Ridgerunner's ram, Chelan Butte and some overdue appreciation.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Brian, first, congratulations on a great ram.  I can honestly say that your harvest is one of my proudest professional accomplishments! 

It was a great privilege to work on the Chelan Butte bighorn reintroduction, and to see a hunter harvest the first ram from the new herd is the culmination of a successful and rewarding project.  There are so many people who made this possible, from the Washington state chapter of FNAWS and the Wenatchee Sportsmen Association, to the WDFW folks in Region 3 who made the sheep available and did the trapping, to all the Region 2 WDFW folks who worked hard to make it happen. 

A special thanks is due to former Wenatchee District wildlife biologist John Musser, a lifelong advocate for bighorn sheep, who came back from retirement to conduct the habitat evaluation and grease the skids with BLM.  Within FNAWS, Ken Harris, Andy Kelso, Brian Bailey, and Glen Landrus worked tirelessly on funding, advocacy, and necessary bull-headed stubbornness.   When I was medically incapacitated for the two and a half months prior to trapping, Tom McCall stepped up and handled every aspect of the organization and logistics to see it through.  Matt Monda and Dennis Beich were crucial behind the scenes, freeing up scarce resources and knocking down political roadblocks.  EVERY Wenatchee District WDFW employee provided valuable assistance with the project, including Enforcement, Habitat and Fish program personnel who had to hide their involvement from their higher-ups.  An incredible number of people made this happen, and an even greater number refrained from killing the project.  Credit is also due to Chelan PUD, for purchasing the habitat as mitigation for wildlife habitat impacts from the construction of Rocky Reach dam.

Finally, thanks and recognition are due to the sportsmen and women of this state, who buy the licenses, tags, special permit applications, and wildlife license plates that fund WDFW game management.   Though I no longer work for you, thank you for making it possible for me to manage game resources in Chelan and Douglas Counties - it was an honor.  Lastly, I truly believe your Wenatchee district continues to be in good hands.

[bornforhorns]

Great post.  Not sure if that's you Beau or another who's spent endless hours making it what it is...but Brian's ram and all the great rams that have come from NCW are attribute to teamwork.  I'm optimistic and like to believe Washington although small, overcrowded, and sometimes politically divided still has some of the greatest habitat and natural beauty of any of the states in the West.  The world class animals being produced here is evidence of that combined with people who care like yourself.

[yelp]

Doublelung well said.   

[Lowedog]

Much appreciation to you Beau and all those involved!  Even though my chances of ever hunting sheep in WA are slim it is a great feeling to see them and to read the stories of those who get the opportunity. 

After reading the posts by bornforhorns, Provider and now you it makes me think I need to at least join FNAWS.  Even if I never get to hunt sheep in my home state it is a good feeling to have other residents (especially ones that I know) out there hunting them and we should all support that. 

[CheyTac]

 All involved should truly be proud of the results, it shows what can be accomplished when everyone comes together.

[bearhunter99]

After reading the posts by bornforhorns, Provider and now you it makes me think I need to at least join FNAWS.  Even if I never get to hunt sheep in my home state it is a good feeling to have other residents (especially ones that I know) out there hunting them and we should all support that. 

First off, very well stated post doublelung.  As bad as some of the policies that our fish and game hand down it is always good to remember that there are parts of the system that still work.  Even those of us who aren't blessed with a tag can still enjoy the majestic beauty of the rams through other hunters and spending the time looking at them in the field praying for the next draw.

Lowedog, you bring up a really good point about joining.  I have been a member of FNAWS for years, as well as MDF, RMEF and even DU and the Wild Turkey federation.  I only hunt waterfowl probably once a year if I even have time for that and have never actually bagged a turkey but in any case the banquets are a good time, gathering other great people with the same passions.  I know each gets bad press for not spending enough money at home and whatnot but regradless they do benefit hunters nationwide and the animals we pursue need all the help they can get whether it is here or Colorado.  They are all great organizations and work for the greater good of furthering habitat and hunting.  I encourage everyone to become a member, come to the banquets and enjoy the evening.  I have spent a lot more money on a night out that wasn't nearly as rewarding (even though the banquets have cost me a small fortune due to the little lady sitting next to me who won't quit raising her hand   )

[WAmuleyHunter]

Well said Beau!! Thanks for all your hard work that you did.  I know i sure miss talking with you about our mule deer herds around here.  Hope all is well!!!

[boneaddict]

Great post Beau.   I'm not sure if you caught the thankyou or congrats in another post, but I'll say it here again.  Congrats on your part in the accomplishment of the success of Chelan Butte.   I am often hard on many biologists and have little faith in many of them.  That being said, I have the utmost respect for you, your knowledge, and you as a man, and am glad to be your friend. Nice work and a pat on your back is deserved for Brians accomplishment.  

[DOUBLELUNG]

Thanks all.  Like i said above, the privilege was mine, and I really thank you all for the opportunity.  Beau

[actionshooter]

I'd like to say thanks to everyone involved  
 Because of everyones efforts my kids will be able to see these majestic animals and thats a big deal to me.  

[Ridgerunner]

Great post and I think it goes to show that there are some very fine individuals working in the department.  Like others have said get involved, I know that for years I have dragged my feet a little bit but those days are done, groups like WAFNAWS that truely do put sheep on the mountain are important to join and support financially and be active in.  Being a direct beneficiary of the hard work and financial contributions of many before me its the least I can do.  It's been a privalege to be the first tag holder on this herd, I know it inside and out now and can't wait to watch it grow and go back and observe all the rams I got to know so well leading up to the hunt.  It's been a fun ride but like this post mentioned it wouldn't have been possible without countless contributions by many individuals who were passionate about putting sheep on the mountain.