Post by: Tbar on February 14, 2022, 08:16:36 AM
Yakima River Canyon bighorn sheep herd faces pneumonia outbreak - YakTriNews.com
https://www.yaktrinews.com/yakima-river-canyon-bighorn-sheep-herd-faces-pneumonia-outbreak/
Post by: trophyhunt on February 14, 2022, 08:53:57 AM
Post by: Torrent50 on February 15, 2022, 10:59:44 AM
Pretty sad to see them wiped out. People need to keep their damn domestic sheep contained.
Post by: Ridgerunner on February 15, 2022, 12:00:17 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on February 15, 2022, 12:05:50 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 15, 2022, 12:14:13 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on February 15, 2022, 02:06:07 PM
Rumor has it pnuemonia is in the Chelan Butte herd too.
Source?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on February 15, 2022, 02:17:42 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 15, 2022, 02:21:38 PM
My source is a fishing guide on Lake Chelan who talked to the Biologist there.Rumor has it pnuemonia is in the Chelan Butte herd too.
Source?
Post by: Ridgerunner on February 15, 2022, 02:38:56 PM
Post by: MtnMuley on February 15, 2022, 02:41:46 PM
My source is a fishing guide on Lake Chelan who talked to the Biologist there.Rumor has it pnuemonia is in the Chelan Butte herd too.
Source?
Interesting, because a week or so ago the bio there was talking about how the Butte and Swak were a couple of the few herds that hadn't been infected.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 15, 2022, 02:57:39 PM
Post by: HUNTNORTHWEST on February 15, 2022, 03:06:41 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 15, 2022, 03:16:05 PM
https://www.ifiberone.com/columbia_basin/pneumonia-outbreaks-amongst-bighorn-sheep-in-chelan-and-okanogan-counties-has-state-intervening/article_5b1a7cbc-7a70-11ec-bafa-1b40c7af88bd.html
Post by: Torrent50 on February 15, 2022, 03:56:11 PM
Post by: emac on February 15, 2022, 05:47:56 PM
Its entirely possible he mixed up the Chelan and Manson herd. This article says Manson. :dunno:Well the Manson herd does come in contact with the chelan herd down by Walmart
https://www.ifiberone.com/columbia_basin/pneumonia-outbreaks-amongst-bighorn-sheep-in-chelan-and-okanogan-counties-has-state-intervening/article_5b1a7cbc-7a70-11ec-bafa-1b40c7af88bd.html
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Post by: MtnMuley on February 15, 2022, 06:59:55 PM
I would be shocked if they had any Umtanum ram tags this year. I only saw 6 mature rams and know 4 of those were killed and 1 was broken off and had been seen coughing. Nobody I talked to had seen any others on that side of the river either. Unless some crossed over the highway, I don't see there being enough to have any tags.
I'll guarantee they have tags. They want the sportsmen/women killing those sheep. That's a big plus for us hunters in this crappy situation.
Post by: MtnMuley on February 15, 2022, 07:03:33 PM
Its entirely possible he mixed up the Chelan and Manson herd. This article says Manson. :dunno:
https://www.ifiberone.com/columbia_basin/pneumonia-outbreaks-amongst-bighorn-sheep-in-chelan-and-okanogan-counties-has-state-intervening/article_5b1a7cbc-7a70-11ec-bafa-1b40c7af88bd.html
Heard Manson had some issues lately. They way things are going, it won't be long until the Butte and Swak suffer as well. Sad times for WA sheep for sure.
Post by: Torrent50 on February 15, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
I would be shocked if they had any Umtanum ram tags this year. I only saw 6 mature rams and know 4 of those were killed and 1 was broken off and had been seen coughing. Nobody I talked to had seen any others on that side of the river either. Unless some crossed over the highway, I don't see there being enough to have any tags.
I'll guarantee they have tags. They want the sportsmen/women killing those sheep. That's a big plus for us hunters in this crappy situation.
WDFW has already proposed eliminating the youth, juvenile ram, and adult ewe hunts for both Umtanum and Selah Butte this year due to the outbreak. Not sure how they can have OIL ram tags in an area that doesn't have rams and where they have eliminated all the other tags.
Post by: MtnMuley on February 15, 2022, 08:04:54 PM
Post by: Torrent50 on February 15, 2022, 08:17:25 PM
You're aware this outbreak happened a couple years ago, correct? Hence the reason all the added tags for juvy, ewe, and youth. Being they're basically all infected, why would they eliminate this hunter opportunity they've been allowing to kill the herd?
Yes, I am aware. I am also aware that there is currently a proposed change to the regs to eliminate the juvenile ram, adult ewe, and youth hunts in those units because of a new outbreak "until the impacts of the outbreak are understood."
https://publicinput.com/I4577
Post by: Torrent50 on February 15, 2022, 08:26:19 PM
But I'm pretty new to the sheep thing, so I could be way off base. I'm not new to how government agencies work however, so there's that.....
Post by: MtnMuley on February 15, 2022, 08:34:47 PM
Post by: GurrCentral on February 18, 2022, 07:25:55 PM
I look forward to "talking sheep" with all of you who are attending the 2022 annual Wild Sheep Foundation fundraising banquet on March 12th. (tickets are going fast, so get yours soon) It's going to be a fantastic evening to raise funds to support Wild Sheep conservation!
Washingtonwsf.org
Garrett Grant
Vice President
Washington Wild Sheep Foundation
Post by: Tbar on February 18, 2022, 07:57:18 PM
Sorry for posting. How do you become "in the know"? Why were you not leading the way sharing information? What was your collaboration? Maybe I'll come watch and learn?
Post by: GurrCentral on February 18, 2022, 08:17:57 PM
To your question of ...."why were you not leading the way sharing information?" I was just recently made aware of this thread/posts about the N. Central herds.
To your question of ...."what was your collaboration?" I contacted the local biologist who monitors the N. Central Washington bighorn sheep herds and inquired about the status of those herds in question. I received a prompt response and I chose to share with those who care about Wild Sheep in Washington, ie, this thread. (as the N. Central Washington herd liaison, I frequently am in contact with WDFW)
I would love to have you "come watch and learn" by talking about Wild Sheep and conservation with you at the banquet. Or contact me about how you would like to get involved with bighorn sheep conservation.
Post by: Tbar on February 18, 2022, 08:41:08 PM
Post by: scree on February 18, 2022, 09:10:49 PM
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.
Post by: jackelope on February 18, 2022, 09:17:19 PM
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.
Post by: Tbar on February 18, 2022, 09:27:36 PM
I doubt it. Too political for the .Org. It's easy to attack the low hanging fruit and not address the issue but "try". :twocents: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.
Post by: huntnphool on February 18, 2022, 09:27:53 PM
Good evening all. I have collaborated with the biologists out of the Wenatchee office and FORTUNATELY there are currently no signs of MOVI present in the North Central herds (Swakane, Chelan Butte and Manson). While the conversation regarding our Wild Sheep in Washington is appreciated, please ensure that you contact those in the "know" prior to spreading misinformation. As you all may or may not know, Wild Sheep are a precious resource and need a close eye on them when it comes to contact with domestics. If you see anything regarding this, you are encouraged to please contact the local WDFW office and let them know.
I look forward to "talking sheep" with all of you who are attending the 2022 annual Wild Sheep Foundation fundraising banquet on March 12th. (tickets are going fast, so get yours soon) It's going to be a fantastic evening to raise funds to support Wild Sheep conservation!
Washingtonwsf.org
Garrett Grant
Vice President
Washington Wild Sheep Foundation
Thanks for the updated info Garrett, happy to see you posting. ;)
Post by: scree on February 18, 2022, 09:50:17 PM
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.
Post by: jackelope on February 19, 2022, 08:35:31 AM
Post by: Torrent50 on March 14, 2022, 07:28:38 PM