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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Brian Calkins, Acting Wildlife Program Manager

December 19, 2006

Region 5 Wildlife Areas

Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area
Mt. St. Helens Elk count: District Wildlife biologist Miller recently conducted a monthly survey of elk on the Mt. St. Helens mud flow. Three hundred and twelve elk were observed, with most of the animals at the east end of the mud flow area. Several groups of 15-20 bulls were observed as well as a good numbers of calves. Documenting exact herd composition was not possible due to the high winds vibrating the scope! Elk appeared to be in good condition and no new mortalities were observed. The local high school class also reported no mortalities on the 2 radio collared elk that they are following.

Local snow conditions: for the past two Fridays the USFS has reported 20+ inches of snow at 2000 feet on the south side of Mt St Helens and 36 inches at 3000 feet elevation.

Game Management Division

Dusky Canada geese

Dusky Goose Survey: Biologist Holman participated in the federally coordinated dusky goose survey. The survey area included the Shillapoo State Wildlife Area, private agricultural lands, Port of Vancouver property in the Vancouver lowlands, as well as agricultural areas in the vicinity of Woodland. Approximately 5000 geese were located during survey, including 147 duskies. Thirteen of the duskies were collared individuals, 4 of the 13 collar numbers were "read". Cackling Canada geese and Taverners Canada geese dominate the wintering goose population in these areas. Dusky goose surveys are annually conducted simultaneously throughout Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon by staff from WDFW, ODFW, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo of dusky Canada geese resting on WDFW's Shillapoo Wildlife Area in the Vancouver lowlands can be seen to the right.

Art Palmer, Noel and Linda Lawffer with Art's elk

Mt. St. Helens Mudflow "C" Hunt: Consistent with the objectives and methods outlined in the recently released Mt. St. Helens Elk Herd Plan, additional elk hunting has been allowed on WDFW's St. Helens Wildlife Area. Five additional hunters were selected from the pool of unsuccessful applicants for the Mudflow "A" and "B" elk hunts for those with disabilities. Clark County elk hunter Art Palmer was selected for the hunt and Mr. Palmer made the most of the quality hunting opportunity.