the Chapter is to raise funds for use by the MDF on projects related to mule deer and black-tailed habitat and conservation efforts. All funds raised by the wildlife legacy state tags go directly to the state for conservation efforts within.
In 2006, the CCC issued their 2005 chapter rewards to be used on the Sierra Nevada Fawn Study. This study has been a main focal point of the California Fish and Game for several years. The study occurs twice a year; once in March and once in November. Each March deer are captured and collared before returning to their summer range. The deer are then recaptured again in November as they come off the summer range. Vital information is gained each time the deer are captured during this ongoing study.
This year the CCC is looking at issuing their 2006 chapter rewards to the Oak Flat-Black Oak Habitat Enhancement Project in the Plumas National Forest. This project will work on Deer Winter/Transition habitat in the Plumas National forest. The project would remove encroaching and competing conifers from within and surrounding oak stands. A controlled burn will then be used to enhance growth of grasses, forbs, and oak re-sprouts.
This year’s event was held on April 28th and at the 2007 annual fund raising event, the CCC had four state tags for auction. They were:
- California – Grizzly Island Tule Elk Tag
- Utah – Paunsaugunt Any Weapon Deer Tag
- Wyoming – Governor’s Shiras Moose Tag & the Governor’s Elk, Deer, or Antelope Tag