Post by: bear on March 04, 2019, 04:48:31 PM
WDFW NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov/
March 4, 2019
Contact: Staci Lehman, (509) 892-7853
WDFW captures, collars, and translocates Chelan Butte bighorn sheep
SPOKANE – A big trap and lots of bait left almost 30 bighorn sheep on Chelan Butte with either a new home, or a fancy new tracking collar. On February 21, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff, along with staff from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), and volunteers with the Wenatchee Sportsman's Association and Washington Wild Sheep Foundation, captured 28 sheep and sent 20 of them to a new home in Utah.
Bighorn sheep are native to parts of Washington but were extirpated in the early 1900s. In 2004, 35 sheep were translocated from the Cleman Mountain herd, in Yakima County, and released in the Chelan Butte Unit of the Chelan Wildlife Area to establish the Chelan Butte herd. Today it numbers approximately 200.
The February capture effort was aimed at checking the health of herd members, collaring some to learn more about their habits and behavior, and moving some to a new area in Utah. The bighorns were caught using a trap that looks like a big corral. Bait is placed in the middle, and once sheep are inside eating, a trigger is pulled to drop an encircling tarp wall around the animals.
"The trap worked as well as could be expected and in our initial capture we were able to corral approximately 40 animals," said WDFW Assistant District Biologist Devon Comstock.
Because many animals were not needed for this particular operation, twelve of the sheep were released immediately. The other 28 received physical exams and were tested for a variety of pathogens, in an effort to keep bighorns free of the Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae bacteria that can lead to deadly pneumonia.
Eight of the sheep were fitted with GPS collars, which will provide biologists information on habitat use and seasonal movements of the animals, then released on site. The other twenty were relocated to the Stansbury Mountains in Utah; a rugged range approximately 45 minutes west of Salt Lake City.
The Stansbury Mountains are home to a small herd of approximately 60 healthy bighorn sheep that were introduced in 2018. By translocating sheep to join this herd, Utah will be able to attain bighorn sheep population goals more quickly, increase genetic diversity, and expand the range of the herd.
This translocation benefited both Utah and Washington, as WDFW wants to maintain the Chelan Butte herd at approximately its current size. This helps to limit the spread of respiratory pathogens that cause disease and reduces pressure resources for food and habitat.
"The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is very grateful to WDFW for offering these animals, this project will benefit healthy wildlife in Utah as well as the people who enjoy them on the landscape," said Jace Taylor, UDWR Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat Biologist.
No animals were harmed during the capture. WDFW and UDWR veterinary teams and biologists take extreme care to reduce stress and handling time for each animal during the process.
"The highest priority of any capture is the safety of the wildlife we are handling, and the staff and volunteers participating," Comstock said.
Post by: Rainier10 on March 04, 2019, 05:46:09 PM
Post by: 180-GRAIN on March 04, 2019, 06:14:02 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on March 04, 2019, 06:24:13 PM
Post by: Stein on March 04, 2019, 06:25:35 PM
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Post by: Ironhead on March 04, 2019, 06:37:04 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on March 04, 2019, 07:18:26 PM
Also, I'm sure glad we fitted all those sheep on the Butte with radio collars for monitoring where they go and what they eat. They have a whopping area they encompass with so many food sources...... :stup:
Post by: Dan-o on March 04, 2019, 07:57:28 PM
You could really boost a herd..... or start one someplace new...
Post by: emac on March 04, 2019, 08:19:01 PM
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Post by: Jpmiller on March 04, 2019, 08:22:05 PM
Post by: wheels on March 04, 2019, 08:30:17 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on March 04, 2019, 08:32:48 PM
Like the herd down in the blues
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Those are Rocky's. These are Cali's
Post by: Timberstalker on March 04, 2019, 09:42:25 PM
Like the herd down in the blues
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Not much of a “herd” left. :twocents:
Post by: jackelope on March 04, 2019, 09:56:57 PM
Like the herd down in the blues
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Not much of a “herd” left. :twocents:
Wrong sub species too.
Post by: huntnnw on March 04, 2019, 10:13:49 PM
Like the herd down in the blues
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Not much of a “herd” left. :twocents:
not much a blue mt herd left?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 05, 2019, 05:02:15 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on March 05, 2019, 05:03:57 AM
(That is if you want to consider the Tucannon herd, a herd. )
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 05, 2019, 05:05:04 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on March 05, 2019, 05:05:56 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 05, 2019, 05:59:03 AM
Post by: huntnnw on March 05, 2019, 06:09:33 AM
Post by: coachcw on March 05, 2019, 06:10:57 AM
Post by: MooseZ25 on March 05, 2019, 06:30:42 AM
Post by: emac on March 05, 2019, 06:34:31 AM
Didn't even think of thatLike the herd down in the blues
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Those are Rocky's. These are Cali's
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Post by: Jpmiller on March 05, 2019, 06:36:10 AM
Didn't even think of thatLike the herd down in the blues
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Those are Rocky's. These are Cali's
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Is there really that much of a difference? I'm no biologist and I've heard it both ways
Post by: bear on March 05, 2019, 07:02:14 AM
It has a lot to do with mixing the gene pool . It goes both ways and where do people think our sheep came from ? predator management and separation from domestic sheep is a way bigger deal than sending a few to utah.
I’d hope that’s the case but given the trust in WDFW, well......would have preferred they give more opportunities to our hunters with more tags or relocate within state.
Post by: bobcat on March 05, 2019, 07:03:30 AM
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Post by: nwhunter on March 05, 2019, 07:51:01 AM
Post by: MtnMuley on March 05, 2019, 08:46:47 AM
Nevada gave us a couple hundred antelope.
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Nevada game the Yamaka Nation the antelope, not "us".
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on March 05, 2019, 09:04:19 AM
Post by: jackelope on March 05, 2019, 09:37:37 AM
Nevada gave us a couple hundred antelope.
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Nevada game the Yamaka Nation the antelope, not "us".
You sure?
Post by: MtnMuley on March 05, 2019, 09:44:58 AM
Nevada gave us a couple hundred antelope.
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Nevada game the Yamaka Nation the antelope, not "us".
You sure?
As far as I'm concerned, yes. When they get dumped out on the Yakama Reservation. that is giving them to the Yakama Nation in my book.
Post by: 2MANY on March 05, 2019, 09:47:03 AM
Post by: Matth on March 05, 2019, 09:54:19 AM
Post by: bobcat on March 05, 2019, 09:59:42 AM
Nevada gave us a couple hundred antelope.
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Nevada game the Yamaka Nation the antelope, not "us".
You sure?
As far as I'm concerned, yes. When they get dumped out on the Yakama Reservation. that is giving them to the Yakama Nation in my book.
The Colville reservation too. But I think you missed the point. Read Doublelung's post.
Let's not be selfish.
Post by: bobcat on March 05, 2019, 10:00:47 AM
Without interstate transfers of game animals, Washington would not have California bighorns, Rocky mountain elk, 3 subspecies of turkeys, California quail, chukars, huns, and ring-necked pheasants. Possibly some of these would have arrived eventually by natural range expansion, but it's doubtful we'd have the Yakima and Colockum elk herds, most of our California bighorns, or turkeys.
Post by: MtnMuley on March 05, 2019, 10:08:31 AM
Nevada gave us a couple hundred antelope.
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Nevada game the Yamaka Nation the antelope, not "us".
You sure?
As far as I'm concerned, yes. When they get dumped out on the Yakama Reservation. that is giving them to the Yakama Nation in my book.
The Colville reservation too. But I think you missed the point. Read Doublelung's post.
Let's not be selfish.
LMAO, selfish? I didn't know they were my sheep to give away?
Post by: full choke on March 05, 2019, 10:36:24 AM
Why can't we just give Utah our liberals?
Cause SFW won't get as much money for them? :dunno:
Post by: Ridgerunner on March 05, 2019, 11:35:48 AM
Post by: bearpaw on March 05, 2019, 11:42:31 AM
Without interstate transfers of game animals, Washington would not have California bighorns, Rocky mountain elk, 3 subspecies of turkeys, California quail, chukars, huns, and ring-necked pheasants. Possibly some of these would have arrived eventually by natural range expansion, but it's doubtful we'd have the Yakima and Colockum elk herds, most of our California bighorns, or turkeys.
The lack of predator management is a way more concern for me. This state needs to get back with the program or we will not have any game left to hunt. Why can't we relocate some wolves from eastern Washington to western Washington so we can get started with this so call wolf management plan? The state has been flying a plane and helicopter for several days collaring wolves in the NE corner of Washington. Guess who is paying that bill? Sorry about my rant. Relocating some sheep to Utah may help us with our herd later.
Post by: MtnMuley on March 05, 2019, 11:48:56 AM
I'm not sure what is planned or arranged with other states as far as relocating sheep, and I'm sure there's a lot of positives, but I personally feel we should take measures here first to help our herds before we ship 20 out of state. :twocents:
Post by: fishngamereaper on March 05, 2019, 11:55:15 AM
While I agree with interstate exchange of game animals, it seems to me that if the herd is that robust that the state could have opened up some more hunting opportunities before shipping critters off. Especially one of the top herds of California Bighorns in the state.
:yeah:
Especially since our available permits have been declining over the last couple years.. will be interesting to see if this has an affect on this year's permits...
I've been in the permit game for sheep for 22 years it would be nice to see a slight increase in opportunity.
Post by: jackelope on March 05, 2019, 11:56:49 AM
@starbailey
Maybe these guys have some more info.
Post by: grundy53 on March 05, 2019, 11:57:13 AM
Can anybody provide any information if WDFW or the WSF has taken any measures to rebuild or help out the Sinlahekin/Loomis herd? This herd was in good shape several years back and had a tag issued yearly in the drawing. Numbers plummeted over the course of a year, and the tag/tags have disappeared. Seems to me we could have taken some from the Butte to help rebuild?:yeah: used to love seeing them. Still remember the year WDFW said they couldn't find the herd...
I'm not sure what is planned or arranged with other states as far as relocating sheep, and I'm sure there's a lot of positives, but I personally feel we should take measures here first to help our herds before we ship 20 out of state. :twocents:
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Post by: grundy53 on March 05, 2019, 12:00:50 PM
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Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 05, 2019, 12:25:02 PM
Post by: Bob33 on March 05, 2019, 12:32:33 PM
"us" can go see antelope today in plenty of places not on a reservation, and possibly will be able to hunt some in the future.Nevada gave us a couple hundred antelope.
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Nevada game the Yamaka Nation the antelope, not "us".
Post by: MtnMuley on March 05, 2019, 12:35:18 PM
"us" can go see antelope today in plenty of places not on a reservationNevada gave us a couple hundred antelope.
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Nevada game the Yamaka Nation the antelope, not "us".
What does that have anything to with my quote?
Post by: boneaddict on March 05, 2019, 12:55:42 PM
Post by: huntnphool on March 05, 2019, 01:42:41 PM
While I agree with interstate exchange of game animals, it seems to me that if the herd is that robust that the state could have opened up some more hunting opportunities before shipping critters off. Especially one of the top herds of California Bighorns in the state.
How many rams tagged each year do you think it can sustain?
There are two draw tags, and couple raffle tags now.
Post by: MtnMuley on March 05, 2019, 01:50:59 PM
While I agree with interstate exchange of game animals, it seems to me that if the herd is that robust that the state could have opened up some more hunting opportunities before shipping critters off. Especially one of the top herds of California Bighorns in the state.
There are two draw tags, and couple raffle tags now.
4 draw tags as of last year (2 normal, 2 later) unless it's changed, along with a couple juvenile ram disabled hunter tags and a couple raffle tags.
Post by: jackelope on March 05, 2019, 01:58:49 PM
Post by: huntnphool on March 05, 2019, 02:01:42 PM
Without looking at the reg's the Butte has got to be one of the most hunted sheep units in the state, isn't it?
Turning into another Clemens...SMH
Post by: bobcat on March 05, 2019, 02:13:06 PM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2018/03/mar_1518_18_summary.pdf
Post by: MtnMuley on March 05, 2019, 02:58:32 PM
Some info in here:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/meetings/2018/03/mar_1518_18_summary.pdf
They say in the summary on page 1 that there is no herd at the moment to where animals can be translocated, so they recommend a female only ewe-season. They later go on to say they hope to have a tag available for the Sinlahekin herd in the near future. Apparently I'm out of line for thinking that they could surely translocate some sheep to the Sinlahekin unit to sustain numbers capable of having a tag available again...…...but it's okay to send 20 to Utah? I'm really confused.
Post by: emac on March 05, 2019, 03:49:55 PM
http://nwsportsmanmag.com/a-wildlife-mystery-in-the-sinlahekin-whered-the-bighorn-herd-go/Is there any update on this story since it was about 6 years ago
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Post by: ramslam on March 05, 2019, 04:10:28 PM
Sadly, because of disease issues we cannot stockpile sheep. If we do, one wanders, gets in trouble and then they all die. WA WSF and WSF are working on the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest plan revision and hopefully more considerations will be given to bighorns than the one family that grazes our public land with domestic sheep putting most of our Cali herds at risk. WA WSF has $30,000 dedicated to restocking Tieton once the OWNF issue is resolved. Personally, I'd rather ship sheep to Utah than offer 20 ewe hunts. I hope all states have healthy and thriving populations of bighorns and if we can do a little to help that's great. Also, I'm guessing I'm not alone in applying for out-of-state sheep hunts so the more sheep in Utah the better odds we have of drawing, right?!? :chuckle:
One of the WA WSF directors is working with the USFS on some habitat issues for Sinlahekin. Other than that, I can't offer much insight to what is being done or going on there. Also, WA WSF along with our partners in Idaho and Oregon have joined with the three state agencies in funding a person to work on private lands/domestic sheep/goat mitigation to try to reduce the risk that small flocks pose to our bighorns. This person is based in Clarkston but will work throughout the greater tri-state Hells Canyon area. If successful, we'd love to have someone in the central part of the state doing the same!
Post by: Caseyd on March 05, 2019, 04:14:02 PM
As Doublelung mentioned, Washington has relied heavily on transplants from other states and provinces. A quick look through the spreadsheet I have shows a minimum of 29 different transplants into Washington from Montana, Oregon, British Columbia, Alberta and Nevada. True, none have come from Utah but I see no problem in paying it forward. There's been only a few going out of state.
Sadly, because of disease issues we cannot stockpile sheep. If we do, one wanders, gets in trouble and then they all die. WA WSF and WSF are working on the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest plan revision and hopefully more considerations will be given to bighorns than the one family that grazes our public land with domestic sheep putting most of our Cali herds at risk. WA WSF has $30,000 dedicated to restocking Tieton once the OWNF issue is resolved. Personally, I'd rather ship sheep to Utah than offer 20 ewe hunts. I hope all states have healthy and thriving populations of bighorns and if we can do a little to help that's great. Also, I'm guessing I'm not alone in applying for out-of-state sheep hunts so the more sheep in Utah the better odds we have of drawing, right?!? :chuckle:
One of the WA WSF directors is working with the USFS on some habitat issues for Sinlahekin. Other than that, I can't offer much insight to what is being done or going on there. Also, WA WSF along with our partners in Idaho and Oregon have joined with the three state agencies in funding a person to work on private lands/domestic sheep/goat mitigation to try to reduce the risk that small flocks pose to our bighorns. This person is based in Clarkston but will work throughout the greater tri-state Hells Canyon area. If successful, we'd love to have someone in the central part of the state doing the same!
Thank you for the update
Post by: huntnphool on March 05, 2019, 09:08:51 PM
As Doublelung mentioned, Washington has relied heavily on transplants from other states and provinces. A quick look through the spreadsheet I have shows a minimum of 29 different transplants into Washington from Montana, Oregon, British Columbia, Alberta and Nevada. True, none have come from Utah but I see no problem in paying it forward. There's been only a few going out of state.
Sadly, because of disease issues we cannot stockpile sheep. If we do, one wanders, gets in trouble and then they all die. WA WSF and WSF are working on the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest plan revision and hopefully more considerations will be given to bighorns than the one family that grazes our public land with domestic sheep putting most of our Cali herds at risk. WA WSF has $30,000 dedicated to restocking Tieton once the OWNF issue is resolved. Personally, I'd rather ship sheep to Utah than offer 20 ewe hunts. I hope all states have healthy and thriving populations of bighorns and if we can do a little to help that's great. Also, I'm guessing I'm not alone in applying for out-of-state sheep hunts so the more sheep in Utah the better odds we have of drawing, right?!? :chuckle:
One of the WA WSF directors is working with the USFS on some habitat issues for Sinlahekin. Other than that, I can't offer much insight to what is being done or going on there. Also, WA WSF along with our partners in Idaho and Oregon have joined with the three state agencies in funding a person to work on private lands/domestic sheep/goat mitigation to try to reduce the risk that small flocks pose to our bighorns. This person is based in Clarkston but will work throughout the greater tri-state Hells Canyon area. If successful, we'd love to have someone in the central part of the state doing the same!
Good stuff. :tup:
Post by: Timberstalker on March 06, 2019, 05:32:06 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on March 06, 2019, 06:27:52 AM
Post by: grade-creek-rd on March 06, 2019, 08:31:06 AM
As far as hunting the Butte, yes I put in for that draw, as it can produce a nice ram...but it really isn't a "hard hunt". You can drive to the top, and leave a truck at the bottom, both on the north side of the train tunnel and on the south side of the train tunnel, and simply hike down. It is steep in some places but not overly hard. Some rams have gone across 97A on both the north side (out towards Howards Flats) and on the south side (Knapps Coulee) but most are still on the Butte. This is an "easy" sheep hunt compared to most other units. so in reality it is not a "great hunt" for me as its a "sheep shoot" but since it's OIL and there are nice rams back there it is a "top draw" and offers a great opportunity for hunters that can't do the other hunts. Yes, I am all for the ewe hunts as well...as that herd is huge for such a small area, and yes, I put in for those draws as well, and if I draw I will be back there with my Trad Bow for that ewe...seriously won't be that hard to stick one as they let you drive right by them.
Just my opinion...as a local who grew up chasing birds on the butte before the sheep were ever there. (for what its worth the deer population has decreased on the butte but for me, its a good trade-off).
Grade
Post by: bear on March 06, 2019, 08:41:12 PM
Post by: Romulus1297 on March 06, 2019, 11:14:02 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on March 07, 2019, 09:28:41 AM
Post by: Caseyd on March 19, 2019, 11:13:49 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on March 19, 2019, 11:39:31 AM
http://nwsportsmanmag.com/wdfw-asks-for-public-help-monitoring-okanogan-bighorns-after-1-dies-from-sheep-pneumonia/There is a thread on the above subject here if you want to comment on that in particular.
https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,237704.msg3178588.html#new