Document text
Here, feed for deer isn�t illegal The Mail Tribune recently carried several articles about a Northern California lady who has been in serious trouble with the law because of her determination to feed deer. What does Oregon law say about feeding deer? � Larry S., Jacksonville When it comes to feeding deer, the sound of Oregon law is silence. "Oregon law says nothing about feeding deer or any other wildlife," says Merv Wolfer, acting Rogue District wildlife biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. While California law bans feeding deer, Oregon addresses big-game feeding only in terms of baiting animals for sport-hunting. For instance, it is illegal to place food out for the purpose of shooting a bear or waterfowl. But local municipalities can ban deer-feeding within their city limits. Shady Cove, for instance, did it back in the 1980s, Wolfer says. Biologists generally agree that feeding big-game animals can cause more harm than good. The food good-hearted people put out for wild animals can be wrong for their diet, causing a lasting diarrhea that can kill them. Also, feeding can cause unusually high concentrations of deer, which can make them more prone to passing diseases and parasites while encouraging predators to locate nearby, Wolfer says. Deer-feeding in suburban settings also can cause neighborhood discord, because the deer fed at one neighbor�s house often will wander next door to munch the flowers and vegetables. ("Since You Asked'' is a daily feature in the Mail Tribune that answers questions from readers on virtually any topic of general interest. To submit a question, e-mail us at [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification. If you have specific questions about our Web site or other questions about the Mail Tribune, please send them to [email protected] ) Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA