Does “wildlife refuge” invoke the sound of gunshots?
Well, officials at the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge near Cheney have authorized hunting for the first time since it was established in 1937. Apparently, the area has reached its carrying capacity for large elk herds which are causing damage to the habitat. Rich Landers from the S-R reports “a highly restrictive walk-in elk hunting season will be opened in 2009 on up to 7,260 acres normally closed to public access.”
Also, this curious bit: “In addition, mentored youngsters will be given one weekend to hunt waterfowl from designated blinds on a 140-acre wetland within the 16,017-acre refuge.”
Of course, there’s a personal component, an initial sense of anger here at DTE headquarters. Our alma matter was relatively close, and we made frequent trips out to Turnbull to view the beautiful land like so many others. Even though there’s an environmental assessment for the hunting plan, we’re naturally protective and scratching our heads, since some initial details seem sketchy. What are the impacts of waterfowl? Why do Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists support proposals to issue about "70 antlerless hunting permits and two bull permits scattered over the fall archery, muzzleloader and modern rifle seasons." Is this a job for the public? An alternative proposal was for hikers to disturb the elk, and make them leave. “It would take a lot of hikers to move elk out and we don’t have staff to monitor that,” said Mike Rule, refuge wildlife biologist. “But more important, we need to reduce the number of elk.” Are they up to the task of monitoring such strict limits? Lastly, and just for kicks, somebody observed on a tour with Rule the following: “They don’t just stand around and look at you,” as the elk ran away. Smart elk. More.
Refuge officials will accept public comment through Dec. 19.
Public meeting: Turnbull hunt plan
An open house regarding the proposed hunting plan for Turnbull Wildlife Refuge is set for 6 to 8 p.m. tonight, at the refuge headquarters Environmental Education Building south of Cheney.
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Does “wildlife refuge” invoke the sound of gunshots?
Well, officials at the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge near Cheney have authorized hunting for the first time since it was established in 1937. Apparently, the area has reached its carrying capacity for large elk herds which are causing damage to the habitat. Rich Landers from the S-R reports “a highly restrictive walk-in elk hunting season will be opened in 2009 on up to 7,260 acres normally closed to public access.”
Also, this curious bit: “In addition, mentored youngsters will be given one weekend to hunt waterfowl from designated blinds on a 140-acre wetland within the 16,017-acre refuge.”
Of course, there’s a personal component, an initial sense of anger here at DTE headquarters. Our alma matter was relatively close, and we made frequent trips out to Turnbull to view the beautiful land like so many others. Even though there’s an environmental assessment for the hunting plan, we’re naturally protective and scratching our heads, since some initial details seem sketchy. What are the impacts of waterfowl? Why do Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists support proposals to issue about "70 antlerless hunting permits and two bull permits scattered over the fall archery, muzzleloader and modern rifle seasons." Is this a job for the public? An alternative proposal was for hikers to disturb the elk, and make them leave. “It would take a lot of hikers to move elk out and we don’t have staff to monitor that,” said Mike Rule, refuge wildlife biologist. “But more important, we need to reduce the number of elk.” Are they up to the task of monitoring such strict limits? Lastly, and just for kicks, somebody observed on a tour with Rule the following: “They don’t just stand around and look at you,” as the elk ran away. Smart elk. More.
Refuge officials will accept public comment through Dec. 19.
Public meeting: Turnbull hunt plan
An open house regarding the proposed hunting plan for Turnbull Wildlife Refuge is set for 6 to 8 p.m. tonight, at the refuge headquarters Environmental Education Building south of Cheney.
