Oregon Hunters Association - Bend Chapter

Bend OHA volunteers put in another solid day of work along the Lava Butte to Vandevert Wildlife Fence. Six volunteers used three Side by Sides to patrol and repair the fence, anticipating fallen trees after the recent windstorm. Sure enough, they found seven trees down across the fence, requiring four major repairs. They also cleared brush along the routes to avoid driving over large bushes in the summer. Bend OHA has been patrolling here since 2017, but today was the first time members encountered a herd of elk along the fence, forcing them to wait before continuing with the SxS. As a reminder, driving a motor vehicle along this fence is illegal without special permission, which Bend OHA has to maintain the fence.

A couple of our Bend Chapter members that live in the Gilchrist area have taken on guzzler repairs this summer with many sites not having been worked on in a long time. They have put guzzlers back online and recently started removing the tops from some of the tanks. Once that is done, they will drain the tank and then clean all the sediment out of the bottom. Next spring they will be hauling water to some of these sites to fill the tanks that could use a bit more assistance than what mother nature gives. The level of Management Concern regarding Mule Deer for this area is in the Extreme. Bend OHA is proud to have volunteers like the one in the picture and many more that also work on guzzlers, our two local wildlife fences and other great habitat projects such as our long-term commitment to the Ochocos.

Another great event with youth put on yesterday by your Bend OHA Chapter. Arriving youth first received a thorough safety briefing then shot clay pigeons for a warmup off three different trap throwers. There were three fields for hunters with each field having a guide, hunting dog and safety officer. Two hunters were placed per field for an hour at which time they then went to the cleaning station where they were given assistance by Troy Boyd. After that they were treated to BBQ burgers, Elk Chili and lots of Wendy Borst's baked goodies. There were a lot of smiling faces after the hunt. Once again, this event could never take place without the numerous volunteers.

This Saturday in La Pine. Hope to see everyone there.