33. - Expand and enhance cross-boundary efforts to use hunting as a wildlife management tool
Text from the Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan, 2008, Page 34
Such efforts typically address overpopulated deer herds. These populations overlap state lines and neighboring state and federal lands. To coordinate management among the states and with federal agencies may require a memorandum of understanding outlining the planning and execution of management projects. Such an MOU would include some or all of the following steps:
- Identify a population control issue and contact relevant state fish and wildlife agencies to explore existing authorities and mechanisms—such as new or amending hunting seasons—that can be utilized on federal and/or adjacent state lands.
- Determine that when new or amended hunting seasons or programs will not be possible or sufficient, agencies will work with states to assess the possibility of working jointly to utilize qualified volunteers on federal lands to assist in culling operations.
- Authorize the use of contraceptives only upon a joint conclusion, under the terms of the MOU, that none of the above alternatives are available and/or adequate and with the concurrence of the state fish and wildlife agency.
Sub-actions for Expand and enhance cross-boundary efforts to use hunting as a wildlife management tool
Assessment of Status: Partially Complete
There are regionally based species based technical work groups such as the Northeast Deer Technical committee, the Midwest Upland Game Group and Flyway Councils. Many of these regional groups address standardization of data collection and advocate for the use of hunting as a wildlife management tool.
There are also specific examples of using hunting as a wildlife management tool such as elk management in the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While examples of using hunting as a wildlife management tool exist, there is currently no memorandum of understanding to promote cross-boundary efforts. The National Park Service has entered into MOU's to use hunting as a management tool and is pursuing additional
Supporting documentation and findings
