L.D.W.F. ISSUES ALERT FOR EXOTIC DEER IN DELHI AREA

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), acting upon notification from the caretakers of High Delta Exotics in Richland Parish, has issued an alert for escaped exotic deer in the Delhi area. 

Based on information provided to LDWF, as many as 14 Fallow deer and an unknown number of Sika deer escaped through a breech in the site's containment fence. 

LDWF's Wildlife Division is alerting the public out of concern that these non-native species could potentially transmit disease to the native white tailed deer population in the area. LDWF additionally is requesting the help of local hunters with harvesting these animals so they can be tested for disease. 

The Sika deer is east Asian in origin, usually has a darker toned hide than white tailed deer and only reaches a weight of approximately 100 pounds when fully mature. The bucks have small, elk-like antlers. 

Fallow deer are Persian-European in origin and exhibit variations in hide coloration from white to spotted, similar to a white tailed fawn. The male Fallow's antler formation is similar to a caribou. 

Any licensed hunter with a big-game hunting permit may harvest Fallow and Sika deer without limit in the area of Delhi, La. within legal shooting hours, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Hunters must then contact their regional Wildlife and Fisheries office as soon as possible so that biological samples can be obtained from the animals. Hunters will be allowed to keep the remainder of the carcasses, including the antlers. 

Hunters are asked to keep the carcass of any harvested animal, including the head, refrigerated but not frozen, until contact is made with an LDWF biologist to collect a sample. The animals may be field dressed to prevent spoilage of the meat. 

The Monroe regional LDWF office can be reached at 318-343-4044 to report a harvested exotic deer or for more information. 

For more information, contact John Hanks at 318-343-4045 or 318-376-9181 or Jim LaCour at 225-765-0823 or 225-907-9491. 2009-342

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