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Show Inspection Time The annual inspection of deer winter ranges is now being made by Division of Wildlife Resources conservation con-servation officers, and personnel per-sonnel from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The range ride, and in some cases walk, is but one part of the total deer man agement program. It provides an opportunity to make general observations observa-tions regarding deer winter range. It is the first step prior to more detailed studies to determine deer use in key areas. Observations are recorded record-ed and reported to the Interagency In-teragency Committee, who reports all findings around the state to the Board of Big Game Control. This data is the cornerstone of recommendations recom-mendations made to the Board regarding each year's hunting seasons. Officers note general range conditions, problem areas and general health of deer. Another important aspect as-pect of the rides is the opportunity op-portunity they provide for the public to gain a first hand look at the habitat. The public is urged to participate, and, most im portantly, discuss habitat and game management principles prin-ciples with Division officers. Dates of the rides are available avail-able at Division offices, or from conservation officers. Winter ranges are of prime importance and usually the limiting factor in regard to deer population. At present, deer herds are near carrying capacity of the range. The best possibility for an increase in deer num bers lies with habitat, according ac-cording to Homer Stapley, assistant game management chief. Habitat is noted as the single most important element in determining the future of Utah's herds. However, it costs money to purchase, manage and rehabilitate re-habilitate lands. As any consumer con-sumer knows, all costs are rising; and the Division, too, feels the bite of inflation. Division Director John E. Phelps says, "The best solution solu-tion to aid the Division's objective ob-jective to manage the habitat to the ultimate benefit of Utah's deer is an increase in funds through a license fee change." |