Agenda - 09-20-2011 - 8a - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 and others have worked together to identify options to increase awareness and lessen the impact on any potential health or safety issues surrounding deer hunting with dogs in the northern portion of Orange County. Integral to this effort has been ongoing coordination with the Orange County Sheriffs Office and the WRC Enforcement Officer who is responsible for the enforcement of hunting laws in Orange County. For the last several years staff has had ongoing discussion with the both the hunters and residents of the community to hear and address their concerns regarding hunting deer with dogs. Animal Services, the Sheriff's Office and the WRC Enforcement Officer indicated they would work together to increase their presence in the area and respond when complaints were received of hunters acting .illegally. Residents were encouraged to call 911 if there was a problem, and the Sheriffs Office would respond to the complaint and enlist other agencies as needed. Among other things, this process allowed staff to collect better data regarding the number and types of incidents that occurred during the 2010 hunting season than was available in prior years. According to the Orange County Sheriffs Office, since January 1, 2010, Sheriff Deputies have responded to eleven (11) calls in Northern Orange about hunting that involved dogs. The WRC Enforcement Officer reported that he had not received any calls regarding hunting deer with dogs, although he did receive numerous calls conerning hunters trespassing on property. Animal Services received two complaints regarding hunting deer with dogs. In addition, Animal Control also reviewed data on stray animal intakes during the same period. The data showed there were approximately eight (8) stray dogs from the hound family (including Beagles) impounded in the townships in northern Orange during the period. As two of the dogs' geographical origins are unknown, the number may have been less. Since the County cannot take any action that would impede hunting dogs with deer because of statutory constraints, the actions steps and recommendation presented are based on a review of the law and the County's experience with deer hunting with dogs during past seasons. To effectively implement recommendations for the 2011 deer hunting season (November 12, 2011 through January 2, 2012), staff is requesting the BOCC review the options presented and consider approval of those such that staff can begin implementation by the middle of October 2011. Public Outreach Campaign Staff proposes that the County raise awareness of both residents and hunters rights and responsibilities during the hunting season with a public education campaign developed by Animal Services. The intent of outreach campaign will be to underscore that different rights (including the hunters' rights) can be best protected if individuals act responsibly and "play by the rules". Outreach is also intended to encourage the timely reporting of apparent violations of law to help ensure an immediate, appropriate response. Public Outreach Oation 1: Distribute informational brochures and post public awareness flyers throughout northern Orange County. The informational brochure developed by staff can be produced and distributed at stores, convenience centers, clubs and other community locations. The informational brochure (Attachment 1) targets both hunters and residents and as a main message outlines their rights and responsibilities as well as the reporting process. The flyers (Attachment 2), modeled on paid advertisements (see below), would be posted to raise general awareness and bring the