Managing Wildlife Populations
Mule Deer Surveys: Biologist Fitkin finished tabulating the recent aerial survey results. Classification of just over 3,000 deer yielded overall fawn to doe and buck to doe ratios of 83:100 and 18:100 respectively; however, ratios differed noticeably by watershed. The buck to doe ratio of 12:100 observed in the Okanogan Watershed was half that observed in the Methow. Conversely, the Okanogan fawn to doe ratio of 87:100 exceeded the 79:100 seen in the Methow. The combined fawn to doe ratio of 83:100 is the highest observed since 2005 and well above the 10-year average of 73:100.
Deer Surveys: Biologist Morris conducted three deer road surveys in Grant and Douglas Counties. Deer road surveys include counting the numbers of deer and classifying the age and sex of deer. This data combined with harvest and aerial survey data help the district wildlife biologist set permit numbers for 2025. Late November and early December had a lot of foggy days, making it difficult to complete surveys that require good visibility. Morris was able to complete the surveys and saw some fun wildlife while doing it.
Methow Wildlife Area Winter Access Management: Portions of the Methow Wildlife Area are closed to public access again this winter to reduce disturbance of wintering mule deer. Biologists Fitkin and Heinlen and Manager Repp finished deploying remote cameras to monitor deer use in closed and unclosed areas.
Providing Recreation Opportunities
Hunter Access: Biologist Morris monitored several corn stubble fields enrolled in the Hunt by Reservation system for upland bird and waterfowl hunting seasons. The fields have been getting used by both hunters and geese. Morris saw doves, flocks of Canada geese, and mixed flocks of dark and light geese in and near fields enrolled in hunter access.
Private Lands Biologist Braaten continues fielding calls from hunters asking about seasons and areas to go.
Providing Conflict Prevention and Education
Elk vs. Horses: Specialist Heilhecker replied to a complaint of elk pushing horses away from their feeders in GMU 204. The owner wanted damage permits. However, landowner permits are used to reduce damage to grown or stored crops. Specialist Heilhecker offered suggestions for nonlethal deterrence methods and suggested the reporting party contact the Colville Confederated Tribe (CCT). Elk hunting season for the CCT is open until December 31. If the landowner was interested in removing elk, the CCT may be able to provide hunters. Specialist Heilhecker gave the landowner contact information for the CCT fish and wildlife office.
Elk Issues: Specialist Heilhecker spoke to a landowner interested in learning the process for claiming elk damage. The landowner has four elk visiting his haystacks east of Tonasket. Specialist Heilhecker described the damage cooperative agreements, options for nonlethal hazing, and damage permits. The landowner was not interested at this time but wanted to be proactive to learn the process in case more damage does occur.
Depredation Permit: Specialist Heilhecker renewed landowner kill permits for elk damage in GMU 204 for those who did not use their permits in the previous month.
Conserving Natural Landscapes
Douglas County Sagebrush Restoration Project: Private Lands Biologist Braaten worked with Communications and Public Engagement in Region Two on the development of a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) blog post about restoration work completed this fall. Private Lands Biologist Braaten provided write up, photos and video and shared a link to the blog with landowner.
Douglas County Coordinated Resource Weed Management Group: Private Lands Biologist Braaten attended this meeting to discuss weed eradication efforts with local conservation districts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources Conservation Service, private landowners and WDFW county staff members. Information sharing assisted others to focus on current needs for the Coordinated Resource Weed Management Group. Dalmatian toadflax biocontrol is on top of the list as well as biocontrol for rush skeleton weed, scotch thistle, and knapweed.
Conducting Business Operations and Policy
District Team Meetings: Specialist Heilhecker and Supervisor Rickel attended the quarterly Okanogan District team meeting. Private Lands Biologist Morris attended the quarterly Wenatchee District team meeting.
Specialist Heilhecker attended a meeting to discuss the agenda for the wolf advisory group meeting in January.
Other
