River Crossing POA

DEER MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW

The POA Board approved the Wildlife Committee’s proposal in 2008. The program will be reviewed annually. The Board, through the work completed by the Wildlife Committee, has received extensive and scientifically supported feedback over the last several months illustrating the fact that our current deer population is approximately 3 times the carrying capacity of the land. In order to decrease the likelihood of our herd becoming malnourished and/or diseased and to decrease the number of increasing deer/automobile accidents, the approved program is felt appropriate.

The Wildlife Committee findings support the need to reduce the herd from approximately 450 to approximately 150 deer over the next several years. Therefore the program approved for 2008 includes:

a. Removal of 100 to 150 white tail deer via TTT Permit (Trap, Transport and Transplant to another location). If another location is not available, the Committee will utilize TTP Permit(Trap, Transport and Process with the food being donated to area, nonprofit charities).

b. Removal of as many Axis Deer as realistic via TTT or TTP.

c. Implementation of resolution prohibiting deer feeding by residents.

d. Establishment of capture areas as restricted, off-limits areas. The entire process will have the oversight of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and be carried out by professional contractors licensed by the State for this type work.

The River Crossing Wildlife Committee is committed to keeping all property owners informed of their progress and activities and are hoping to schedule another Town Hall Meeting to explain, in detail, how the program will be carried out early next year. The Deer Management program that will take several years to achieve our goals and an ongoing maintenance program will ensue, thereafter.

Property owner input and feedback is encouraged as we progress. Open communications and sharing of results will provide the best opportunity for preserving the Hill County environment that we have come to appreciate. Keep checking The Loop for more information in future weeks.

Your River Crossing POA Board.

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DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN of ACTION

The removal of whitetail deer in River Crossing is complete for the 2008/2009 season.

In concert with the plan to implement a deer management program here in River Crossing, the Wildlife Committee contunues to seek trap sites for future seasons. Feeding normallly begins in December on these sites, with trapping in January. For consideration, sites must be relatively flat so that the 60’x60’ nets can be put in place and accessible by a truck and trailer.

If you are interested in helping River Crossing in this matter, please e-mail Brad Crecelius or call 830-885-3995.

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