Bighorn Cull

[Caseyd]

 

https://nwsportsmanmag.com/bighorn-managers-fear-disease-outbreak-in-central-washington-herd/?fbclid=IwAR2kB-zEdBcc38UtnEeHiDYY55g4uRnhhnKOcTytfKESwzlUTGnauI5CkLo

[lokidog]

Saw that, how about doing a quick draw of all non-successful sheep applicants to help with the "cull?" They can then do their testing on the guts since it having a cold will not affect the meat or cape.

So frustrating... and I've drawn a tag already....

[NOCK NOCK]

That is what they SHOULD do.......but, we are talking about WDFW so.........

[trophyhunt]

So where did the domestic sheep come from and didn't the article say they only want to trap and test the 15 sheep for now?

[fishngamereaper]

So where did the domestic sheep come from and didn't the article say they only want to trap and test the 15 sheep for now?

They are killing at least 15 and capturing 10-15 more..

But don't worry killing 15 rams wont have and affect on the population.  If that's the case why not offer more tags for hunters during the draw.

They should take the top points holders, put their name in a hat and literally draw the names of 15 guys/gals and call it a day. Have a bio take them to the herd and point out which rams to kill. 

[trophyhunt]

So where did the domestic sheep come from and didn't the article say they only want to trap and test the 15 sheep for now?

They are killing at least 15 and capturing 10-15 more..

But don't worry killing 15 rams wont have and affect on the population.  If that's the case why not offer more tags for hunters during the draw.

They should take the top points holders, put their name in a hat and literally draw the names of 15 guys/gals and call it a day. Have a bio take them to the herd and point out which rams to kill. 

That is a great idea, I wonder if they even thought about it.  Maybe call them? 

[birddogdad]

if you think that you are ever going to get "good deals" from WDFW or see state actions that really promote hunters..
i have some swamp land for sale!

[Skyvalhunter]

Does it come with a Boat?

[ibuyre]

Makes me sick, and no effort will probably be put into going after who's sheep that was, and preventing it from happening again. They should contact the top 15 point holders and take them hunting and point out the rams, immediately. Before it can spread. Heck it took them 6 days to get the ewe that was the source, knowing the history of this, they should have went out with a helo, latter that day or the next day and shot and collected her for testing. Glad the Sheriff Deputy noticed this, if it wasn't for him. Lol glad someone it looking out for the wildlife, can the Sheriff dept get part of WDFW's budget, since it sounds like they might be doing a better job .   At least give the top point holders a choice if they want to do this, I am sure they can find 15 that will. I don't have many points but I would drop everything and be there latter today or tomorrow.  BUT being WDFW, I am shocked this isn't going out for bids so they can give some money to some friends, or using it as a reason to grow someones department and it will take them weeks or months to get it done, and by that point it will be the whole herd. Sigh...

[tluns]

Seven rams and one ewe? I think I saw a movie like that once.

[Caseyd]

No time to put hunters together (assuming that would be the answer) since they are now on the ground.

Update: https://nwsportsmanmag.com/quilomene-bighorns-test-negative-after-run-in-with-domestic-ewe-live-captures-to-be-considered/?fbclid=IwAR3Nj78UvUO3s5ymcjlJ0AhzD12NOO9PDFeyRL9T5nhsWICkkhEe25cqdcM

[ibuyre]

I am impressed. It does sound like they got right on it quick. In light of the quick response. I understand them not contacting hunters. I am impressed  good work WDFW. Sad to lose those rams, but hope it saves the herd. lol can we charge the owner of the ewe the trophy value of 12 rams... and the cost of the response. AKA example so this kinda crap stops happening.

[stw]

Just read  that the 15 bighorns they shot blood test  came back negative today and said there going to do live catch and test a few more it said  on the northwest sportsman magazine

[Duckhunter14]

After taking out 9 rams (6 mature and 3 juvenile) I wonder if the state will lower the amount of tags allotted next year? Also if the state does drop that number if the tribe will follow suite? Really hope none of the wild sheep come back positive. This is not the first time this herd has had issues with domestics.