Yakama Nation Sheep Tags

[Rainier10]

Some more tidbits about vehicle collisions and how the fence has helped.

From 1996 to 2000, the Swakane bighorn population increased slowly (Table 1). In 2001, the
population was estimated at 51 sheep, representing a 46 percent increase from the 1992-2000
average. The increased count in 2001 resulted after Swakane bands began using the cliffs/breaks
along the Columbia River and SR 97A, allowing for better monitoring. The proliferation of
residential developments and their associated ornamental plantings along the west shore of the
Rocky Reach pool may have enticed bighorns to cross Highway 97A with increasing frequency.
For over 30 years, no bighorn mortalities were attributed to vehicle collisions. However, 44
Swakane bighorns have been killed by vehicles on SR 97A (18 rams, 21 ewes, 5 lambs) since
2002. The most recent ground count for the Swakane herd documented a minimum of 156 animals.
In response to these events, multiple agencies and conservation groups including Washington
Department of Transportation, State Patrol, WDFW, and the Wenatchee Sportsmen’s Association
convened a working group to address deer and bighorn sheep vehicle collisions on SR 97A, and
developed plans for a wildlife fence to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Phase One of the fence
was 4 miles long and extends from mile marker 212 on the north end to mile marker 208 on the
south, the section where most collisions have occurred. Construction of this first section was
completed 2009. Phase Two, completed in 2010, extended the fence roughly two miles to the
south. The remaining 3.3 mile section (Phase Three) was completed in 2011. Vehicle collision
mortalities have continued since completion of the fence mainly due to sheep finding vulnerable
areas during the rut. Collision rates have dropped significantly, with only 2 vehicle collisions in
the previous 12 month period.
 

[Rainier10]

Again the part apart wanting to maintain a good population of sheep for public viewing.

The Swakane bighorn population is highly accessible for viewing during the winter months.
Viewing opportunities, in particular large adult rams, are highly valued by the public. Harvest
management should be conservative to maintain this viewing opportunity.

[jackelope]

The state is always big on the wildlife viewing.

[PlateauNDN]

So crunching numbers based off of what was provided here says wdfw said the population has doubled from 2007 to 2017 with estimated numbers of 150 to 160 currently (2017).

Going with the lowest number provided (150) that would show an increase of 7.5 sheep per year for the last 10 years. With a continuance of that trend it would reduce by 4 possibly 5 if the auction tag holder chooses to hunt there so the rate of increase would likely be 3.5 sheep per year.

With those numbers it would reflect an increase in the herd by 30% every 10 years. So that appears to be the same rate in other areas that have multiple user groups.

It lowers the trophy quality, but not the quantity and it reduces the amount of trophy quality rams in the herd meaning some would rather fill the tag with a mediocre ram then hold out for the exceptional ram.

That's just my scientific opinion.

[Rainier10]

This chart is the real nuts and bolts of sheep numbers for the unit and can probably be interpreted a ton of different ways.

[baker5150]

So crunching numbers based off of what was provided here says wdfw said the population has doubled from 2007 to 2017 with estimated numbers of 150 to 160 currently (2017).

Going with the lowest number provided (150) that would show an increase of 7.5 sheep per year for the last 10 years. With a continuance of that trend it would reduce by 4 possibly 5 if the auction tag holder chooses to hunt there so the rate of increase would likely be 3.5 sheep per year.

With those numbers it would reflect an increase in the herd by 30% every 10 years. So that appears to be the same rate in other areas that have multiple user groups.

It lowers the trophy quality, but not the quantity and it reduces the amount of trophy quality rams in the herd meaning some would rather fill the tag with a mediocre ram then hold out for the exceptional ram.

That's just my scientific opinion.

This seams pretty good.  What I would like to know to further it, would be the total number, and ratio, the Bio's believe is a healthy herd for this area.

Also, that 30% in 10 years, sounds great, but the current 10 year herd growth is 100% (1996 to 2006 to 2016).  Bit of a drop off, no?   Maybe that's ok and exactly what the herd needs, or maybe it's not, I don't know, but a 70% drop seams like a lot to me.

All this seam like a good reason for both sides to be talking about tag quota and herd health

[PlateauNDN]

I believe the permits on our end will end up being split 50/50. 1 for sure will get filled and the other will end up with the hunter shooting the 1st ram they see regardless of size or end up unfilled. Just my opinion.

[PlateauNDN]

I'm sure an adjustment will be made after this season and the quota will likely drop. Again, my opinion.

[Rainier10]

One thing I found super interesting in reading the status report, for the region 3 sheep harvest reports they list state permits and total harvest including tribal harvest. That tells me there must be some sort of dialogue.

[Rainier10]

Page 174 of the report is where the sheep stuff starts.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01961/wdfw01961.pdf

[jackelope]

[B4noon]

2 more posts and then we can move on to goats

[jackelope]

We've already been there, done that.

[PlateauNDN]

 

[Rainier10]

Plat's calculation of 7.5 sheep increase a year and taking 4 or 5 out wouldn't be an issue is a little off in my opinion.  If the herd was increasing by 7.5 rams a year yes but what is the make up of those 7.5 sheep?  4 rams and 3 ewes?  Do ewes or rams have a longer life expectancy?  Basically what is the mortality rate?

I'm not a sheep guy, these are real questions and not meant to be inflammatory.  I have Plat's number I can text him direct and piss him off if I want.