Hi Andrew. The 1998 completion of the Highway 97 fence line in the study area noticeably reduced the number of mortalities along the highway. In 1997, prior to construction, there were 57 deer mortalities and in 1998, after construction, there were two mortalities on this stretch of highway. Since 1998, there have been an average of 3.2 ± 2.9 (standard deviation) deer mortalities in the study area annually. According to this data, 2006 was observed as having higher mortality with 12 deaths in the study area since the fence line was completed in 1997. Figure

The first year of fence monitoring, February 2023 to May 2023 - we recorded 47 new deer mortalities along the inside of the fence. In one 3 week period, there were 14 mortalities. We cannot dismiss human life and costs saved - we also cannot dismiss that a secondary issue has been created that in some years, rivals the highway mortalities. In both cases, the deer are still on the losing end.

We understand why the fence has been installed and support the protection of human life. We are trying to mitigate the secondary mortalities that are occurring from predators using the fence to trap their prey. Here is more information on the project. huntersforbc.ca/eneas-project/ In British Columbia, mule deer populations have declined significantly. Our organization was formed because of broad ungulate declines across the province. It was observed that this busy stretch of highway at the bottom of a high-value mule deer winter range had a remarkable number of carcasses INSIDE the fenceline. We started to investigate this and collect data on mortality along with multiple cameras to record and observe the occurrence of deer dying (250+ mortalities to date).

The deer can't jump this fence. The deer are being eaten by predators using the fence to trap the deer. The mortalities are occuring on the inside of the fenceline in high value mule deer winter range. huntersforbc.ca/eneas-project

@ how tall is the fence?

​@@DV-ol7vt 8 Feet

In British Columbia, mule deer populations have declined significantly. Our organization formed because of broad ungulate declines across the province. It was observed that this busy stretch of highway at the bottom of a high value mule deer winter range had a remarkable number of carcasses INSIDE the fenceline. We started to investigate this and collect data mortality along with multiple cameras to record and observe the occurrence of deer dying (250+ mortalities to date). IMPORTANT: The fenceline has become a tool used by coyotes to trap their prey - deer! We understand perfectly why the fence was installed "dude". However, it has created a secondary issue for the deer. Here is more information on the project. huntersforbc.ca/eneas-project/

Some people would view you as a nuisance as well.

In British Columbia, mule deer populations have declined significantly. Our organization formed because of broad ungulate declines across the province. It was observed that this busy stretch of highway at the bottom of a high value mule deer winter range had a remarkable number of carcasses INSIDE the fenceline. We started to investigate this and collect data mortality along with multiple cameras to record and observe the occurrence of deer dying (250+ mortalities to date). IMPORTANT: The fenceline has become a tool used by coyotes to trap their prey - deer! Here is more information on the project. huntersforbc.ca/eneas-project/

you are mostly a nuisance.

In British Columbia, mule deer populations have declined significantly. Our organization formed because of broad ungulate declines across the province. It was observed that this busy stretch of highway at the bottom of a high value mule deer winter range had a remarkable number of carcasses INSIDE the fenceline. We started to investigate this and collect data mortality along with multiple cameras to record and observe the occurrence of deer dying (250+ mortalities to date). IMPORTANT: The fenceline has become a tool used by coyotes to trap their prey - deer! We understand why the fence has been installed and support the protection of human life. We are trying to mitigate the secondary mortalities that are occurring from predators using the fence to trap their prey. Here is more information on the project. huntersforbc.ca/eneas-project/

Remember when USA killed all those Antelope with the fence along WY highway 59, South of Gillette WY? It was almost unbelievable seeing those animals piled up for miles. I don't think an animals intelligence can be blamed, as those Antelope had never seen a fence before their death.

The fence has reduced 180 degrees of escapement at the bottom of a high value mule deer winter range. There mortalities are occurring on the INSIDE of the fenceline, on the winter range, not on the highway side. The fenceline is doing a good job protecting human life and motorists from deer - but has caused a secondary issue significant to this area. In British Columbia, mule deer populations have declined significantly. Our organization formed because of broad ungulate declines across the province. We started to investigate this and collect data mortality along with multiple cameras to record and observe the occurrence of deer dying (250+ mortalities to date along the inside of the fenceline). Here is more information on the project. huntersforbc.ca/eneas-project/

@ USA killed? how? because they put a fence up? im asking because I have no knowledge of that incident

We have observed this too - deer hitting the fence - and believe it to be a visibility issue. One anecdotal report from a motorist who observed coyotes running a mule deer doe into the fence, broke her neck.

No they border the both sides of the highway and deer and other animals cross at their own risk. They have those wildlife gates but deer can jump and clear a 9 foot high fence easily at a full run ,I have seen them do that below Albany GA at a military base and it's very cool to see that with your own eyes and I am taking about whitetail deer and they make it look easy .

Unfortunately, this stretch of highway has NO overpass or underpass for the deer. Private property on both sides of the highway are significant. In addition, this stretch of fence is at the bottom of one of our best mule deer winter ranges in southern BC

@@huntersforbc that’s unfortunate, their winter ranges and migration routes should be protected

@@dp4304 Yes, we really agree.

Hopefully you are not transporting a deer carcass from within a CWD Management Zone.

The East Kootenays are usually sampling within a week of receiving heads. From there, it's usually less than 2 weeks for the lab to complete testing. So you should receive results in under 3 weeks. Check this link: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-conservation/wildlife-health/chronic-wasting-disease/cwd-surveillance-and-testing/cwd-test-results

Call and ask or check the number on there website

Thank you for your kind words and for promoting our CWD education content. This is much appreciated!

One more thing to mention, one of our team members in the Okanagan has become quite skilled in sampling heads for CWD. If you ever want a demonstration for your classes, reach out through our website huntersforbc.ca

Another note, if you ever want a CWD demonstration showing how to remove the tonsils, lymph nodes, etc we'd be happy to help!

@@huntersforbc Perhaps I met them at the training session in Penticton this fall at the MoE office there? I can now find lymph nodes fairly often, but struggle mightily with tonsils!

@@bc30cal99 We missed you , we didn't have anyone attending this past fall but we have a dedicated space in Peachland where a member of our team and a biologist are sampling heads from volunteer submissions in Region 8. And those tonsils ARE challenging! Our next video is coming out soon and Cait Nelson guides Dylan through the process of finding those samples in the field - Dylan sounds super excited about the footage he captured. Our third video planned is how to keep the skull for a euro mount while preserving the brain stem and lymph nodes in elk, moose and caribou. Hopefully these tools will help our hunting community!

That's great - we had a very positive response to the webinar. Glad you found it useful.

We appreciate hearing that!

We sure agree! The complexity of nutrition is incredible and we are sure shocked over some of the findings! Hope we can turn this around.