Wyoming Expert Says Oil Production Likely Impacting Wildlife - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Is North Dakota's energy boom impacting its wildlife?  One expert says, probably.

Mike Eastman is a big supporter of oil and gas production in the U.S.  He's also the creator of the popular TV show, "Eastman's Hunting TV" on the Outdoor Channel.  This weekend, Eastman is speaking at the Bismarck Sports Show.  His experience in Wyoming and the impact there of greater energy exploration and drilling on mule deer lead him to believe there's likely an impact in North Dakota too.

"They're building these roads and pads on winter range, and it does impact them," says Eastman.  "Now where they impact yours, I don't know to what extent, but it's got to impact them somewhat.  But I'm not against oil and gas.  It brings a lot of jobs to my state."

The Game and Fish Department commenced a five year study in January to examine the impact oil exploration has on mule deer in the western part of the state.