ODFW News: White River Wildlife Area Closed

Pete · 01-26-2004, 01:51 PM

For Immediate Release Monday, January 26, 2004

Much of White River Wildlife Area closed to public access Partial closure will be lifted when severe winter conditions improve

TYGH VALLEY - Extreme weather conditions with deep snow has forced the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to close public access to many portions of the White River Wildlife Area in central Oregon south of The Dalles.

ODFW will revisit the partial closure on a weekly basis. Full public access will be reopened as soon as possible. Maps that show open areas are available at the wildlife area headquarters.

Deer, elk and pronghorn that winter in the area are struggling to survive the deep, crusted snow, which has hindered access to feed and makes travel difficult. Staff at the wildlife area documented an increasing number of animal deaths in the past four weeks, with more than 15 found dead so far this month.

White River Wildlife Area has been feeding deer, elk and pronghorn at the wildlife area since early December to help them survive the severe
winter. However, the concentration of animals attracts people seeking to view and photograph the animals and to pick up shed antlers. The human disburbance leads to increased stress and loss of body condition for animals that already are struggling to get to food and water.

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

ANDYCOHO · 01-26-2004, 02:08 PM

Thanks for the info Pete.

Last year at this time I was walking around there in a tee-shirt looking for shed's. Doesn't sound like I will be doing that for a while....

Gun Rod Bow · 01-26-2004, 02:16 PM

The chukars over east are an interesting story. Baker and Wallowa counties have been closed due to heavy snow.

In Malheur county where we hunted last weekend, there were some drainages where the birds were really poor condition, nothing in their crops, no fat. Other areas within 2 miles had birds with full crops and fat on them.

Saw alot of sheep (Bighorns) that had moved into the lower country.

When we had the crusted snow around here I wondered how deer would fare.

I have 2 friends that had deer die in their yards.

Lots of snow over east. Bad news for winter kill, but hopefully the extra moisture in the ground will benefit spring range conditions for birds and big game.

TheRogue · 01-26-2004, 05:06 PM

Hope they get it opened back up soon!! If the deer and elk are having problems, you can bet the cats (and yotes) are thick.

We're still trying to get over there for a hunt.

TR

River Ranger · 01-26-2004, 06:41 PM

lots of coyotes over there,I'm sure they don't mind the dead deer and elk.Great place to hunt and just hike around.
R.R.