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Southwest Washington
Wildlife Reports
August
11, 2008
Wildlife
Diversity Division
Western Pond Turtle Management: Biologist Holman summarized the 2008
western pond turtle capture effort at the Pierce Ranch Unit of the Ridgefield
National Wildlife Refuge. A significant effort was made this year in an attempt
to capture as large a portion of the Refuge's pond turtle population as possible.
Thirty traps were employed in 4 water bodies on the Refuge and checked daily
during a 14-day trapping session in May and a 9-day session in July. Environmental
conditions for captures were not ideal during either period. While there were
high levels of cold water combined with cool weather in the May trapping effort,
warm water and warm days made the July effort a challenge.
In spite of the relatively poor trapping conditions, 203 total pond turtle captures comprising 64 different individual turtles were recorded over the 23-days of trapping. One hundred-seventy-one incidental captures of western painted turtles were also recorded during the effort. Research Scientist Vander Haegen will use the data generated from the captures to calculate a population estimate for the Refuge. Special thanks to Fish and Wildlife Biologist Groesbeck for her help with a significant portion of the turtle trapping work. Also, thanks to several others who helped out as well, including Wildlife Program Manager Jonker, Scientific Technician Pyzik, Volunteer Renan, Biologist Prince, Scientific Technician Ridenour, Priority Habitats and Species Biologist Azerrad, and Customer Service Specialists Gonzalez and Varshock for their help in this important aspect of the recovery of the State Endangered western pond turtle.
Game
Management Division
Three Year Hunting Season Evaluation: District 9 held its local public
meeting in White Salmon to present proposed changes for the next 3 year hunting
cycle. This was our first local meeting in the Gorge and it was well received
by the local community. We had a variety of interested people that attended
including deer and elk hunters from Skamania and Klickitat counties as well
as large timber and agricultural landowners in the area. Most comments from
the public were favorable to WDFW proposed changes; especially those related
to GMU boundary changes in Klickitat County.
Region 5 Deer Herd Composition Surveys: Black-tail and mule deer herd composition surveys are nearly underway in Region 5. The surveys are conducted annually during the period beginning August 15 and continuing through September 30th. Wildlife Program Staff along with volunteers will actively conduct surveys as well as document any deer seen during other work (or play) activities. Any Region 5 staff member who is interested is encouraged to collect this data as well. Please contact Biologist Holman for a copy of the survey form and further information. Please be aware that it is extremely important to classify all deer observed, i.e., don't just mention the big bucks or healthy does with two nice fawns. Thanks in advance to anybody who helps Wildlife Program out with this important part of our deer management efforts in Region 5.
Pigeon Mineral Spring search: District Wildlife Biologist Miller and a local volunteer searched for a new site to conduct mineral spring/roost surveys in the Lower Columbia. The historic site at Pigeon Bluff had ~ 30 crows and 3 bald eagles but no pigeons in attendance. Pigeon numbers using this site have declined in recent years and an alternative site is needed. The area from Jim Crow creek to Gray's Point was scanned from the river and approximately 23 bald eagles were observed but no pigeons. The mineral spring survey is a Pacific Flyway management tool to monitor trends in band-tailed pigeons throughout the breeding range.
Hoof Rot in Elk: District Wildlife Biologist Miller has been contacted by a hunter with an August Boistfort hunt permit regarding limping elk. This hunter has been scouting several days and observed that many of the elk in the Wildwood Valley are showing signs of hoof rot. In one herd of 34, 7 elk were limping and 2 looked as if they might not survive long. Local landowners confirm these observations and are very concerned about their livestock being infected by elk. The hunter was worried about the health of the elk if he happened to shoot one that was not visibly limping but had miss-shaped hooves. Increasing number of calls have been received this year regarding reports of limping elk with callers concerned about consumption of the animals, spread of disease to livestock, and overall health of the herds. Staff have drafted a proposal to examine this issue, which is currently in review.
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