New district wildlife biologist Ryan Torland poses by his ODFW truck. The Eagle/Tina Cook

JOHN DAY – District wildlife biologist Ryan Torland, 28, is ready to face the challenges of his new job – once he gives himself a chance to get to know his surroundings.

“First I’m going to get settled in, get to know the landowners and the landscape,” Torland said.

Torland transferred from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) office in Baker City. He replaces Darren Bruning.

One of the challenges he plans to tackle is the decline in Grant County’s deer population.

“Some of it could be attributed to habitat loss, and also there’s a lot more predators than there were 20 or 30 years ago,” Torland said.

Torland’s most exciting experience working with wildlife happened during a cougar research study when he had to dart a 155-pound tom, a mere 10 feet from the animal.

Torland looks forward to some of the projects planned for the coming year, from setting tags and hunting seasons, doing arial wildlife counts, to big game wildlife projects. In mid-July, ODFW plans to trap 15 to 20 mountain goats in the mountains south of Baker City and release them in the Strawberry Mountains.

Torland was born in Burns and grew up in The Dalles. He received his bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from Oregon State University.

His hobbies include bird hunting with his Brittany spaniel, fishing, hiking and riding horses.

Torland’s wife, Jandy, is still in Baker City attempting to sell their home. She has a degree in equine science.

Torland is eager to assist the public in any way he can.

“I’m here to listen and help everybody and address their concerns,” Torland said.