I'm just happy that the N. Central herds are healthy. We can use some good news. WA sheep have been getting their teeth kicked in with MOVI way too much lately. Hopefully these sheep stay healthy.
FYI there is a purposed rule to bar pack goats from certain WDFW lands and the comment period is open. I wrote something like "I support the restriction of domestic goats on WDFW lands that are near bighorn sheep herds" If you are so inclined, please log on and make a comment supporting the separation of domestic livestock and our wild sheep.
I would like to note that I'm not anti pack goat. I think people should be able to recreate how they want; however, in the case of bring potentially MOVI positive animals amongst bighorns is just not the risk.
Is there any proposals to enforce or ban domestic sheep grazing where wild sheep live? Seems like the pack goat problem is pretty minimal. I’ve hiked all over the cascades and blues and have never run into any pack goats. Maybe a half dozen llamas.
I agree the pack goats are minimal in the grand scheme of things. They aren't a problem until they are. It only takes one bad encounter.
There is currently a law suit brought by a couple of "Green" organizations against the Forest Service (normally I don't agree with these groups but in this case I hope they win) Basically it outlines the FS's lack of implementation of a Congressional mandate. The FS's own data shows several BHS herds are at a high risk of contact with domestic sheep on FS grazing allotments. If they win this would be a big deal and go a long way in separation. This would only effect FS domestic sheep grazing permits and wouldn't do anything for the hoppy flocks unfortunately.
WDFW tried a program directed at small flocks that would test their animals. If the domestic sheep were MOVI positive the owners were offered a clean sheep from a heard kept at Walla Walla state penitentiary. Unfortunately the program fell apart when they couldn't keep the Walla Walla sheep clean. It was a good idea, it just didn't work.
