Oh, deer

By Brandon J. Simmons

On Saturday, Wahkiakum Outdoors will present for the public its latest offering, a talk by retired wildlife biologist Paul Myers, who will speak on issues effecting the local Columbia White-tailed deer population.

For the past five years, Wahkiakum Outdoors has offered local residents opportunities to learn more about the local environment. Wahkiakum resident Michael Passmore, himself an expert in wildlife ecology, started the group while he was a member of the Wahkiakum Community Center in Cathlamet. He saw it as an opportunity to bring local, regional and national experts to discuss various environmental issues.

“We’ve had some great presentations throughout the years,” said Passmore.

The Wahkiakum Outdoors series covers a variety of topics, from beekeeping, hoof rot in local Elk populations, and indigenous fishing habits, to “a whole raft of other things, including the historical perspective of the Cathlamet to Oregon ferry,” added Passmore.

A raft indeed. Pelicans, Mt. St. Helens recovery, robotics, seals and sea lions, and gardening with children are just a few of the numerous past topics.

The popular series was given a boost in recent years with the added support of the Marine Resources Committee, which has provided funding allowing more speakers to come to the county. Currently, the MRC grant covers ten speakers from 2023-2025.

Wahkiakum Outdoors & The Marine Resources Committee present “The History, Management, and Conservation Status of Columbian White-tailed Deer,” with speaker Paul Myers. Saturday, Nov. 18, 2:00 p.m. Hope Center - 320 S 3rd St, Cathlamet.