Moose, deer, bear and wild turkey, Vermont’s four big game species, will be the focus of a live “Outdoor Journal” call-in special on Vermont Public Television Thursday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m. The program will offer viewers information about management of these species in Vermont and a chance to make their voices heard.

Host Lawrence Pyne, a contributing editor for Field & Stream magazine, and panelists will discuss topics relating to how the state’s Fish and Wildlife Department balances biological study with public opinion to manage populations of the animals.

Every 10 years, the Fish and Wildlife Department writes a management plan for each of the four big game species. The plans are structured around the objectives of population growth, health, viability and maximization of wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities.

Panelists
• Wayne Laroche, commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
• John Austin, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's wildlife division director
• Cedric Alexander, a wildlife biologist with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
• Matt Crawford, Burlington Free Press outdoors editor

On Air and Online
Along with the broadcast on VPT’s channels, the program will be webcast live online, making it available beyond the local area. A live web chat will be held during the program.

More Info
For more information on Vermont Big Game Management Plans visit the Vermont Fish and Wildlife web site.

Black bear footage provided by Ben Kilham

Producer of the program is Neil Hilt. Production funding is provided by Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.