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Show Ranae Rides Slated by Division Each spring the Division of Wildlife Resources, in cooperation coop-eration with other interagency organizations, coi 'ucts range surveys throughout the state. The surveys are typically conducted on horseback and are called "range rides." The rides help collect subjective material that adds to the Division's knowledge of local habitat and animal populations. popula-tions. Usually conducted in late March and April, the range rides provide first-hand observation obser-vation and impressions regarding re-garding the condition of browse, how the deer herds wintered, winter kill, areas of deer concentration, etc. It provides an opportunity for busy officers to m ke one more personal visit to the mountains to see for themselves what conditions prevail. Range rides are open to the public. Each year many sportsmen's sports-men's groups, land owners, legislators, cattlemen, other land management agents along al-ong with Division personnel get together for the rides. The rides are an important opportunity oppor-tunity to gather meaningful information, but also' give the public a chance to learn more about the habits and needs of the deer. Division officers can show, as well as explain, specific examples of browse usage, concentration, damage, etc. Some browse and pellet transects are studied on certain ranges. These are more specifically designed studies that help determine the use of a particular range or area. Following the range rides, each group is asked to send in a written report of their impressions and observations. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Biologist, Rodney John, said "Tk'ill range rides are a subject' i kind ol information input J it is another source, '". overview, of range and'h!. conditions. Every bit of info ' ( mation that's added to th : -total knowledge of the animal and their habitat helps Us form a solid base on which ' j make managenK-t decis" " ions." John also said that He information gathered on rides is sometimes not the Vjntj of data that can be recorded it "black and white." It helps to '? establish a feel for the area and its condition. l'' Persons in the Moab area interested in being involved i ' the range rides to be conduct. '.; ed locally, should contact Conservation Officer Jon Lea. . tham. |