February 6, 2008
Contact: Mike Laughter, Mule Deer Foundation
Tel.: 801-391-0567 or 888-375-DEER (3337)
E-mail: mlaughter@muledeer.org
MDF Coordinating Efforts to Feed Wildlife in Northern Utah
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A decision was made on Feb. 1, 2008, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to begin an emergency feeding program for wildlife affected by recent snow storms in the northern part of the state.
Mike Laughter, Regional Director for the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) in Utah, was contacted by DWR's Justin Dolling for help coordinating volunteers for the feeding efforts. DWR is using monies from an emergency fund created with fees from hunting licenses to purchase the feed, while MDF, local citizens, and other conservation groups are supplying the manpower.
During the first weekend, six of the nine tons of feed immediately available feed was distributed. Laughter says they plan to feed through February, then wean animals off the supplements through mid-March. DWR hopes to be able to supply about one and a half pounds of feed per deer per day.
"This type of intervention is only undertaken in extreme conditions," said Laughter. "This year there was no January thaw, then we were hit by late storms, so the animals' access to their natural feed is extremely difficult."
Money and manpower are needed. Dolling said he contacted Laughter because of his contacts through MDF and ability to get things done. "Mike has really stepped up to the plate. He's contacted local folks and found places to have the feed stored, had it loaded and distributed - he has taken immediate action in this dire-need situation."
Laughter is quick to recognize the assistance of those he is contacting and working with. He said, "The local farmers are really providing support. They are warehousing feed and donating heavy equipment." He said that other groups have also been more than ready to help. At a recent Utah Bowhunters Association banquet, the hat was passed for the emergency feeding effort, and $1,200 was raised, on the spot!
If you would like to get involved, donations can be mailed to Mule Deer Foundation, Utah Emergency Feeding Fund, 404 East 4500 South, Suite B-10, Salt Lake City, UT 84107 OR Call 1-888-375-3337. One hundred percent of the donations collected will go to the feeding operation. If you can volunteer your time, PLEASE CONTACT US NOW!
To make an online contribution now, just click the button below:
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About MDF
The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501c3 organization with over 10,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. For information about the Mule Deer Foundation please call 1-888-375-DEER (3337).
Related Stories
- State launches emergency feeding effort for starving deer by John Hollenhorst
- State activates emergency deer feeding program from The Associated Press / Salt Lake Tribune