OUTDOOR CORNER: FALL SEASON STIRS UP DEER, BUT ALSO ROUSES POACHER S

As summer gives way to fall, a number of changes take place among the inhabitants of the wildlife community. Decreasing hours of daylight, combined with falling temperatures, means an increase in the daily activities of many species. This increase in movement might be compared to a coin because it has two sides to it.

White-tailed deer are a good example of this. A diminishing photoperiod (hours of sunlight) triggers an increase in hormone production. Initially, this results in decreased blood-flow to developing antlers. The blood rich "velvet" dries up and bucks move about to rub their antlers. As hormone production increases, bucks enter a pre-rut stage in which they begin to establish or mark territories by constructing scrapes.

Likewise, temperature changes affect food supplies and result in increased activity. As plant growth slows, and eventually stops altogether, deer movement increases in order to locate new food sources. At present, most of the available food is located in open fields. As area farmers continue to harvest crops, deer are drawn out to utilize any waste grain that might be available.

The "bright side" of this wildlife coin is that deer are notably visible at this time of year. Dawn and dusk are excellent times to observe deer out feeding in open fields where they are easy to spot. Just about everyone, hunter and non-hunter alike, enjoys going for a ride and observing deer.

Unfortunately, there are some individuals who are not content to simply observe the deer. They are the "dark side" of the coin, the thieves who steal deer by various illegal methods. They rob law abiding citizens of the opportunity to observe or legally pursue these deer.

A small percentage of these criminals will simply drive around and shoot a deer at any time of day that the opportunity presents itself. This can be a potentially dangerous situation for humans because it usually involves firearms being discharged from motor vehicles that are sitting on public roads where passer-by are put at risk of injury.

A more common method of operation for these thieves is to drive around after dark and shine artificial light, either vehicle headlights or spotlight, to locate deer. "Spotlighting" holds some advantages for the poacher. Deer are often temporarily blinded by a bright light and are less likely to run, thereby making relatively easy targets. Also, poachers are less likely to be observed by law abiding citizens if they do their "dirty work" under the cover of darkness.

How serious of a problem is spotlighting? How many deer are lost to this illegal activity every year. These are difficult questions to answer with specific numbers. We do know that the number of individuals who take part in these activities are small in comparison to the vast majority of people who pursue deer by legal methods.

What can be done about this problem? Statewide, Conservation Agents devote much of their time and energy toward apprehension of these individuals and yet, in some areas, these efforts seem to have little affect. Why? Simple. Most counties have a single Conservation Agent (some counties have two). That means they can only be in one place at any given time to watch for illegal activity. The average county will have numerous locations that are potential spotlighting sites and the poacher is well aware that the law of averages is on his side when it comes to avoiding that one spot being watched by the "game warden."

Public involvement is necessary to "turn the table" and put the law-of-averages on the side of law enforcement. Citizens who are willing to report violations are one of the best means available for putting a stop to illegal activities.

How do you report actual or suspected violations? First, obtain as much information as possible without endangering yourself. License numbers, vehicle description, direction of travel, number of persons involved, were shots fired, etc. Secondly, and time is of the essence, contact your local Conservation Agent immediately.

If you can't reach them, or don't know who they are, you can contact your local police department or sheriff's office. They will usually have radio contact if the agent is not available for a telephone call. Another option would be to place a call to Operation Game Thief (OGT) at 1-800-392-1111. OGT is a privately funded program that provides cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of game-law violators of Missouri.

Even if you are not in a position to contact the Conservation Agent while a violation is in progress, make every effort to provide them with the information as soon as possible. The information that you provide may lead the agent to a location that will result in an arrest in the future. He can concentrate his efforts in those areas and not have to "flip a coin" to decide where to "zero in."

~Gene Myers is a Missouri Conservation Agent in Cape Girardeau County.