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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Brian Calkins, Acting Wildlife Program Manager

January 2, 2007

Game Management Division

Region 5 Post-Season Deer Surveys: Biologist Holman and Acting Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven conducted an aerial survey of the post-hunting season deer herd in GMU 388 (Grayback). District Wildlife Biologist Anderson provided the ground support and radio contact for the flight. The survey conditions were excellent with clear skies, little wind, and a largely snow-covered backdrop for the effort. Initial results appear promising and a summary of this-year's post-season deer surveys in Grayback will be the topic of a future weekly report.

Mt. St. Helens Mudflow Hunt Update: The special permit cow elk hunts on the Mount Saint Helen's mudflow have been very successful. The third, and final, group of special permit holders began their hunt on December 26th. In total, 25 permit holders have taken part in the special hunts and we currently believe that most of them have been successful in harvesting an elk. The hunt for disabled hunters, which is open only to special permit holders drawn from the existing pool of applicants, was initiated to harvest additional animals as a measure to reduce pressure on the winter range and possibly winter mortality on the site. Many of these hunters submitted organ samples for assessing body condition of the elk. Results will not be conclusive until the final evaluation has been completed.

Snow and Canada Geese

Winter Waterfowl: 2007 starts off with the Mid-winter Waterfowl Survey for WDFW biologists. This week-long survey is held every year and provides an estimate of waterfowl abundance and species diversity. At this time of year, waterfowl are easily seen on all the flooded pasture and farmed land. Of note has been a group of 18 snow geese mingling with 800 Canada geese and 1,200 wigeon seen by the Chehalis River in Centralia.