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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
March 26, 2007

Wildlife Diversity Division

Western Pond Turtle: Biologist Anderson conducted a site visit with Biologist VanLeuven and USFS Columbia River Gorge Botanist Dobson at Sondino Ranch, Klickitat Wildlife Area. The purpose of the meeting was to develop a strategy for restoration of a 10-acre meadow recently purchased by WDFW. This acquisition expanded western pond turtle habitat being managed by the Agency. Suggestions for restoration of the meadow include planting native grasses and scattered oak and pine, habitat that was originally on the site.

Osprey Platform: Biologist Anderson met with Lyle School District personnel to discuss building an osprey platform for a pair of birds that have nested at the school ball field for several years. The school is concerned that the current nest is in a dangerous location on top of a light pole. WDFW purchased building materials and Lyle school personnel will build a nest platform for the Osprey. Their plan is to install the platform on the power pole before Osprey return and start rebuilding the old nest.

Raptor Research: Acting Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven participated in trapping red-tailed hawks. VanLeuven worked with the research team to capture 3 birds the morning of March 22 and equipped all birds with solar powered GPS transmitters.

Game Management Division

Grayback GMU Spring Deer Survey Summary 1980-2007 Click chart for enlargement

Region 5 Deer Management: The annual Spring survey of deer on and near the Klickitat Wildlife Area was conducted on the 19th and 20th of March. Wildlife Biologist Holman, Acting Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager VanLeuven, Fisheries Biologists Weinheimer and Gray, Shillapoo Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Hauswald, and retired Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager Morrison conducted the survey. A total of 391 deer were observed during the effort with 344 classified. The number of classified deer was significantly fewer than the 15-year average of 546 deer.

More significant than the total number of deer observed, however, is the annual ratio of fawns to adults. Young deer are more likely to succumb to harsh winter conditions and food shortages; therefore, the ratio provides a barometer for winter severity. During severe winters, fawns suffer mortality at a greater rate than adults, thereby reducing the ratio of fawns to adults.

This year's survey resulted in a ratio of 67 fawns per 100 adult deer. Reflective of the latest in a series of mild Klickitat County winters, 67 fawns per 100 adults represents the second-highest ratio observed in the 28-year history of the survey and is significantly higher than the long-term average of 47 to 100. The 2007 survey indicates that the deer present on or near the Klickitat Wildlife Area suffered little in the way of winter losses during 2006/07. Please see the chart illustrating the fawn to adult ratio recorded on the annual Spring Survey during the past 28 years and the number of deer classified during the past 16 years. Thanks to all those who participated in the annual spring survey.