4evernovember
New Member
Below is a copy of the letter I am sending to Governor Branstad. Preaching to the choir accomplishes nothing. To all who may read this open letter on Iowa Whitetail website, and agree with it in whole or in part, I urge you to contact the individuals listed at the close of this letter. Be factual and respectful in voicing your opinion.
Contacts:
Governor Terry Branstad
1007 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
https://governor.iowa.gov
Marcus Brandstad, DNR Wildlife Commissioner
107 East Fifth Street, Suite 202
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
marcus.branstad@dnr.iowa.gov
Senator Charles Grassley
721 Federal Building
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
https://www.grassley.senate.gov
Dale Garner, Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau Chief
Central Office
Wallace State Office Building
502 East Ninth Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034
Office: 515-281-6156
Cell: 515-238-3181
December 26, 2013
Governor Terry Branstad
1007 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Governor Branstad:
As a landowner (370 acres) and avid bowhunter in southern Iowa, I urge you to reconsider your stance on acceptable numbers of whitetail deer in Iowa.
In signing executive order no. 71, which allowed you to circumvent the DNR’s plans to reduce antlerless tags in many counties, which was based on sound wildlife management, you have in effect rendered these wildlife experts null and void. You are doing a disservice to Iowa sportsmen and future nonresidents wishing to hunt deer in this great whitetail deer state.
In making your decision, did you confer with DNR officials, specifically the Wildlife Chief or biologists to determine the current state of our whitetail deer herd, both in numbers and health? Did you consider the possibility of another EHD outbreak in 2014? Did you consider the possible discovery of CWD (chronic wasting disease) in free-ranging whitetails? In the case of CWD, it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when, because it is in the states surrounding Iowa. These unknowns in wildlife management are for the professionals in the DNR to consider.
As you are probably aware, Iowa suffered an extreme outbreak of EHD (Epizootic hemorrhagic disease) in the summer/fall of 2012 with 2,974 reported cases. In 2013, we are once again being hit with EHD with 1053 reported cases. Reported cases are miniscule compared to actual losses. If you were to figure a 10% reporting rate from landowners this amounts to 40,270 deer lost to EHD in 2012-2013. Nobody will ever know exact figures. I do know that EHD killed approximately 60-70% of the deer on my property, as well as my surrounding neighbors comprising nearly 6,000 acres, based on trail cameras and personal observations by many bowhunters with decades of experience.
The liberal use of antlerless tags needs to end if we are to retain a huntable population, resulting in an enjoyable experience for all sportsmen. You risk alienating sportsmen there by losing their vote, or at the very least, their vote of confidence.
I realize there are many lobbyists out there representing Farm Bureau, insurance companies, tree farmers, orchard owners, and a multitude of others who are looking out for their company’s best interest. I can imagine the pressure! However, these lobbyists have no vested interest in the welfare of whitetail deer. We as hunters do. Deer hunting generated $297 million dollars in 2011 for Iowa’s economy. In closing, deer management has become infused with politics. If this is the future of the whitetail deer going forward, I ask that you approach it in a bipartisan manner while working with all concerned. Please let the DNR and hunters have a voice, too! Save us a seat. Just not in the back.
I thank you in advance for hearing me out. These are my own thoughts and opinions and everyone is entitled to one.
Very respectfully yours,
Tracy Templeton
Blakesburg, Iowa
cc: Senator Charles Grassley
Dale Garner, Wildlife Bureau Chief
Marcus Branstad, DNR Wildlife Commissioner
http://www.iowawhitetail.com
P.S. Below are a few issues I would like to comment on for whatever it is worth. Just my opinion.
About Myself
I have lived in Iowa all my life. I began bowhunting in 1973 at the age of 16. I have been managing my farm for habitat, deer, and other wildlife for the past 20 years. It is a labor of love. Bowhunting to me has become secondary to habitat work. My favorite bowhunting and fishing partner is my wife of 36 years. I was fortunate to find her. We have three grown daughters of whom we are very proud.
I have no ties to anyone in the so-called hunting industry. I do not benefit financially whatsoever from the work on my farm as related to deer.
After experiencing the worst bowhunting season in 20+ years, and hearing the same from many boots on the ground, so to speak, the outlook on next year’s season is disturbing. That is what prompted me to write the open letter to Governor Branstad.
CWD
As you are aware, CWD was confirmed in a Davis County captive deer herd in 2012. While not yet detected in the wild population of deer in Iowa, I am sure it is just a matter of time. CWD has been confirmed in free-ranging deer in Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois. In Wisconsin, it is now estimated that CWD infects approximately 20% of the adult bucks and 9% of adult does located in the Western Wisconsin CWD management zone. Infected deer equals dead deer.
With continued pressure on the doe population to reduce numbers even lower, we are setting ourselves up for the perfect storm, so to speak. Add in the possibility of more EHD in 2014, CWD in the future, and some hard winter weather and the outlook is not good.
We As Hunters
We as hunters and managers of this resource stepped up to the plate when called upon to reduce doe populations for the betterment of all. This included farmers, hunters, habitat, and the deer themselves. We did our part bringing numbers down to the 1990’s level, and even lower in some counties, as requested by the DNR, however the quotas for antlerless deer mostly remained the same or decreased slightly. We as hunters are finding the deer numbers unacceptable in the season of 2013-2014. As you know, deer hunting is the only viable way to control deer numbers. We answered the call once but, I doubt we will be so quick to respond the next time. You know what they say. Fool me once shame on me…….
Dollars Generated
Deer hunting in 2011, generated nearly $297 million dollars according to DNR figures. One overlooked or misplaced figure (I’m guessing) is money spent by hunters and landowners, like myself, on habitat and food plots for all wildlife. This includes everything from seed to fertilizer, fuel, machinery, tractors and more. I won’t admit how much I spend on this hobby, however, is this money figured in with money generated by deer hunting? I doubt it. There are hundreds of us who plant something for deer and turkeys these days. If this money spent is being figured into the agriculture side of dollars generated for Iowa’s economy, it should be corrected because it is a very large amount of money statewide. It would also be ironic because Farm Bureau seems to be a deer hunter’s biggest adversary these days.
Deer Numbers
When deer numbers become unacceptably low to hunters, everyone loses. A trickle becomes a stream as hunters hunt less or quit altogether. Money spent on countless items of hunting gear, tags, fuel, deer processing, bows, guns, and ammo. The list is almost endless. If we aren’t enjoying ourselves any longer, we quit spending money. Look to the past as far as pheasant and quail are concerned. It was a huge loss for the state monetarily as well as sportsmen. Deer tag sales helped fill the revenue gap for the state, but now those are shrinking. They will continue to shrink with fewer deer hunters spending less money. Not good for Iowa’s economy, and not good for the DNR, which relies on money from tag sales to partially fund the Wildlife Division.
January Antlerless Season
When this season was first implemented it was very much needed. People like myself used this season carefully to control the number of does on our properties. Hunters could concentrate on does during this time. However, many bucks have shed their antlers during this time, resulting in a few hundred shed-antlered bucks being shot. With lower numbers of deer now, is this season still necessary? If not, it would prevent the shooting of many shed bucks unnecessarily. If it is determined fewer antlerless tags are needed next year, could those tags spread across the other seasons equally? Just a thought.
Nonresident Any Sex Tags
These days word travels at light-speed via the Internet. Hunters from across the nation are all too well aware of the situation facing the trophy deer in Iowa. EHD has taken its toll on the trophies. While not all deer hunters are trophy hunters, those who travel to Iowa mostly are. When the supply of quality bucks falls (which it has dramatically) demand is sure to follow.
Depredation Tags
Wikipedia defines depredation as “damage to agriculture attributed to animals regarded as pests”. The majestic buck has now become a lowly pest to be disposed of. I understand these tags are farm specific, but with lower deer numbers overall, will tag numbers allocated come down as well? How many deer and how much crop damage is acceptable? This depends who you ask. In regard to crop damage, insurance usually covers that if purchased by the farmer. The same applies to auto insurance with respect to car-deer collisions. The cost of claims to insurance companies is passed on to consumers in higher premiums. I understand that. Once we are free of this vermin will our (farmers and motorists) insurance premiums come down? I think the answer is a resounding NO! Hopefully it would keep premiums from rising, but when has that ever happened?
Governor Tags
I realize not all of these tags go to people in the hunting industry. However, those that do receive them are thankful I’m sure. With respect to those in the hunting industry, however, they get to hunt probably the best state in the nation. They film their hunts, all the while receiving exposure for themselves and products they are endorsing, which seems to be most of the show, to further their careers when aired. I know that the idea in the beginning was to promote Iowa’s excellent deer hunting, however, everyone in the country now knows Iowa is, or at least was until this year, a destination for trophy whitetails. These people will come here even if they have to draw a tag as a nonresident. This portion of tags has done its job all too well. Just an opinion.
Contacts:
Governor Terry Branstad
1007 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
https://governor.iowa.gov
Marcus Brandstad, DNR Wildlife Commissioner
107 East Fifth Street, Suite 202
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
marcus.branstad@dnr.iowa.gov
Senator Charles Grassley
721 Federal Building
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
https://www.grassley.senate.gov
Dale Garner, Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau Chief
Central Office
Wallace State Office Building
502 East Ninth Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034
Office: 515-281-6156
Cell: 515-238-3181
December 26, 2013
Governor Terry Branstad
1007 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Governor Branstad:
As a landowner (370 acres) and avid bowhunter in southern Iowa, I urge you to reconsider your stance on acceptable numbers of whitetail deer in Iowa.
In signing executive order no. 71, which allowed you to circumvent the DNR’s plans to reduce antlerless tags in many counties, which was based on sound wildlife management, you have in effect rendered these wildlife experts null and void. You are doing a disservice to Iowa sportsmen and future nonresidents wishing to hunt deer in this great whitetail deer state.
In making your decision, did you confer with DNR officials, specifically the Wildlife Chief or biologists to determine the current state of our whitetail deer herd, both in numbers and health? Did you consider the possibility of another EHD outbreak in 2014? Did you consider the possible discovery of CWD (chronic wasting disease) in free-ranging whitetails? In the case of CWD, it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when, because it is in the states surrounding Iowa. These unknowns in wildlife management are for the professionals in the DNR to consider.
As you are probably aware, Iowa suffered an extreme outbreak of EHD (Epizootic hemorrhagic disease) in the summer/fall of 2012 with 2,974 reported cases. In 2013, we are once again being hit with EHD with 1053 reported cases. Reported cases are miniscule compared to actual losses. If you were to figure a 10% reporting rate from landowners this amounts to 40,270 deer lost to EHD in 2012-2013. Nobody will ever know exact figures. I do know that EHD killed approximately 60-70% of the deer on my property, as well as my surrounding neighbors comprising nearly 6,000 acres, based on trail cameras and personal observations by many bowhunters with decades of experience.
The liberal use of antlerless tags needs to end if we are to retain a huntable population, resulting in an enjoyable experience for all sportsmen. You risk alienating sportsmen there by losing their vote, or at the very least, their vote of confidence.
I realize there are many lobbyists out there representing Farm Bureau, insurance companies, tree farmers, orchard owners, and a multitude of others who are looking out for their company’s best interest. I can imagine the pressure! However, these lobbyists have no vested interest in the welfare of whitetail deer. We as hunters do. Deer hunting generated $297 million dollars in 2011 for Iowa’s economy. In closing, deer management has become infused with politics. If this is the future of the whitetail deer going forward, I ask that you approach it in a bipartisan manner while working with all concerned. Please let the DNR and hunters have a voice, too! Save us a seat. Just not in the back.
I thank you in advance for hearing me out. These are my own thoughts and opinions and everyone is entitled to one.
Very respectfully yours,
Tracy Templeton
Blakesburg, Iowa
cc: Senator Charles Grassley
Dale Garner, Wildlife Bureau Chief
Marcus Branstad, DNR Wildlife Commissioner
http://www.iowawhitetail.com
P.S. Below are a few issues I would like to comment on for whatever it is worth. Just my opinion.
About Myself
I have lived in Iowa all my life. I began bowhunting in 1973 at the age of 16. I have been managing my farm for habitat, deer, and other wildlife for the past 20 years. It is a labor of love. Bowhunting to me has become secondary to habitat work. My favorite bowhunting and fishing partner is my wife of 36 years. I was fortunate to find her. We have three grown daughters of whom we are very proud.
I have no ties to anyone in the so-called hunting industry. I do not benefit financially whatsoever from the work on my farm as related to deer.
After experiencing the worst bowhunting season in 20+ years, and hearing the same from many boots on the ground, so to speak, the outlook on next year’s season is disturbing. That is what prompted me to write the open letter to Governor Branstad.
CWD
As you are aware, CWD was confirmed in a Davis County captive deer herd in 2012. While not yet detected in the wild population of deer in Iowa, I am sure it is just a matter of time. CWD has been confirmed in free-ranging deer in Wisconsin, Missouri and Illinois. In Wisconsin, it is now estimated that CWD infects approximately 20% of the adult bucks and 9% of adult does located in the Western Wisconsin CWD management zone. Infected deer equals dead deer.
With continued pressure on the doe population to reduce numbers even lower, we are setting ourselves up for the perfect storm, so to speak. Add in the possibility of more EHD in 2014, CWD in the future, and some hard winter weather and the outlook is not good.
We As Hunters
We as hunters and managers of this resource stepped up to the plate when called upon to reduce doe populations for the betterment of all. This included farmers, hunters, habitat, and the deer themselves. We did our part bringing numbers down to the 1990’s level, and even lower in some counties, as requested by the DNR, however the quotas for antlerless deer mostly remained the same or decreased slightly. We as hunters are finding the deer numbers unacceptable in the season of 2013-2014. As you know, deer hunting is the only viable way to control deer numbers. We answered the call once but, I doubt we will be so quick to respond the next time. You know what they say. Fool me once shame on me…….
Dollars Generated
Deer hunting in 2011, generated nearly $297 million dollars according to DNR figures. One overlooked or misplaced figure (I’m guessing) is money spent by hunters and landowners, like myself, on habitat and food plots for all wildlife. This includes everything from seed to fertilizer, fuel, machinery, tractors and more. I won’t admit how much I spend on this hobby, however, is this money figured in with money generated by deer hunting? I doubt it. There are hundreds of us who plant something for deer and turkeys these days. If this money spent is being figured into the agriculture side of dollars generated for Iowa’s economy, it should be corrected because it is a very large amount of money statewide. It would also be ironic because Farm Bureau seems to be a deer hunter’s biggest adversary these days.
Deer Numbers
When deer numbers become unacceptably low to hunters, everyone loses. A trickle becomes a stream as hunters hunt less or quit altogether. Money spent on countless items of hunting gear, tags, fuel, deer processing, bows, guns, and ammo. The list is almost endless. If we aren’t enjoying ourselves any longer, we quit spending money. Look to the past as far as pheasant and quail are concerned. It was a huge loss for the state monetarily as well as sportsmen. Deer tag sales helped fill the revenue gap for the state, but now those are shrinking. They will continue to shrink with fewer deer hunters spending less money. Not good for Iowa’s economy, and not good for the DNR, which relies on money from tag sales to partially fund the Wildlife Division.
January Antlerless Season
When this season was first implemented it was very much needed. People like myself used this season carefully to control the number of does on our properties. Hunters could concentrate on does during this time. However, many bucks have shed their antlers during this time, resulting in a few hundred shed-antlered bucks being shot. With lower numbers of deer now, is this season still necessary? If not, it would prevent the shooting of many shed bucks unnecessarily. If it is determined fewer antlerless tags are needed next year, could those tags spread across the other seasons equally? Just a thought.
Nonresident Any Sex Tags
These days word travels at light-speed via the Internet. Hunters from across the nation are all too well aware of the situation facing the trophy deer in Iowa. EHD has taken its toll on the trophies. While not all deer hunters are trophy hunters, those who travel to Iowa mostly are. When the supply of quality bucks falls (which it has dramatically) demand is sure to follow.
Depredation Tags
Wikipedia defines depredation as “damage to agriculture attributed to animals regarded as pests”. The majestic buck has now become a lowly pest to be disposed of. I understand these tags are farm specific, but with lower deer numbers overall, will tag numbers allocated come down as well? How many deer and how much crop damage is acceptable? This depends who you ask. In regard to crop damage, insurance usually covers that if purchased by the farmer. The same applies to auto insurance with respect to car-deer collisions. The cost of claims to insurance companies is passed on to consumers in higher premiums. I understand that. Once we are free of this vermin will our (farmers and motorists) insurance premiums come down? I think the answer is a resounding NO! Hopefully it would keep premiums from rising, but when has that ever happened?
Governor Tags
I realize not all of these tags go to people in the hunting industry. However, those that do receive them are thankful I’m sure. With respect to those in the hunting industry, however, they get to hunt probably the best state in the nation. They film their hunts, all the while receiving exposure for themselves and products they are endorsing, which seems to be most of the show, to further their careers when aired. I know that the idea in the beginning was to promote Iowa’s excellent deer hunting, however, everyone in the country now knows Iowa is, or at least was until this year, a destination for trophy whitetails. These people will come here even if they have to draw a tag as a nonresident. This portion of tags has done its job all too well. Just an opinion.
