VERMONT AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 2, 2009
Media Contact: John Buck, 802-476-0196; Scott Darling, 802-786-3862
Vermont’s Draft Big Game Plan is Announced
Two public meetings scheduled for discussion and input
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont’s draft Big Game Management Plan for 2010-2020 is available for public review. The Plan will provide management goals and activities for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to follow in managing Vermont’s deer, moose, black bear, and wild turkey populations in the next decade.
The draft 2010-2020 Big Game Management Plan is available on Fish & Wildlife’s website (vtfishandwildlife.com).
“This is the culmination of public survey data, biological data, public input meetings, and department thinking about managing these four very important big game species for the people of Vermont,” said State Wildlife Biologist John Buck.
“It is being made available for public review so you will have a chance to offer comments and suggestions about the Plan,” he added. “It is our goal to have the plan finalized by September 30, and begin implementation on January 1, 2010.”
Two “open house” public meetings have been scheduled for discussion of the draft plan and to receive comments and suggestions. One will be Monday, July 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the Montpelier High School cafeteria. The other will be at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, in the Rutland High School cafeteria.
You also can provide comments and suggestions in writing by July 31, 2009, either on the department’s website, or by U.S. mail to:
John Buck -- Big Game Plan
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
103 South Main Street, 10 South
Waterbury, VT 05671-0501
From the intro to the draft plan:
ReplyDeletePlease Review this Plan
Please take this opportunity to review the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s draft Big Game
Plan (2010- 2020) for the State of Vermont. This plan describes the history of past management
of deer, bear, moose, and wild turkey. It also describes proposed actions that the Department is
considering to provide for continued or improved management of these species during the next ten
years.
Some management options being considered include: setting of population management objectives,
timing of hunting seasons, and means of taking. These kinds of issues involve personal preferences
of the public. In order to accurately judge the interests of the public, additional specific input from
hunters and others in the public is needed so that the Department can select and implement the best
management strategies for Vermont’s big game species. Opinions and comments are appropriate for
these issues.
Reviewers will notice that some proposed management actions such as improving data collection and
analysis methods and controlling big game species numbers within limits sustainable by habitat are
technical in nature. Technical review and comment is appropriate for these issues.
The goal of this public review process is to gather public input that can be used to modify and craft a
final plan that, on one hand, is responsive to the interests of hunters and the public while, on the other
hand, is realistic given the current technology and staffing available to the Department.
I am very aware of the passion which Vermonters have for big game, for both viewing and hunting. I
encourage you to take the time to read this plan and comment if you wish.
Comments concerning the plan may be submitted to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
John Buck - Big Game Plan
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
103 South Main Street, 10 South
Waterbury, VT 05671-0501
Thank you for your continued interest and support for fish and wildlife conservation and
management.
Wayne A. Laroche
Commissioner