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Home My WebLink About7.a. Bow & Arrow Deer Hunt in Spring Lake Park Reserve � * • � � • �. l V T Y PARKS DEPARTMENT QA �O TA CO U 16,2!��_� �. �� 8500 127TH STREET EAST-HASTINGS, MINNESOTA 550�3 � �� ^� �� , ,� , � September 22, 1989 Mr. Stephen Jilk � Ci Administrator 28�5 145th St,West I Rosemount,MN 55068 Dear Mr.Jilk: Dakota County owns and operates Spring Lake Park Reserve,a portion of which lies within the City limits of Rosemount. We have conducted some deer counts and determined that the Park area is over-populated. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners have approved a bow & arrow hunt in Spring Lake Park Reserve. Specific dates for the hunt have not been set, but wiil be during November and perhaps December of this year. We are requesting permission from the Rosemount City Council to allow us to proceed with the deer hunt. I will appear before your City Council at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 1989 to answer any questions that may be raised. Sincer ly, � . � Charles Lowery,Directo Dakota County Parks Department CL/sw AN E9UAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER a,� � �-#�a � � .. 3 � . � ��. �J,, o�t� ,�i , .��'� � � .. �� u.�.. . � ,,;x. _. . . . . . . . . '/. � . �.ti� �.:.. .`�- LJ�IVIQ/VWII . � . . . � u ur an ar � =t s ��r � . �� _ . � � � turn � � y ��.�ph �a�� O �� j � ' .� i'k�.- ..,.„�d q�' � �. �� '�� E � ' $ � v' �� , �� {� � � ■ ,�,. �+�� ¥ > � ��. � ��1�� ,� ��; �� '� ��9�� ; r ,��, , � eer er s �:��x��.�� _ .�� . , . �°., . � : $ : � r�� 3 �,i � � ' . . �`�' f � +. ''� .:x'. y� � An�mai population rows �� p � � �, �,;;��* � �:,,.�- E �A� , g � �� .� �� ; y� � �� r� _ Y-� �� By Jim Foster �• • � �r ' " Lowery said. They re overcrowding � � ' � ; ,�,,; � Staff Writer in therc." �. � ''� ".`„ " �� : �. � ' � Some peopie who moved from the In the past, afficials have thinned � ' � �v cbwded inner cities to be closer to deer herds in the metropolitan area ° �*�� '. , . nature in the suburbs have found because the shortage of food over the Y� � p_ ' nature a little closer than they wanted winter would mean many would die x.' �� , �;, ..:. �'h irecent months. of stanauon. �x, �. � :�;:..: ;�. While carving ont homes in the sub- Herd counts are done by aerial sur- � . �t �� .,- ; _ urban woods, people have puahed vey and through information provid- �, F � - : deer out of their natvral habitats.But ed by reported deaths of deer hit by �� ` � i. instead of fading away,the deer have motor vehicles. According to AI ''� cegrouped and gained strength, Berner, leader of Farmland Wildlife ' thanks in part to conditions created Populations and Research in Made- �' � � by the human development. . lia,at least 2,005 deer were killed by ' The deer are invading the yards and rea j�dy�r� in the metropolitan "� farm plois of their new neighbors, � feeding on plants,shrubs,small trees Berner said the number is conserva- .�'` h and garden offerings. Boosted by the tive because not all deer kills are a.: , n�w food supply, deer herds in the reported.The deer kiil information is large suburban parks are growing "one index to determine deer popula- larger — so large that animal mae- tions," Berner said. "Lefs face it, Y�, � ` � agement o�cials are turning to hunt- deer are killed in every county,and it �� ing to control the population. tells us what kind of distribution �� ' there is." � �, �,, �°'� "We don't want to eliminate the ' � `` ' deer," said Larry Gillette, wildiife Hunting, while considered the most � manager for the Hennepin County- effective way to contro!deer popula- Staff^Photos by Richard Sennott Parks, where as many as 1,70Q deer Gons, is restricted in many cities in reside. "We want to control the deer the metropolitan area. According to Austin Sponsel,5,practieed her stand-t�comedy routf�e witt herd to acceptable levels." Departmeat of Natural Resources of- ficials, many cities restrict hunting ■ � � Hunting has been ailowed in areas of too soon, causing problems wh��e qu�t�� onsel ar�� the Hennepin County Parks since they seek to preveat them. � 1978, and now other parks are look_ ing into the idea. "We find that in those areas where By John W.Anderson hunting is restrict�, the deer are Staff Writer � k,'}= According tq Chuck Lowery,dire.ctor growing too rapidly," said Jon Par- � `=a '��`� of garks for Dahota County, esti- ker,the DNR's area wildlife manager Ask S-year-old Austin Sponsel what �� mates show 75 dcer living in Spring for Dakota, Scott and Carver coun- she c,an do and she'Il give you same ° �' �� Park, a 900-acre park.along Spring ties. song and dance. Lake in Rosemount and Nninger Township. "We don't ciose any of the areas to Or maybe she'il play a tune on her r hunting," said Roger Johnson, a re- violin,perform one of her favorite � A hunt. which officials are hoping gional wildlife supervisor for the piano pieces or leave you chuckling ��` wil(reduce the herd to about 40,has DNR. "We try to work with the with a sample of her stand•up 7frYrn�t 'i� been approved by the Dakota County locatities about setting np hunis, sa comedy. i"a+nsanr'r � Board.The Rosemount City Councii they don't stop hunting prematureiy. will vote on the issue Tuesday. Most of the people who do huat (in The 3�h-foot-tall model and c�:i`°'°"" ' - ,u!e ana) are loeals, and they know entertainer from Jordan charmed � ` r '`Normaily��we dontt'all�tvv any hunt=�`'' " ' � audiences at the rrcent tQ84 ` :� ing, except for{hcrd) maintenance," Deer continucd on page 1 11' Minnc:wta Slatc P�ir"falent �tri�:.�1 ' . . �. .. � . � ('oo�P.��..i�.r�a-.,...r........r.h.. �� .� . - Star Tribune/Thursday/� ��Y �t'1' coada��p��Y � RiChfield !� �SY" �ndY,was sacond runner-np in the the regulaGons." r eat just about anything in tt� gar- sPe- I,,ittle Miss of America Pageant held den." 1oca1 last month in Hollywood,where she In areas were hunting is permitted,it St�f'��1'y �°rm�d ber 4-minute corotdy mu- is only with bow and arrow or with Most of the deer �ablems occur in ��pp�k�yy_TBth Ss �� shotguns housing a single slug,which the northem suburbs, Parker said g��v��af the Austin loves cam have a comparatively short range. Problems have sprung up in North ��Lre�d.le�► P�a& � Because of the proximity to residen- Oaks,Plymouth,Minnetonka and in 15.items valued at 3176. a N , tiai areas,ofticials ranly allow uae of the Eagan-Apple Valley area ne�r ■7432 Portland Ar.S.,Hc It s fun to mcet all the other kids," rifles in metropolitan area aeer hunt- Leb�non Hilts park.Futura problems �+an Church:Sept.17.sa� 'Ag ahe said. "And, in the end, it's fun in when I win." �' a� D��1 for Lino Lakes and ��8��, Biaine,as those suburbs grow and cut Hunters apply for permits,which can into deEr habitat �n��e�0 arxl JWy 2, Written mostly by her father, Ans- be issued by the DNR or loc;a! gov- Se�.13.misr.eilanea�ite tin's comedy routine consists of ernments. The area hunting seasons "We're sceing more deer in residen- �'612' lan- quotes that range from Shakespeare corrresponded wi� ��ar archery tial suburbs than wdve ever setn � there to the present day. One of her most and finarm hunting seasons.Out-af- before," Gillette said "We're seeing Damage to prop o� memorabk bits is the presidential season and speciai situaUon permits dcer up in Edina (from the Hyland- quote "Read my lips," whic6, her are granted in some cases. � Bush-Anderson Iakes park soath of �T001 EIpM Av.S.,RiehnE voia father �id, she dclivers in typ;ca( Interstate Hwy.494 in Bloomington). h Ed�at1�Cer�ter:Sept �' �O�B��oa When the hunting faiis to take It used to be that they woutd just stay �"S�'�off window� °� enough deer out of a herd,conserva- around I-494. The are stra}n'n far. Although her dad writes the materiai, tion officers will go in with rifles to ther and farther in search of fiod" �71��of Morgao A� Austin knds her own personality to remove more d�r. Those shot by ��•�me98 &�P the act, adding appropriate move- conservation o�cera are processed Parker said he urges nsidents to try but mtnt and facial expressions. Her fa- and the meat is given to veterans' repellents, such and "Hinder" and ��n ther said that after three or four per- hospitals,civic goups and nonprofit "Deer-Away," which leave unpleas- formances at the Comedy Gailery in organ;zations. Hides are soid to fi- ant odors to the deer. Small electric ��°t E'�8th St ve to Riverplace,Austin has ie�med to cat- nance deer habitats, fences are also eft'ective,he said. �dio and tape piayer swie� ps in atog audiena reactions and knows damaged.Loss—$328. what works best While the hunts work to control the "Most of the O 7315 Bioomington Av.S. .. populations, o�cials t�P�e who move out to Eiementary gohoo�;reporte g her Sometimes the predict that the country don't know what ttiey're stereo system valued at S2 y (the audience) deer wiil continae visiting fields and getting into," Johnson said. "It's �y�or August. day dodt laugh the fust time,"sh,e said yards in search of things to eat gre;at to get back to nature,but yoa're ■6��k ot Olrard Av. she "But if you give them a littte smile or go�ng to have to live wiih i� If you �T�g��• over- a funny look,then they may laugh." "The suburban area is just ideal habi- move in with wildlife,you can ezpect �67��9an Av.S.�Fairv � t a t f or deer," P a r ker sai d, «They are the wildlife to try to make the best of �pt.1 3,bicycle vatued at John and Sheila Sponsel said they gaing to do damage to shrubs,they're the situation." ��o��et A ft to encourage their daughter academical- going to do damage to plants.They'll �8.1ea�ba9 reiued at�: ly and musically by cnating a desire c�. for knowtedge and providing her iness with the tools to learn, Still, Austin n has taken much of the iniriative her- � - � her self through voluntary pcacticing and , for studying. � Min- in Is she a genius? "I don't think Austin is going to re- later invent Einstein's Theory—thaYs an e ed to exotic genius," her father said, "I sev- think s6e's probably a norma! gen- most ius." . � � page lY - � ', , 292- 1701 Oak Park Av., in north Minne- apolis.Events include readings,book signings, movies and information on pon- liuracy programs.Call 3742234. � ; ,. blic ,:�:. �� s s: § _ elling ■St Joseph's Home for Childrea d;��,� �,`; �tur- and Head Start will sponsor a"festi- � sions val of adventures"Oct.7 from 1 to S xxrt. p.m. at the home, 1121 E. 46th SL, a.m. Minneapolis.The grounds will be di- enter vided into a variety af"Iands"whose ation games and entectainment will re- volve around the theme of that land Tt�e��u t�fooa,games,pcizes and 1989 Buiek Riviera 3 to s Su- entertainmen� Reading, books �a 1985 Honda Prelude F �xa- stories will tie the entire festivai to- ehoose from. Fuily loaded. sunroof, auto trans� A xuss Seflie�'. Fach child wili leave with a L.Bath@P interior, 2 W/f8Ct0�/ and new book and � library card, For (TtOO�trOOf. BUICk'3 f�t1@St if1 @16- AM/FM St��@O, Xtt'a CIE �m 7 information cai1827-6241. �8riCB 8�91SSS. W/!OW i1111QS. Y.at $30- ■��o occ. �, Minnesota Reviews, S81e PNeed startin�at =18,995 NIas�9�0' Olow Jest =8" Mianesota Independent Pubiisher's �A ce..re�rjnn g1±.i rhe I1�W±' �l�i.i�,Aet � � � � . � . . . � w t • i �ear -1�'1,�. �l k, � ��}: � � w -�' rnatr'a� Gncal -t�... eo;Gr�.��s��'�rn r,ur ,n ar ..�.� ,� ��Q, " enClU'nq G'n G1rC.�2�e:f'l/ Ctl�D7.�r�d i n� d/ an ed ,'f0'f�`�71 �a� �t� I�as�rn9s -S�r �'aaze�-!e . -�;s �v;ll b�. use.-�t 1 -tn your cc�m mun;�-� I hol� roU�e as t�.y eva i ua t� t,v1�tQ�h.a.�- o�' r�t -fo G'rpp -�,� �e.�r bot,�.> hunf i n �pr;ncJ 1.c l�e �a ' C�tl � Q►'�'� QS�'r'n �G7� �� '�2� GL�2lZr' /'Y)US.� ,�pec�-� 1/, r2 �u m�.e. mrzth ocl %s usz.d- � k�1l eo�, a � �'rrd�a Il�/ / ��',� c��'`'� � � ��J� f?V� �" � � �tV%n�n /�l,t sa�'�'rI�� c�`- .5�r3� �� S� RECEIVED SEP 2 91989 CLERK'S C�rFtCE CITY OF ROSEMOUNT how many sucn pevp�e W� �� '•�• " the crinkled anc�enz parcn�i��• • � thing.comes up at a government on, but I would have to say the �ist asserted our indepenc�ence, defined � meeUng that witl make a good sto • ,,�ouid average some S00 per year. our purpose and estabiished us as a � Sametimes ideas are picked u� , ThaYs a lot of folks we come in co� nation and a peopie. For me it is �: others at the Star Gazette. alwa s a thrill to go there, and t have ��,. But besides our own "think tank". w�Despite this high number, we knoW tried always to make time for that vis� ;� ' our very best source for ideas is our there are hundreds.of others. • and a pilgrimage to the Lincoln � ; reader. We can't guarantee that everyone M�moriaL ;ti : For examp��, �ast February during �,yho calls or writes with an idea wi11 TFiere were not many people in the � our annual subscription drive,we also " have it published. But we'll sure listen Archives Hall X�iat afternoon, and my ��. sent a(ong a questionnaire. Among ,,to your ideas. „ attention was drawn to a lone indivi- '� � other questions, we asked our readers . �n the end,you're our best think dual dr�ssed in well worn clothes, if they had any ideas for feature stories.' � t�k" for good feature stories! , �ong out of style. Hat in hand, he ,�,' �II,.�'�t d►"i`"fiact we're still , � using stories from that list! stood before these aneient scrolls of �; our herrtage. As he turned to leave, ! beeame aware that he was weeping• � • -- � (� (' �i0• �� "fvlay I help you, sir?" I inquired. In � � ��7�V , �.�� , halting English he asked, "Yau born �. 'VV��ter pp : ?„ „Yes,,, I said. As he � . � this country. L�ke Pa�� turned to the door he said, "You not x: h��t at Spr�ng . . _ �nderstand," and he was gone. Washington called those parch- � � ties are 6roken up and critical fat ments "the recious deposit of our � To the editor:. • � reserves are lost--all which contri- American happiness:" Jefferson � Whereas, it has been determined � �ute to disease, malnutrition and referred to them as "the collected . that there is an.d'v'er-population of ` �starvation. Furthermore, hunting �,yisdom of our country." President :' deer in the Spring Lake.Park interferes with-the preservation of the C1eveland said, "These are the ark of `� ReserJe...be it resolved fHat the parks best enetie pool as hunters cannot . the people's covenant." Possibly, that ' director is authorized to organize an dete mine the age, fitness or fruitful �o��y_dvessed, gaunt figure I , - archery hunt..:" This.was a resolution ears of an animaL encountered there that afternoon, t' recently passed by the county com- y �f �ndeed the county considers � understood better than most that in �. missioners based on a recommenda- W�Idlife mana ement to be synonym- �� at those documents, he stood ';, tion from the Department of Natural ous with killing, we should expect the g.the presence of the high water �. Resour.ces tDNR). managers to seek out and support the mark of mankind's search for justice, ;: In their endless effort to work most humane'methods available. � � fairness and responsibility on this '�,`against nature, the DNR has decided Allowin the recreational murder of �obe.' i��: that 35 deer too many live in the Park . those entle creatures by bow and � �/e shall fly the flag from our�deck ; Reserve. Since they have so manipu- "arrow onl insures crippling injuries ,throughout this week. By an act of � lated the deer herds to assure optimal y g the Congress of the United States, �: hunting for "sportsmen," their over- and slow, agonizin death for those deer that are hit and not "b�agged•'� $ep�. 17 to 23 is designated as . ' population can now provide even $tatistics prove that for every deer Constitution Week, commemorating ;- greater recreation for those who killed by an arrow, at least one more Nthe historic importance of the Con- enjoy killing them simply because � �S�ounded. Bow hunting is extreme- Stitution.and the significant role it �> they exist'. I wonder what scientific � exactin and is redicated on the �� < standards.conclude that such an ideal hunter being with�n 30 yards of the p�They we e'�an uncommon group of ; habitat near Spring Lake cannot prey, able to release an undetected • �fted, wise men who struggled, ofter : support those deer. arrow and hit the animal's vita{ areas. , g hot debate, for four long months � While wildlife is a public trust Most bow huMers are neophytes and , �n that hot summer in Philadelphia. �_ belonging to all of us., 85'percent of can lace only randorn shots. But � They assembled on May 24 as a grouE �. the public cost for its protection �s � there is also evidence indicating that . of provincial, self-centered individual� �� being diverted '+nto the financing of the more expert one is, the more , ,,vith alt their petty prejudices and � hunting. As I'm working to prevent Y local interests. Still, m the interplay o? � this deer slaughter, 1'm asking myself opportunities the have to shoot and wound. � their discourse during those four „ where are the "professionals" We Ea an and Mendota Heights have , critical months for this nation, they. ; publicly pay and e�trust to do this. � alrea refused a bow hunt ►n the ut aside these human.foibles and ;�_'would expect them:to at least demon- -��mm�ities, citing inhumaneness ose to the higher calling of a � strate some attempt at a more civil- . and ineffectiveness as rationale for republic govemed by the people — ��ized effort of managing the.wildlife. � • their opposition. They did approve a, ,: noi perfect, but better than the world °i While deer/car collis�ons and hunt b shar shooters. (It's interest- had ever known. For this, we fly the s'�destruction,of vegetation are con- i� tha most rotest agains: sharps- fla at our house this week. �: cerns, non-lethal alternatives do exist. hootin comes from the hunters who How is it at your house this week? �; In viable combinations such methods ;. a arentl want to use their own pid ou ut out.the flag? Did you' � as birth control, road reflectors, resources) - discuss i with the kids? Was it a ;� repellants, deer alert devices, proper ;Albert Schweitzer said that the subject of conversation with your �; fencing and vegetation planning have basic concept of goodness in man friends and neighbors? Did you offer been proven suecessful. rests in his reverence for all life 1 .:• :;�a praye�of.thanksgiving:for tf�ose ,. Of course, there,is the contention = :t}��nk there is a relationship between �.��essmgs of liberty." that are ours in � 'that ihe deer will be'saved from ' �'o�r barbaric willingness to maim and this good land? �� starvation. However, this mindless murder animals and the callousness �r humanitarian theory ignores the fact and insensitiviry we experience in . ,-that hunting aetually raises hunger. toda 's socie g".Normal movement pattems are d�s- Y �'' Shelly Kranz � �'rupted, animals experience extreme � Hastings � � stress and eat less than usual, family � � i � , - .� , � � ARCHERY WOUNDING LOSS IN TEXAS GLENN A. QOYDSTON, Texas Parks & lJildlife Oepart�nent, Austin, TX 787�4 NORACE G. GORE, texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Austin, TX 1874� Wounding loss , an �nev itable by-product of sport hunting, concerns wildlife but managers. The concern arises not from the obvious fact that it occurss ec- rather at what magnitude does it become a problpm. Historically, the per p tive has focused on the biological or management implications. Are total wou nded animals, combined Yaith _ legal harvest, negatively impacting a deer . population? What have not been addressed are the ethical , moral , and humane issues. The question is 'primarily one of weapon efficiency. There is cr�t�cal need for conclusive data on both gun and archery wounding ra tes. Available data indicate gun wounding .rates on T?WD wildlife management a reas average about 7%, calculated as the percentage of animals hit but not re trieved. Comparable data (collected and calculated the same as for gun for archery hunting indicate a wounding rate of about 50�. For every deer bagged, is hit and not retrieved. From a biological or management perspective, one roblem. even this high rate of wounding by boti•�hunters does not present a p - However, the ethical issue potentially does . This paper presents reasons for hi h wounding rates for bowhunting and the need for quantitative research. A 9 r esearch design is proposed with alternatives , including the drug-tipped arrow. —__ mhgg-59 . � • 2 THE PROBLEM 4lounding loss is an inevitable by-product of sport hunting that concerns wildlife managers. The concern arises not from the obvious fact that it occurs in ti��hite-tailed deer hunting, but rather at what magnitude it becomes a problem. Historically, the perspective has fo wsed on the biological or management implications. At what point do wounded anima� s, combined with legal harvest, negatively impact a deer population? In Texas, there is no negative impact because of the overpopulated status of most Texas deer herds. Total wounding loss by both archers and gun hunters . does not present a biological problem. On the other hand, what have not been addressed are the ethicai , moral , and human issues. At what rate does wounding present this type of problem? The question thus is primarily one of weapon efficiency. Most available data pertain to gun wounding, but there is a deficit of conclusive data on both gun and archery wounding ra�es. Avai�la'�bl,e�`,.da�Ca. `ind�cate gun _wound�ing,_yra=tes �on _ .:. _ ._ _. - - 1'exas wi 1`dl i fe management �,areas (WMA)� average about 1%, calcul ated as tf�e percentage of animals hit but not retrieved. Calculated as the percentage wounding comprises of the legal harvest, gun wounding rates average about 8% (Table 1) . Comparable data (collected and calculated the same as for gun) for arch- ery hunting on Texas wildlife management areas indicate a wounding rate of about 50%, or 102% of the legal harvest (Table 2� . Figures 1-4 depict wound- ing rates on major Texas wildlife management areas. As these are hunter reported data, it is felt they are conservative. In essence, for�;every deer S :... 4 i., r .."' ._ . . ,.'-: n t �_� m�K..�.p+.+ . �legal ly••> bagged .w.ith �6ow"'a'ndw•arrow, �;a,t,�.l�east;�o�e _.�more_,; �x ,h_�t- a`nd no��;�e= �tr'�eved. From a biological or management perspective, even this high rate of wounding by Texas bowhunters does not present a problem. However, the ethical - _ mhgg-59 ..-- .� � - , ' � � 3 issue potentially does. Bowhun`ting is an extremely demanding, exacting sport, predicated on a` hunter being `:able to be within 30 or so yards of a deer, draw and release an arrow : undetected, and hit the vital area of the animal ; The arrow is a low velocity, high trajectory projectile which kills primarily by circulatory hemorrhage. The broadhead must cut major blood vessels , thoracic organs, or neurological centers to cause a quick death. Experience, common sense, and available data provide clues to possible reasons for high archery wounding rates: � l. Under.-`most hunting' conditions, it is generally difficult to shoot a _ _ razor-sharp"6roadhead arrow into a vital ar.ea;-an=absolute-must for bow hunting proficiency. Data from Texas wildlife management areas provide evidence. that, on the average, 21 shots are made for every deer killed, or about .lA_�shots per` deer hit. Shot . piacement is , for all practical purposes,. ,random.+` Engeling ��lMA data on shots per deer harvested are , depicted in Figure 5. 2. Unless there is a relatively low exit wound in thoracic hits, most bleeding is internal , resulting in poor blood trails. � 3. Members of the deer family have excellent blood coagulative character- 1St1CS. 4. Many. bowhunters- are neophytes ' to the sport and lack experience and knowledge ;in stalking, shooting, and tracking. However, there is evidence �to `'indicate that experienced bowhunters wound more deer than _ . _ _ neophytes because they get more shots' and therefore have opportunity to wound _ . Although a well-placed shot is capable of bringing down and killing a deer in seconds , some "hard-hit" deer are never recovered. Poorly hit deer; mhgg-59 . • � � 4 more often than not, are lost. t•Ji�at is irnportant, of caurse, is what happens on averac�e. Not all wounded deer die. Undoubtedly, many recover. However, almost } al ] abdoininally-shot deer die a slow death due to peritonitis.; And the con- � cept of nonlethal , "superficial " hits , and subsequent survivability, has never been quantified. Although archery wounding data are not conclusive, there is mounting evi- dence that there is a problem--at least enough evidence that the situation should be investigated. � Why should Texas and other wildlife managers be concerned about archery wounding loss? From a purely biological-management perspective, it does not matter. With the current relatively low (but growing) number of bowhunters in Texas (61,OQ0) and the real management need to harvest more deer, wounding loss is an insignificant factor. The real problem comes frorn the ethical-moral-humane perspective as viewed by the nonhunting public. Qowhunting and trapping have historically been the "Achilles Neel " of hunting, This has been demonstrated over the years with both coming under attack by anti-hunting and humane organiza- tions. These groups theorize that if they can win the small battles with two relatively sma11 hunting factions, the legal foundation and precedent will help them take on hunting in general . Archery wounding loss and the lack of data open the door for legal action from these anti-hunting organizations. In a survey of the 50 state game and fish agencies conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1983, three common responses were most fre- quently mentioned: l . the lack of hard data on archery wounding loss ; 2. the need for hard data ; and mhgg-59 . , ' ' � � 5 3. an expressed interest in the findings of said research. There is evidence and reason to believe that archery hunting and wounding loss tivill soon cou�e under attack by anti-hunting groups. Independent research on this subject is currently in the process of being published. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other state agencies, as well as national and regional associations , need more information to prepare an effective response. Research should be conducted to reliably quantify archery wounding loss and measure broadhead efficiency. PROPOSED RESEARCH PARAI4ETERS: � Archery wounding loss can be broken down into three primary components: � 1 . the proficiency of the hunter in hitting the .vital area ; , � 2, the eff�ciency of the broadhead ; and � h � 3. the proficiency of the hunter in finding a hit animal . , Although all , three contribute to the problem, the most important is broadhead efficiency. This aspect would be the focus of the research de- sign. The tracking of wounded animals would also be included. Oata are presently available to document poor shooting performance. Praposed research procedures should include the following: 1. Radio collar a statistically valid sample of deer from any of several research facilities ; 2. Use state of the art archery equipment--60-pound compound bows , aTumi- num arrows , and multi-bladed , pre-sharpened broadheads ; 3. Utilize bowhunters with varying degrees of experience and expertise; 4. Shoot deer as encountered in typical hunting situations ; 5. Simulate standard tracking procedures ; , 6. Monitor deer through various means until death or recovery from wounds , collecting data on the following: mhgg-59 ' . . • � 6 a. distance of shot b. angle of shot c. location of hit d. penetration e. initial distance traveled f, total distance traveled g. total time till death or recovery h. deer found/not found by tracker i . necropsy dead animals to determine cause of death � j. fallo��-up monitoring of wounded animals not found k. calculate recovery rate, wounding rate/loss 1 , calculate survival rates �f wounded animals not found The overriding objective wou]d be to re] iably determine the efficiency of the broadhead. Mainly, what happens to a deer after being hit--until death or recavery. , It should be noted that the only quantifiiable means of determining the efficiency of a killing mechanism is by killing or attempting to kill . Nega- tive feedback, at minimum should be expected from humane organizations , even though the objectives of the research justify the means. Ideally, research might be either concentrated or approached cooperatively from a regional or national level . Although variations in these proposed research parameters are feasible, significant deviations could jeopardite the prime objective--broadhead effi- ciency. ALTERNATI�lES Until quantified research is completed, alternatives to conventional broadheads may be a moot point. That is, of course, unless the soft data on mhgg-59 . � � � . �} � � !. � � archery wounding are deemed conclusive enough to dictate action. Once re- search is completed , however, the first question which managers must resolve is , "At what magnitude does archery wounding rate or loss dictate action?" Even when based on sound data , this will largely be a subjective decision. THE ORUG-TIPPED ARROW Some researchers have suggested that the drug-tipped arrow is the solu- tion to the wounding problem. Because of the preponderance of misinformation on this subject, let' s look further into the use of the drug-tipped arrow. Nothing may be potentially more controversial in the wildlife field than � the drug-tipped arrow (DTA) , especially in the bowhunting community. However, it is not the purpose of this paper to delve into, tfie rationale behind the deep-seated opposition to the OTA by organized bowhunting. Dr. Keith Causey and others conducted research on the DTA in South Carolina. They achieved recovery rates on deer of approximately 85%, despite using relatively crude drug-release mechanisms. Drug-tipped arrows, legal in Mississippi , are used by about one-half of that state' s bowhunters according to unpublished reports. Although specifically illegal in Texas on game ani- mals and birds , DTA' s are legal for a variety of nongame and exotic species. The chemical component used by Gausey is succinylcholine chloride (SCC)-- a powerful muscle relaxant commonly used by biologists in the capture of wild animals and in the medical and veterinary professions. In overdoses , the drug paralyzes the diaphragm, causing death by hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) . In bowhunting, the drug (normally in powdered form) is placed in a hold- ing device such as a balloon neck or comrnercially available "pod" , immediately behind the 'broadhead. As the broadhead penetrates an animal , the device rolls back and releases the drug, to be absorbed into the circulatory system, On mhgg-54 . . . � " � . $ the average, deer go down in about 10 seconds , usually travelling less than 100 yards . In all probability, the use of the drug-tipped arrow woul�f significantly increase archery recovery rates , thereby reducing wounding lass. Legal issues involving FDA rulings regarding the use of SCC in bowhunting need to be researched and clarified. The issue is currently in litigatian. At this time, SCC cannot be sold over the counter for hunting purposes. The use of dr•ug-tipped arrows has been suggested as the solution to the archery wounding problem. But before advocating or condoning the drug-tipped � arrow ar other alternatives , research to document broadhead efficiency should be conducted to determine the magnitude of the problem--in essence, to deter- mine the need. mhgg-59 . �bl�e L. Reported gun dear woundi�rate data from TPWD Hildlife �gement areas. ------�---------------------------------�-------------------------------------------- WOUNDING RATE: SHOTS PERCENT OF HUNTERS SHOTS KILLS WOUNDED PER KILL KILIS HITS aITER BUCK WMA 1982 129 N/A I03 9 N/A 9% 8% 14B3 82 97 55 2 2 4% 4'/. 1984 96 79 47 3 2 6% b% 1985 108 9b 56 3 2 5'/. S% TOTALS 415 272 261 17 2 7% b% �RR WMA � 1972 375 N/A 102 8 N/A 8% 7'/, 1973 173 N/A 60 4 N/A 7% b'J, 1974 136 N/A 54 1 N/A 2% 2% 1975 215 N/A 85 13 N/A 15% 13% 197b 4b1 NiA 17b 8 N/A 5% 4'/. TOTALS 1360 N/A 473 34 N/A 7% 7% ��GELINCs WMA 1977 155 N/A b3 b N/A 10% 9% 1978 282 328 78 b 4 8% 7Y. 1979 5�4 358 16Q 4 2 � 3% 2% 1980 576 43b 176 17 3 10% 9% 1981 753 525 176 N/A 3 N/A N/A 1982 410 349 96 14 4 15% 13% 1983 424 295 124 IS 2 12% il% 1984 594 N/A 135 13 N/A lOX 9Y. 1985 617 N/A 115 12 N/A 1Q'J. 9% TOTALS 4361 2291 1123 87 3 9% 8Y. �APARRAI WMA 1972 179 N/A 92 N/A N/fl N/A N/A 1983 582 397 125 14 3 8'/. 77. 1984 791 349 137 0 3 p% 0% 1985 314 168 55 2 3 4'I. 4'I, TOTALS 1676 914 409 12 3 4% 4'I. �ERAL� TOTALS 9012 3477 2266 150 3 8% 7% 'A - data not available and subsequently not used ir WMA and overall totai calculations. �le• 2, Repo�ted archerY deer wou ng rate data_from-TPWD_wildli mana9 ement areas. � ____ __ _�_ -----�-RATEir - ------�- - WOUNDIN _------------------------------- SNOt5 PERGENT OF KIILS HLTS NUNTERS SNOTS KILtS WOUNDEO PER KILL __________ ,------------- 10 7A% 42% _TER BUC1i WMA 8b 142 19 14 104'!. 50% 1982 14 i2 42'/. 1983 111 166 14 5 ib 71% 101 113 7 _ 1QOY. 1984 101 8b . 0 11 � 52'!. 1995 44 14 ] 10% TOtALS 399 557 a4 �� 0% ;tR WMA �40 150 4 0 38 2UQ'/. b7% 1972 2 9� 50! 1973 113 92 1 1 q; 100% 100 43 1 27 50% �3Y. 1974 iQt !07 � z 50Y. 1975 Z 68 lOQ% 197b 157 13b 2 44 58'/. 37�� TOiALS 611 528 i2 � GELING .WMA 15 44% 30% 233 239 16 � �5% 20'I. 1972 1 11 . 67'l. 1973 102 �5 4 29 24U% 127 58 2 4 100'/. 54X 25 1974 $J Sp 2 2 2� 124G 55% 1975 133 114 5 6 33i 1976 4 �g 50% 1977 228 140 8 19 243% 71'G 263 130 1 17 100'l. `'0% 1979 8 26 29X 1979 196 209 a 2 lb 4t1% �480 lAi 78 5 32 250'/. 71Y. , 137 63 2 5 100'!. 50% 1981 7 8 50% 1482 146 55 � Z 3g SOOY. 1983 131 b4 z 31 175% 64% 221 124 � 7 100% 54% 1984 4 i� 50% 1985 224 67 4 i6 19 100% TOTALS 23b7 1441 16 APARRAI. WMA -- -- 100'G 1972 191 101 4 3 f 35b8 2637 128 130 21 102% 50% ERflLL TOTALS Fi . 1 . ARCHERY VERSIJS G �JN VI/CJUf�fDING RATES � � KERR WMA 80 � ARCHERY S s7 r� GU��1 �� so �o �o � Z W � � `�'� 3� W 33 � � �� 13 7 6 ` 7 . , � � . •. 2 � �, --�� ' � .. O o . � � y, � , , . • ' 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 AVERAGF � � oercen�taae of c�Per hit but not retrieved Fi . 2 . ARCHERY �ERSUS G�UN 1�'OUNDING RAT�S � � WALTER BUCK WMA 100 100 � ARCHERY � L'`'�� G V(�� 80 f-- 60 Z W 50 52 U � Lil 42 42 �- 40 20 s . �, � 5 � . � , y, v� .\� . . � � . � 1982 1983 1984 1985 AVERAGE . � r-��r n n r►�r-�r�,r� �7 �/'1 n 1^ �t� �� rti r.�- r��-r e�i e r.� Fi . 3 . ARCHERY WC� Uf� D � N � RATES � g ENGELING WMA � 972--85 80 71 71 70 s7 � 64 6� 55 50 50 50 50 50 50 AVG=SC F-� Z W U 40 � 33 W 30 29 a. 30 . 2a � 20 - 10 0 N � d- tr� t4 1`�- o� � C� *-- N t� d- � i� i� P� T`� t� � f•. r• 00 00 00 oC) 00 00 � � d� (.n Q� Q) t� � Q� Cn O� � tn � !-- r e—� r-^ � e-- r- e— c� r- r-- e-- r � . � ' c � . � �Prcentc�a� �f deer hit but not retrieved F�i . 4 . AR � HERY WOUf� D1f� G RATES � g ENGELIN� WMA 1 �72=85 250 243 zso � 200 20Q 175 � z 150 W c.� �20 � � 100 100 100 100 �o0 100 ` AVG=100 � 44 50 50 40 25 � t� � � � t� � � � aa0 00 oN0 � 0�0 0�0 O) O) Q? Q? O'� t3? � � O) � Q) O) � O� r- �--- r-- r r � r a-- r- r r r-- r- �- . ' s. • . � .• . . . � ..�, i-. ..�T rr .��+ rv /� �e r r`�. r 1+.-��r�� e n r� ��. n.r t r'��/'�T /'�t �✓1 11 ( /l/V /'y ' . ��I"� r� !.I1!"q�. � � . . � - . ' . � � . - OTS PER KILL p Ca c� � � % �/' �/ . � . � ,� —� 1972 � , :. � :�� . . � �1/L1 l�1_.�� t.n . i--- �—• /� 1973 f�j � .� � �'� % �i i� _ � .._�_1..�� — . _,__. _�; ,_.., 1974 � ��' I :�� -�'- ,i�.,-. , � , �% '.� � �� ` / ' / � �� cfl , .' ;� , �—�L' 1 � i��L�/i",,� � / % �% i/� � � � , -?� 1975 �'j' 'J /, /+� ' N �f` �f � C� %,' /, � ; -',� , %;.•' ;� jj ,•1 u: ; , � �": i..�,��_, . i } t"T"i Z ^�— ' � / ///�N � � . � �7 6 / /�. ;%� �� /J` ,;'/ /�C,� y J .�' �� r� � �-�,:/- -- /-�,----,;.- r --� 1977 � j , z 1 ' _� c-� � 197� �''"-;, , ;�--,-- ;_�%;' . � Z �: ;;'/,j ;�' , , ; �; � __.�'1�'.��.' �, (J j_ %/-; , r-- 7�/ --� 1979 � j� '�;=' � ,� �! � Q Cf) . ' � � / '� .� fTt ._..�__� � � � : ("�"i 198� ,;I;-��f;'�';%';�"� �, �1 � /' , ,' , /� f� /, %� � , � _ � _� i i�,� % j % ; ;_,!.,,,,-,-_�, . ,- ..�,- f-- .-f-.--�,-;-�r -, C � 1981 % �- '" �; , �, ' '�� ZJ --.•-�_'1/ 1.`-�--.�'•._....�L/� _..._.r_l�u:,L_.L i• �I N ��ni V! � /��,�. ._,--/,� � 1982 , ' ; .; � -----f�� ". " ". 1 :•.. j. �� .• •-.i' . / ' � � ;"' ""'r"' 1983 ;'��' '�, ' ' ,� ' �/ ," � �/ �/ , � ,�.� ��/ r ♦ _ /�/� .% ; . ,' o ,�' ', i , '"� Cn �� '� L ��_��_/, �.r�'%�/� / �' � �/% %� 1, r- ' � J---- 1984 ;%~j%,j;%�� ..`��%� �� T W �-- � ��%� ' ' i�/ ` ' i � -' _.1 / / ; /_.�,��_f 1__.1 ._.� �/_! .! � . .. .'��`,.T_.. /�J./ � . � . � . . � �SJr j j ��i i� ; /,�� '�j / � / �� ,' : ; � D C � il t---' cD AVERAGE SHDTS PER HIT (10 ;�}1 TEXAS W,M,A. PUBLIC ARCNERY DEER HUNTS � � i� 7 � . � O � � � . . � . . � � � � � � . � . � , � � � �. . � � � � � � �,�,,,�_ # � � � '< < � � ----� , � ,� ( . , ;�� , : � . � � � Y .. . . � . . � . . l' . � , . . . . . . � . . . s• ` 11 DEFR K1 f._(_FT'� AND 1. DFEf� RFPORTED W4UfdDED PFR 21 SH�TS F I RED ,