Managing Wildlife Populations

Oregon Spotted Frog Egg Mass Surveys: Biologists Ott, Wickhem, and Bergh have been spending many hours walking through shallow water on the search for Oregon spotted frog egg masses. They are thankful to have had help from many other Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff members, a great group of volunteer members, and one day of assistance from a Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew. Oregon spotted frogs are federally threatened and state endangered, and their populations in the Trout Lake and Glenwood Valleys are monitored annually. The annual surveys involve walking transects in shallow water that is seasonally flooded to look for egg masses (groups of eggs) laid by the female frogs. Oregon spotted frogs are one of the earliest amphibians to lay their eggs in the spring, so conditions during surveys are usually cold and wet! Thank you to everyone who braved both cold and wet, and warm and sunny days to help keep track of these important critters.

Spring Deer Surveys: Biologists Ott, Wickhem, and Bergh along with Wildlife Area Manager Holman, Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Stetson, and Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen conducted the annual spring green up deer survey on and around the Klickitat Wildlife Area. The purpose of the survey is to classify adult and fawn deer to understand overwinter mortality of fawns. The survey is done by driving five different routes split between one evening and the following morning to spot deer when they are most active. The survey has been conducted every mid to late March since the 1960’s. This year, we observed 487 deer and classified 422 of those deer, the most deer counted and classified since 2010! We observed 47 fawns for every 100 does, which is on par with our 10-year average of 48 fawns to 100 does. The raw ratio from our December 2024 aerial surveys was 49 fawns to 100 does, so our spring survey suggests that fawn winter kill was relatively minimal this year – hopefully good news for the Klickitat deer population. 

Site Improvement: Water access staff members have been working diligently to improve local sites ahead of the busy spring/summer season. Lately, projects have consisted of removing heavy brush and tree limbs along the roads of access sites at Vancouver Lake and Washougal. Now that the weather has begun to improve, access staff members have also begun spraying herbicides to keep vigorous weed populations in check.

Trail Maintenance: Water access staff members have been monitoring the seasonal issue of the Kress Lake trail being undermined and eroded by high water levels. Until the water levels recede and the weather begins to dry out, access staff members will continue to monitor the situation. When feasible, staff members will fill in the holes and edges along the western side of the trail.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Willapa Hills Elk Survey: Staff members from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Regions 5 and 6, as well as from Olympia, joined to complete an aerial survey of the elk population in both the North and South Willapa Hills elk herd areas. The work was led by District Biologists Novack and Cent, from WDFW District 17, as well as Biologists Holman and Stephens from District 10. The effort took place over “Willapa Hills South” which includes Game Management Units 530 (Ryderwood), 506 (Willapa Hills), 681 (Bear River), and 673 (Williams Creek), as well as “Willapa Hills North” which includes Game Management Units 658 (North River), 660 (Minot Peak), and 672 (Fall River). The survey is conducted within a random stratified sampling design in which sub-areas of each GMU are flown by helicopter, while three WDFW observers plus the pilot search the landscape for elk. The animals are then counted as well as classified into sexes and ages. Additionally, the amount of vegetation concealing each group of elk is recorded. 

Approximately 3,500 elk were observed by the team within 27 survey units, over the course of nine days. Folloyyyking data analysis, estimates of herd population size, sub-herd population size, GMU population sizes as well as calf to cow and bull to cow ratios will be generated. These metrics will be used to evaluate the status of the Willapa Hills elk population per the guidelines outlined in the WDFW Game Management Plan and the Willapa Hills Elk Herd Plan. Results will be published in the annual Status and Trend Report.

Thanks to current WDFW Region 2 Director Hoenes for his development of the survey method during his time as District Wildlife Biologist in Pacific and Gray’s Harbor Counties. Thanks to Ungulate Section Manager Garrison for securing the funds for this work, aiding in managing contractual requirements, prioritizing this work in planning exercises, and incorporating the results into management of the elk herd. Thanks to the many staff members who participated in the survey. Thanks to the staff members at the Naselle Hatchery for allowing their facility to be used as a heliport. Thanks to the staff members who conducted Flight Following. Thanks to Regional Wildlife Program Managers Jonker and Calkins, as well as Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Managers Hauswald and Blankenship for their daily attention to crew safety and timely review and thoughtful edits of the Flight Plan. Finally, thanks to Pilot Pete Emerson for his precise, efficient, assertive and safe piloting during the effort. 

Dusky Canada Goose Surveys Conclude: In March, Biologists Wickhem, Ott, Stephens, and Holman completed their bi-monthly dusky Canada goose surveys in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties. Dusky geese are a sub-species of Canada goose that spend summers in Alaska and migrate through and/or overwinter in southwest Washington and northwest Oregon. Duskies are closed to recreational harvest due to low population levels. The purpose of the survey is to count dusky geese observed, document their locations, and read alphanumeric codes on any red neck bands on the geese, also called collars. Wildlife managers survey the geese multiple times across their primary wintering grounds and use the data to generate survival estimates. Surveyors also identify and document observations of all additional species of geese and swans incidentally located during the effort. 

In Clark County, Biologist Wickhem recorded 15 groups of Duskies and two collars in her final two surveys of the season. In Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties, Biologists Stephens and Holman located flocks of Dusky, western, and cackling Canada geese along with Trumpeter and Tundra swans. However, no collared Duskies were found. Other wildlife species encountered during the effort included many species of ducks, shorebirds, raptors, nesting bald eagles, gulls, pelicans, Columbian white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, elk, coyotes, otters, beavers, and three species of marine mammals. 

District 10 Deer Project: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen assisted Biologist Holman with trail camera checks via snowmobile and deer capture efforts in Cowlitz County as part of a new deer research project that started up in 2025. Jacobsen also assisted Biologist Holman with several days of deer capture attempts, which were unsuccessful.

District 9 Deer Collar Retrieval: Wildlife Conflict Specialists Jacobsen and O’Connor assisted District 9 biologists with the retrieval of several deer collars after their programmed drop-off date.

Deer Mortality Investigation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen investigated the death of a GPS-collared mule deer as part of the Klickitat County Mule Deer Migration Project. The deer appeared to have died of an unknown medical condition, and biologists are awaiting lab test results on collected tissue samples.

Pelt Sealing: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and Regional Program Manager Jonker sealed a total of ten bobcats and two river otters for two trappers who were preparing for the upcoming spring fur sale.

Annual Spring Klickitat Deer Survey: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen assisted District 9 Biologists with the annual spring deer survey along the Klickitat River.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Road improvement: Access area staff members have begun a project to place large rocks along La Frambois road at Vancouver Lake. Initially, access staff members were using the rocks already on site along the road and moving them closer to the asphalt to keep people from driving on the shoulder and off roading inside the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. Additional rock will be ordered in the near future to extend this barrier along the Wildlife Area boundary for the whole length of the road.

Spring-cleaning: Access area staff members have been busy with some spring-cleaning projects including pressure washing the exteriors of restrooms, ADA parking spots, and signs, as well as filling in numerous sink holes that have been popping up in parking lots and walking trails. Access area staff members have also been taking advantage of mild weather and have been working on getting several sites cleaned up and ready for the summer season. Many sites only need some minor work while others, such as Silver Lake and Vancouver Lake, need more intensive work with clearing heavy vegetation and restroom repairs. The restroom at Vancouver Lake is unfortunately routinely vandalized and has been without a lock on the door, plus damage to the door, making privacy nonexistent. Access area staff members have recently made repairs to the restroom ensuring the restroom is effective for its purpose. Hopefully the repair will last.

Road Management and Repair: Cowlitz Wildlife Area staff members conducted road maintenance on four miles of the Peterman 1000 mainline. The road was dragged using a box scraper to remove potholes and then the road was regraded using a dozer. The roads are currently closed to unauthorized vehicle travel, facilitating the repairs as crew members get ready to open the roads May 1.

Hazard Trees: Access area staff members recently felled three hazard trees at Kress Lake in Kalama. The trees were slowly being whittled away by the local beavers. Usually this can be avoided or at least slowed by wrapping the trees in wire, but timing is everything. Unfortunately for the trees in question, salvaging them was not an option.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Elk Damage Complaints: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to multiple elk-crop damage complaints across Klickitat County. Damaged crops included wheat, barley, managed pasture, hay, organic herbs, and apple trees. Jacobsen deployed youth damage hunters to some of the properties and hazed elk to help alleviate elk damage to commercial crops.

Elk Fencing: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen worked with a landowner and a fencing installer on a cooperative fencing project to protect organic produce from elk and deer damage. Funding for cooperative fencing projects is allocated by the state legislature.

Llama Depredation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of a llama that had been killed by a cougar. Local law enforcement responded and attempted to track a cougar with hounds but were unable to locate a cougar. Jacobsen conducted a necropsy on the frozen carcass. After an extensive investigation, Jacobsen concluded that the llama was killed by domestic dogs. A couple of weeks later, the landowner called Jacobsen to confirm that his own dogs were responsible, as he had just caught the three of them in the act of attacking and killing two more llamas.

Calf and Bull Depredation Investigations: A livestock producer contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen regarding several calves that had died on his ranch over the past few weeks, as well as a large bull that had died. Jacobsen conducted necropsies on three calves and the bull. All of the deceased livestock died of natural causes and were not killed by wildlife.

Horse Depredation Investigation: A livestock producer contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and asked for help determining what killed one of his horses. Jacobsen was unable to conclusively determine cause of death for the horse because he was only provided part of the horse's carcass for investigation and could not investigate the location where the horse died.

Domestic Dog Depredation Investigation: A landowner contacted WDFW after his domestic dog was attacked. The landowner believed that a cougar may have been responsible. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen investigated. After reviewing security camera footage and examining the dog’s injuries, Jacobsen determined that the dog was attacked by other domestic dogs.

Klickitat County Deceased Deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and Biologists Bergh, Wickhem, and Ott responded to multiple reports of dead or dying deer in Klickitat County over the past few months. Jacobsen ended up euthanizing several sick deer over the course of the winter. Despite the fact that winter die-offs do occur in deer populations, this year’s winter was very mild, and the deaths did not coincide with severe winter events. Several deer died in or around houses, barns, or carports, and several lethargic deer had to be euthanized. Some deer appeared to have died from rumen acidosis, a condition caused by supplemental feeding by humans, but other cases were not as clear. Lab tests results from tissue samples have come back inconclusive. WDFW staff members will continue to monitor deer mortalities in the area. Currently, chronic wasting disease and epizootic/adenovirus hemorrhagic diseases are not of concern in these mortalities. WDFW staff members want to remind homeowners that feeding wildlife can often be detrimental to wildlife and may likely do more harm than good.

Injured Deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen assisted WDFW Officer Way on an injured deer incident. The deer had been hit by a car right outside of a 25mph zone and had severe injuries. The situation was not safe for firearm discharge, so Jacobsen chemically immobilized the deer prior to euthanizing it.

Residential Elk Calf: WDFW staff members received multiple calls over a month-long period regarding an elk calf that had decided to take up residence in a neighborhood. WDFW was not concerned about the activities of this independent-aged elk calf, as the neighborhood was immediately adjacent to contiguous elk habitat where the local elk herd regularly passes through. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen suspected that multiple residents were feeding the calf, and photos of the calf’s distended rumen supported this. Jacobsen discouraged residents from feeding the elk for the sake of its own health, as well as for the safety of the residents in the area. Unfortunately, local rumors indicated that the calf died a short time later, possibly due to the effects of supplemental feeding. Again, WDFW staff members STRONGLY discourage the feeding of wildlife by homeowners. The public should also be aware that on March 24, 2025, the WDFW director approved a rule prohibiting feeding deer, elk, and moose in Washington, as feeding draws animals together where they can spread disease.

Deer Attacked by Dogs: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen assisted Officer Myers with a report of a deer that had been attacked by dogs and chased across a large, swollen creek. Jacobsen and Officer Myers spent a substantial amount of time attempting to assess the deer’s condition from afar, as it was inaccessible in its current location. Jacobsen determined that the shed-antlered buck was severely injured and likely hypothermic given the amount of time that it had been in its current position, half-submerged in the creek. Jacobsen was able to euthanize the deer and eventually access the carcass. A necropsy of the carcass confirmed that the deer was attacked by dogs. Officer Myers worked on the official investigation regarding the dog attack on wildlife.

Deer Shot with Pellet Gun: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen assisted WDFW Sgt. McQuary and Officer Myers with a deer that had been shot with a pellet gun by a homeowner. The homeowner was attempting to haze the deer out of his garden and didn’t think that the pellet gun would cause harm to the deer. The pellet was moving more than fast enough to cause damage and ended up paralyzing the deer. Jacobsen euthanized the deer. WDFW officers handled the investigation with the landowner and also provided him Jacobsen’s card so he could learn about acceptable and humane methods of deterring deer from gardens.

Bear in Garbage: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of a bear that had been getting into a landowner’s garbage cans every night. The bear managed to rip apart the wire cover that the landowner thought would keep the garbage secure. Jacobsen loaned the landowner some electric fence supplies and installed the fence around the garbage to keep the bear from obtaining a human food source reward.

WDFW Bear Fence: Last summer, Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen loaned an electric fence setup to a landowner that did not have regular garbage service and was having issues with a bear accessing their trailer full of garbage. Jacobsen installed the fence for the landowners. This spring, Jacobsen returned to the residence to retrieve the fence setup. Unfortunately, the landowners had left the loaned fence in a state of disrepair despite the fact bears had already become active in the area. Jacobsen took possession of the fencing materials and advised the landowners to purchase their own supplies and to maintain the fence as soon as possible.

Livestock Carcass Hauling: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen continued hauling off livestock carcasses for producers in Klickitat County. These carcasses would have otherwise ended up in carcass piles on producers’ property, which could inadvertently attract carnivores to active livestock operations.

Injured Owl: A landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen regarding an owl that had gotten tangled up in chicken coop netting. Jacobsen was over two hours away at the time, so he advised the landowner on how to wrap up the great-horned owl and release it from the netting. Once the bird was freed and secured in a container, Master Hunter Rudberg volunteered to transport the bird to the nearest bird rehabilitation center. A special thanks goes out to Master Hunter Rudberg for his assistance on this impromptu wildlife rescue call!

Deceased fawn: A concerned landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen after discovering a dead fawn in his yard. Based on photos of the scene, Jacobsen believed that the small deer was likely killed by a bobcat. Jacobsen provided advice to the landowner.

Beaver Complaint: A landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen about beavers that were cutting limbs off of her willow trees. After an unusually wet spring with abnormal flooding in the area, the landowner’s yard was underwater which allowed the beavers better access to her willow trees. Jacobsen advised the landowner to fence off her three trees to prevent beavers from accessing them.

Blind Deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialists Jacobsen and O’Connor, along with Communications Specialist Ransford, responded to a report of a deer walking in circles on a landowner’s property for several hours. After assessing the deer, Jacobsen determined that the deer was likely blind in both eyes and needed to be euthanized. Jacobsen successfully darted and chemically immobilized the deer. Further assessment confirmed that the deer was missing its left eye entirely and was also blind in its right eye. Jacobsen euthanized the deer.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Klickitat Wildlife Area: Klickitat Wildlife Area staff members partnered with Columbia Land Trust (CLT) and Department of Natural Resources staff members on a reconnaissance mission to the boundary of CLT and WDFW property.

Providing Education and Outreach

Smelt (Eulachon) Arrival: The annual arrival of smelt to the lower Columbia River and its tributaries brings a welcome bounty of marine derived nutrients to the area. Avian predators including bald eagles, gulls, and pelicans, among others, are joined by harbor seals and California and Stellar sea lions to take advantage of this surge of oil-rich fish. This concentration of wildlife brings wildlife viewers out to enjoy the sight of the abundant wildlife taking advantage of this valuable food resource. Biologist Holman opportunistically engaged with some of the wildlife viewers to point out good viewing locations and chat about the species present. 

White Salmon Tree Fest 2025: Biologist Wickhem held down a table at White Salmon Tree Fest, which occurs annually in mid-March. The event is organized by the Underwood Conservation District whose native plant sale is the anchor of the festivities. This year’s fest included live music, a food truck, and 23 tables of local conservation-related businesses and organizations, including Mountain Top Wildlife Rehabilitation, Oregon State University Master Gardeners, Columbia Land Trust, and the Skamania County Noxious Weed Board to name a few. Approximately 250-300 people attended the event with 163 stopping at the WDFW table to ask questions, examine the animal specimens, and/or collect informational material. Huge thank you to mini-volunteer Babik, who tallied all of the table’s visitors, assisted with questions, handed out pamphlets, and kept Wickhem company throughout the event.

WFFA: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen delivered a presentation to the local chapter of the Washington Farm Forestry Association. The presentation focused on a wolf update for Klickitat County as well as on installing and monitoring trail cameras on properties for wildlife.

Klickitat County Board of Commissioners: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen provided a Klickitat wolf update to the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners at their request.

Central Klickitat Conservation District CRM Presentation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen presented an update on wolves in Klickitat County, as well as on the livestock depredation and compensation process, to livestock producers attending their annual Coordinated Range Management meeting hosted by the Central Klickitat Conservation District.

Hunter Education: Cowlitz Wildlife Area (CWA) staff members and the CWA Hunter Education Team held a hunter education hybrid course. The hybrid course includes a self-paced online module followed by a field skills evaluation where students take a quiz on the online portion content and receive hands-on training and evaluation by certified instructors. Fourteen students signed up to complete their certification. Four students were no-shows but ten students, ranging in age from eight to fifty, successfully passed the class and are now certified to hunt in the state of Washington.

Other

Dart Gun Practice: Wildlife Conflict Specialists Jacobsen and O’Connor worked on sighting in O’Connor’s dart gun so that she can effectively immobilize ungulates and carnivores when necessary.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Dusky Canada Goose Surveys Continue: In February, Biologists Wickhem, Ott, Stephens, and Holman continued with their bi-monthly dusky Canada goose surveys in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. Dusky geese are a sub-species of Canada goose that spend summers in Alaska and migrate through and/or overwinter in the lower Columbia River. Duskies are closed to recreational harvest due to low population levels. The purpose of the surveys is to count dusky geese observed and read alphanumeric codes on any red neck bands on the geese, also called collars. Wildlife managers survey the geese multiple times across their primary wintering grounds and use the data to generate survival estimates. On the first survey of the month, Biologist Wickhem was joined by Conflict Specialist O’Conner and a volunteer local high school student who is interested in becoming a biologist. The team recorded 65 duskies and zero collars for the day. Biologist Ott recorded 96 duskies on the second Clark County survey and observed two collars that were not possible to read thanks to uncooperative weather and geese. Other species observed include cackling and western subspecies of Canada geese, trumpeter and tundra swans, bald eagles (including two perching near their nest), northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, kestrels, numerous species of ducks, several hundred sandhill cranes, and a few released pheasants who have survived the hunting season.

In Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, Biologists Stephens and Holman located flocks of dusky, western, Taverner’s, Lesser, and cackling Canada geese along with trumpeter and tundra swans. However, no collared duskies were found. Other wildlife species encountered during the effort included many species of ducks, shorebirds, raptors, gulls, Columbian white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, elk, coyotes, otters, and marine mammals. 

Deer Fawn Mortalities: Since late December there have been an abnormally large number of reports of dead fawns in Klickitat County. Seventeen separate reports of a dead fawn or fawns were made over two months, with about half of the reports around Goldendale. Many of the reports involved fawns dying in a covered area (barn, carport) or in/near hay. Samples of various internal organs were sent to the WADDL lab at the Washington State University in Pullman from four of these reports, but none of the lab results pointed to a disease outbreak. A disease like AHD may be going undetected, but it is unlikely after testing four animals. These mortalities are a good reminder to not feed deer, especially during the winter. Many people think that they are helping deer by providing artificial feed during the winter, but unfortunately the opposite is true. The best way to help wildlife on your property is to provide quality habitat. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff members are happy to help with that and more information about living with wildlife is available on our website. To report sick, injured, or dead wildlife please use our online reporting tool or call your regional office.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Martin’s Bar Access Area: Access area staff members have been giving special attention to the Martin’s Aar Access Area along the Columbia in Woodland in the last few weeks. There have been recent changes in the shared management agreements with the Port of Woodland and WDFW. The Port had a recent survey that prompted a change in the boundary line between the Port and WDFW property. This change shifted the property boundary owned by WDFW to now include the road. The Port has decided to remove all the trash cans and portable restrooms provided by the Port at the site. This prompted access area staff members to post signage along the entrance of the site, re-grade the entrance and parking area via the Capitol and Asset Management Program (CAMP), and to rent a portable restroom. In addition to CAMP, access area staff members had a delivery of rock for the road and parking lot to help keep the site in good shape for the extensive traffic the moves through day in and day out. 

Cowlitz Wildlife Area Spears Mill Pond Maintenance and Enhancements: Cowlitz Wildlife Area staff members conducted maintenance activities on the access road to the Spears Mill Pond parking area. Staff members used a box scraper to “dig out” the potholes and redistribute existing rock. Staff members then regraded the road using a back blade adding new rock where needed. Wildlife area staff members also finished the installation of the scopes on the Pond’s viewing platform. Currently, visitors to the area might have the opportunity to see lots of waterfowl such as Canada geese, ring-necked ducks, and tundra swans.

Managing Wildlife Populations

East Columbia Gorge Mule Deer Habitat Use and Migration Study Update: Biologists Bergh, Wickhem, Ott, and Conflict Specialist Jacobson have been hard at work this month retrieving dropped GPS collars deployed for the Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big-Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors project launched back in 2021. Starting in January 2021, 80 female mule deer in Klickitat County were equipped with GPS collars to monitor survival rates, habitat use, and movement patterns. With the cooperation of landowners, the team has picked up 35 collars in the past month.

This project focuses on the East Columbia Gorge Mule Deer Management Zone (ECG MDMZ) in south-central Washington, where mule deer populations have shown a long-term decline. Prior to this study, critical data on winter habitat use and migration corridors were lacking. The study aims to provide data for defining herd boundaries, migration corridors, and habitat use areas. This information will support habitat management efforts, guide planning amidst development pressures, enhance mule deer population modeling, and inform conservation and restoration activities. Results have been published for the first two years of collar data in Volume 4 of the United States Geological Survey’s Ungulate Migrations of the Western US. The project was largely funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of Interior.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sincerely appreciates the cooperation of local landowners who have granted WDFW access to their properties for this work. Their support is essential to the success of this work and contributes significantly to advancing effective conservation efforts. 

Bat Hibernacula Surveys: Biologists Wickhem, Ott, Stephens, Holman, and Fidorra, White-nose Syndrome Coordinator Tobin, staff members from the U.S. Forest Service, staff members from Bat Conservation International, and several volunteer members took part in the annual survey of bat hibernacula in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and surrounding private lands. The teams hiked and snowshoed to access more than 40 caves over a two-week period, including several caves that have not been surveyed in decades. The goal of the surveys was to count and identify the species of bats roosting in each cave. When bats were found and within reach, they were directly swabbed to test for the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome. These surveys are part of a larger effort to survey a portion of the more than 600 caves within the Gifford Pinchot to see which support hibernating bats, especially Townsend’s big-eared bats, which are a Washington Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SCGN) and a Priority Species under WDFW’s Priority Habitats and Species Program. Thanks to Biologist Tobin for her organizational focus, many outdoor skills, attention to safety as well as biosecurity to address potential transmission of white-nose syndrome, knowledge of all things bats, and overall leadership on this large-scale effort.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Snow and Ice: Water access area staff members have encountered snow and ice at Klickitat and Lewis counties in the last few weeks making it challenging to safely navigate and inspect water access areas. Natural Resource Specialist Celaya encountered up to 7 feet of snow, and a thick frozen layer of ice on the road into the town of Mineral Lake. This made the drive very precarious, and slow going. Fortunately, and for obvious reasons, the site appeared to be unused and clean. 

Spears Pond Viewing Platform: The Cowlitz Wildlife Area staff members have installed a bench and a dual viewing scope pedestal overlooking the Spears Unit mill pond. The viewing platform is intended to be ADA accessible, though some additional work remains. The platform can be reached via the Spears Unit parking area along a short flat trail (about 450 feet) that starts at the kiosk and heads south away from the parking area. The pond provides abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Prescribed Burning: Cowlitz Wildlife Area staff members, along with assistance from regional staff members, conducted a prescribed burn on forage fields within the Davis Lake Unit. Approximately 20 acres were successfully burned of the 48 acres permitted by the Department of Natural Resources. The remaining permitted acreage will be burned as weather conditions allow. Prescribed burning is being incorporated into the Cowlitz Wildlife Area’s Integrated Vegetation Management program and will be expanded to other portions of the Wildlife Area to improve wildlife habitat. 

Spears Pond at Full Pool: The Spears Pond project, which began in 2021, was completed in 2023. In April of last year, the Cowlitz Wildlife Area staff members began pumping water into the 27-acre Spears mill pond using the new 900gpm pump infrastructure. By May 2024, the pond was at full pool and the Cowlitz Wildlife Area was able to maintain the pond at stable levels throughout the summer. Stable ponds provide habitat for local wildlife, foster vibrant ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity. The Spears Pond Project will restore this crucial stability, supporting a flourishing natural habitat. 

Reducing Fuel Loads for Forest Health: As part of a multi-year forest health project, Klickitat Wildlife Area Manager Holman and State Foresters successfully completed the final phase of a commercial thinning effort by burning large slash piles. Over the course of two days, approximately 100 tons of wood were safely burned, reducing hazardous fuel loads and improving overall forest resilience. Prior to burning the piles, wood collection permits were issued to local residents who requested one, ensuring the public benefited from this opportunity to collect up to three cords of free firewood for personal use.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Black-tailed Deer Study Initiated: Biologists Holman and Stephens joined Ungulate Specialist Oates to capture black-tailed deer and initiate this long-anticipated project. Thirty-six black-tailed deer were captured by helicopter net gun in GMUs 556 (Toutle) and 550 (Coweeman), on a combination of state and private industrial forestlands. The captured deer were fitted with GPS collars, evaluated for body condition, various biological samples were taken, and the animals were released on-site. For more information on the project see the WDFW news release. Thanks to Helicopter Pilot Huey, Gunner Carpenter, and Mugger McClellan of Baker Aircraft for their combination of excellent flying, net shooting, and animal handling skills. 

Dusky Canada Goose Surveys Continue: In January, Biologists Wickhem, Stephens, and Holman continued with their bi-monthly dusky Canada goose surveys in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. Dusky geese are a sub-species of Canada goose that spend summers in Alaska and migrate through and/or overwinter in the lower Columbia River. Duskies are closed to recreational harvest due to low population levels. The purpose of the surveys is to count dusky geese observed and read alphanumeric codes on any red neck bands on the geese, also called collars. Wildlife managers survey the geese multiple times across their primary wintering grounds and use the data to generate survival estimates. 

Biologist Wickhem completed two Clark County surveys in January, recording 192 duskies and zero collars on her first survey. On Wickhem’s second survey, she observed 123 duskies with three collars. Other species observed include cackling and western subspecies of Canada geese, trumpeter and tundra swans, bald eagles, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, kestrels, numerous species of ducks, a beautiful rusty-colored coyote, and a river otter who’s jogging path between water bodies happened to be only a few feet behind Wickhem while she ate lunch. In Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, Biologists Stephens and Holman completed the surveys finding dusky, cackling, western and Taverner’s Canada geese as well as trumpeter and tundra swans. Incidental observations included many species of ducks, shorebirds, bald eagles, Columbian white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, elk, and more. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Trail Maintenance: Access area staff members are currently monitoring a hole along the trail at Kress Lake. Last year the trail developed a large hole due to flowing water under the trail. Access area staff members had to repair the trail with a few yards of rock that held for the rest of the year. Now another hole is developing in a different location next to the bank of the lake not too far from where the last hole formed. Hopefully water does not rise too much this season, and the hole can be repaired while it is small and easier to deal with. Time will tell. As always, access area staff members will continue to monitor the situation for public safety. 

Parking Lot Maintenance: Access area staff members have been working with Capital and Asset Management Program to have several access area parking lots graded and rocked. A wildlife area parking lot in Wahkiakum County was also graded. 

Mineral Access Area: While in Lewis County, access area staff members noticed ice formed on the rocks just outside of the Mineral Access Area.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Deer in Distress near Toutle: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Aubrey and District Biologist Holman responded to a location near Toutle where a deer had gotten a plastic ring around a hoof / lower leg. Concerned homeowners contacted WDFW to report the deer in distress. Aubrey and Holman were able to capture the adult doe by dart gun / immobilization drugs, remove the plastic ring, and release the deer safely. 

Elk with Plastic Ring Around Neck: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Aubrey and Assistant District Biologist Stephens teamed up to capture a spike elk that had a plastic ring stuck around its neck. Aubrey had made a few capture attempts previous to this one and was never able to catch the elk on the property. The elk was still at the property this time, and Aubrey and Stephens were able to immobilize the elk and safely remove the plastic which turned out to be a toilet seat.

Providing Education and Outreach

Aviation School for Kelso High School Outreach Opportunity: While waiting out the morning fog at the Kelso airport during the black-tailed deer study, Biologist Holman seized the opportunity to provide information related to wildlife associated aviation to students from Kelso High School. The students participate in a program to learn about flight and piloting through a cooperative arrangement between the school and the flight instructors. Biologist Holman explained the various ways in which helicopters and airplanes are used in wildlife related work with a case in point example of the black-tailed deer study. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Pronghorn antelope abundance survey: Biologist Ott assisted biologists from Region 3 this week to conduct the 2025 biennial pronghorn antelope survey across Klickitat, Yakima, and Benton counties. Pronghorn antelope were extirpated from Washington by the early 20th century. However, between 2011 and 2019, the Yakama Nation reintroduced 198 pronghorns to the Yakama Reservation. Since their reintroduction, the pronghorns have dispersed from the release sites and have shown a small population growth. The surveys are conducted using fixed-wing aircraft, allowing biologists from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Yakama Nation to gather a minimum population count of pronghorn in south-central Washington. The results of the 2025 survey are anticipated this spring.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Beginning of 2025: The first two weeks of 2025 have been busy and productive for access area staff members. Staff members have addressed several issues, including anglers trespassing on private property in Wahkiakum County. Staff members talked to the property owner and added several new signs in hopes that the anglers using the Beaver Creek Access Area will follow the proper route to get to the river. Staff members have been working on removing a large blackberry briar patch up at the Mineral Access Area. Staff members are hopeful that removing the blackberries will not only look better but also deter theft and vandalism to the public restrooms and WDFW property. In anticipation of working on a rock project in Wahkiakum County next week, staff members trained on how to safely load and unload a tractor, as well as practice backing up and parking a tractor trailer in tight spaces. This training was very helpful and boosted confidence working with the tractor/trailer. Along their route, access area staff members spotted three juvenile deer in Wahkiakum County, soaking up the sunshine and munching on some grass. Staff members have also been working with the WDFW Enforcement officers in Lewis and Cowlitz counties to ensure there is a unified presence at the access areas.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Columbian White-tailed Deer Surveys: Biologists Stephens and Holman, as well as Conflict Specialists Aubrey and O’Connor, have completed surveys for Columbian White-tailed Deer (CWTD) on Puget Island. With support from Shillapoo and Mt. Saint Helens Wildlife Area staff members, Biologists Ott and Wickhem successfully conducted the first surveys along a newly established route on the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. The surveys consist of driving designated routes, counting all deer, and classifying them as doe, fawn, or buck. The primary purpose of the survey is to generate a doe to fawn ratio and thereby assess annual productivity within different segments of the population. This survey is done in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Cowlitz Tribe, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and with support from volunteer members. Survey results will be summarized in future reports and are informative to management decisions related to these state and federally threatened deer. Thanks to Customer Service Specialists Splitgerber, Rainwaters, and Henderson for participating in the surveys. For more information on Columbian White-tailed Deer see the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website.

Mule Deer Aerial Surveys: Biologists Bergh, Wickhem, Ott, and Holman, and Wildlife Area Manager Holman conducted aerial surveys for mule deer in GMUs 388 and 382. The goal of these surveys was to fly enough survey units to estimate the population size in those GMUs. Unfortunately, the weather was extremely uncooperative and only three short flights were flown over the course of five days. A total of 785 deer were seen, along with a notably large group of elk in GMU 382. The ratios (uncorrected for sight ability) observed were 58:100 fawns to does and 16:100 bucks to does. 

GPS-collared Deer Mortality: Biologist Bergh and Ott went to the location of a GPS-collared mule deer mortality in GMU 382 on a particularly rainy day for eastern Klickitat County. Despite arriving quickly after receiving the mortality message, hardly any of the carcass was left. With part of the spine and one leg, no cause of death was able to be determined. The deer was located in the perimeter of this July’s Bighorn fire, so it was interesting to observe the burned landscape during the long hike in and out. 

Klickitat Mule Deer Project – Mortality Investigation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen traveled to eastern Klickitat County to investigate the mortality of one of the Klickitat Mule Deer Project’s satellite GPS-collared deer. The cold and snowy investigation involved a seven-mile round-trip hike to retrieve the collar. Jacobsen located the collar but determined that a pair of coyotes had moved the collar a substantial distance away from the carcass. Jacobsen backtracked the deer’s movements to the adjacent creek drainage. While there, Jacobsen noticed tufts of deer hair that had been plucked and were floating in the creek, and signs of ground disturbance that was rapidly becoming buried by snow. Jacobsen also observed a fresh cougar track in the immediate vicinity. Jacobsen did not locate the carcass but suspected that the mortality was caused by a cougar.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Deceased Urban Deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of a deceased deer fawn in an urban yard. WDFW staff members do not usually remove deceased wildlife from residences, but in this case, the elderly homeowner was unable to move the deceased deer out from under her porch on her own. Jacobsen happened to be in the area and agreed to assist the landowner with the deer removal. In the process of removing the deer from under the porch, Jacobsen noted that the deer had signs of diarrhea on its back legs, which is often a sign of digestive issues. Suspecting a possible case of rumen acidosis – an often-fatal condition caused by supplemental feeding – Jacobsen asked the landowner about any possible supplemental feeding of deer by residents in the neighborhood. The landowner did not know of any feeding activities going on. Jacobsen then inquired about the possible presence of any ornamental yew plants in the landowner’s yard. The landowner indicated that there were several ornamental yew bushes adorning her property. A quick investigation revealed signs of deer browsing on most of the yew bushes in the landowner’s yard, and a subsequent necropsy of the deer’s stomach indicated that this small deer had been recently consuming ornamental yew needles before it died. Jacobsen advised the homeowner of the dangers that toxic ornamental yew plants pose to deer, especially in winter when it is one of the few plants with foliage that remains green throughout winter and can be appealing to hungry deer. The landowner agreed to remove all her yew plants from her property. Check out this Outdoor Life article for more examples of how yew poisoning is affecting wild ungulates in western states. 

Calf Depredation Investigation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen, Biologist Spence, and Officer Bolton responded to a report of a depredation on a calf by a wolf. After investigating the incident, WDFW staff members determined that the calf was killed by coyotes. Jacobsen loaned the livestock producer several fox lights to help deter coyotes in the vicinity from active calving operations.

Depredation Investigation on Unsecured Goats: A landowner in Klickitat County contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen to report a depredation on two of her domestic goats. Jacobsen responded to the residence and quickly determined that the goats were killed by a cougar. Drag marks, cougar tracks, and caching of the carcasses was evident. Jacobsen had responded to a previous cougar incident at this residence a few years prior and the landowner had adjusted her barn so that she had a suitable night pen. However, the landowner admitted that she had become complacent and reverted to leaving her goats out unsecured in a pasture at night.

Reported Cougar Depredation on Cow: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen fielded a report from a livestock producer after the producer discovered lacerations on one of his cows near the cow’s elbows. The producer believed a cougar might have been responsible. Jacobsen examined photos of the lacerations and determined that they were not caused by a cougar. 

Depredation on Unsecured Turkeys: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a residence where a landowner claimed that a cougar had killed two of his turkeys. The landowner owned approximately 30 turkeys that roamed his property, mingled with wild turkeys, and roosted wherever they pleased. When Jacobsen arrived, the landowner showed Jacobsen several faint and undiscernible marks in the gravel driveway where he thought a bear came in and killed and ate the turkeys. Jacobsen saw no evidence of bear tracks in the gravel. Jacobsen provided advice on installing trail cameras in the area and securing the turkeys in a protected enclosure. A couple of days later, trail camera images showed two stray dogs attempting to attack more turkeys on the property.

Bobcat Depredation on Chickens: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a residence where a landowner had lost three chickens to a bobcat. Jacobsen provided advice on securing her chicken coop to prevent future depredations from bobcats and other carnivores. The landowner quickly implemented these modifications to her coop to create an excellent, secured area for her chickens.

Reported Cougar Depredation on Dog: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen received a report of a cougar depredation on a 20-pound schnauzer dog. After reviewing photos and descriptions of the injuries that the dog received, Jacobsen determined that the injuries were not consistent with a cougar attack on a such a small dog.

Carnivore Concerns: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded in-person and over-the-phone to a landowner who repeatedly, over multiple weeks, reported an incident where he thought a cougar and/or bear walked past his house. Jacobsen found no evidence of carnivores on the property, and provided advice and support to the concerned landowner.

Injured Bobcat Concerns: A concerned landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen after he discovered a small bobcat near what appeared to be a den in an embankment. The bobcat didn’t run away when approached and he thought that the bobcat might be injured. Jacobsen advised the landowner to give the juvenile bobcat space and that it was likely just fine.

Injured Cougar 1: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen, Officer Way, and Sergeant McQuary responded to a report of an injured cougar within the city limits of White Salmon. A previous report had come in of this injured cougar a few weeks prior, but nothing had been reported since. The cougar was recently captured on home security camera dragging its back legs across a resident’s driveway. Despite the apparent immobility of the cougar, WDFW staff members were not able to locate it that day, even with the use of hounds. A couple of weeks later, the cougar was again observed in White Salmon and a Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office deputy euthanized the animal. Jacobsen recovered the carcass and performed a necropsy on the cougar. The adult male cougar was extremely emaciated and had incurred compound fractures in its leg, which then became infected.

Injured Cougar 2: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen, Officer Moats, and Officer Hughes followed up on a report of a cougar in the Ridgefield area. Jacobsen had received several other reports of a cougar in the general area over the past few weeks and believed it was the same animal. A resident captured a video of the cougar repeatedly walking up and down their driveway. Jacobsen provided advice to the resident. Upon further review of the video, Jacobsen determined that the cougar likely had suffered an injury to a back leg. WDFW staff members developed a plan to attempt to capture the injured cougar the next time it was reported, but all reports of a cougar in the area ceased. The cougar likely crossed under I-5 and found more suitable habitat east of Ridgefield.

Wolf Sighting Report: A hunter reported seeing a wolf while hunting in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. After reviewing the video footage of the animal, Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and WDFW wolf biologists determined that the animal in question was a domestic dog.

Bear in Chicken Coop: A concerned landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen after a bear ripped apart her chicken coop and killed some chickens. Jacobsen provided advice on securing the coop with electric fencing. The landowner was concerned about city construction ordinances, so Jacobsen contacted city officials to determine if the landowner was able to construct electric fencing around her coop without permits. The officials indicated that this construction would be permissible without a permit, so the landowner will begin constructing her electric fence soon.

General Bear Concerns: A Clark County landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen with concerns about a bear that was frequenting her property. The landowner lived immediately adjacent to large tracts of industrial timber property, as well as public land, both of which are ideal bear habitat where a bear would be expected to reside. Jacobsen provided advice on bear biology and suggested contacting public bear hunters during bear season to hunt her property.

Bear in Orchard: A landowner with a fruit orchard contacted WDFW because he was concerned that a bear was frequenting the orchard. Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen determined that the property was not conducive to public bear hunting but advised the landowner to pick up the fruit off the ground and to enclose his small orchard with electric fencing. The landowner was pleased with the suggestions and planned to do just that.

Bear in Trash: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen talked to a resident of a mobile home park who was having issues with bears getting into her trash. Jacobsen has dealt with bear issues in this park in the past, and most of the issues stem from residents not paying for regular garbage service in the neighborhood. More work will need to be done collaborating with the park owner on a permanent garbage solution.

Bear in Den: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen provided advice to a landowner after the landowner’s dog discovered a bear den on the landowner’s property. The landowner stuck his head in the den and found a bear, which was not happy about being disturbed. Jacobsen provided advice on keeping the dog away from the den and on safely monitoring the den with the use of a trail camera. The landowner was appreciative of the advice.

Raccoon Concerns: An unhappy homeowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen regarding three raccoons that were frequenting her urban yard. The raccoons had not been acting aggressively but the homeowner was concerned they might become aggressive. Jacobsen provided advice on deterring the raccoons, including collaborating with all the neighbors on her block to eliminate sources of supplemental feed for the raccoons. The homeowner agreed to try working with her neighbors to solve the issue. Another landowner contacted Jacobsen to express her concern that raccoons in her area might have rabies. Jacobsen advised the landowner that there have not been any documented cases of raccoons with rabies in Washington. According to the Washington Department of Health, the only animals in Washington that have tested positive for rabies since 1988 have been bats (566), domestic cats (two), a horse, and a llama.

Elk Damage to Hay: A Clark County landowner contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen to discuss the damage he was incurring from approximately 30 head of elk on his hay fields. Jacobsen planned to meet with the producer and conduct a site visit soon, as well as enroll the producer in a Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement.

Elk Damage to Wheat and Other Crops: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and Biologist Bergh met with several agriculture producers in east Klickitat County to discuss ongoing elk damage issues to crops and an apparent increase in herd size in the area. Different approaches to the damage were discussed, and several options will be explored moving forward.

Deer Damage to Hay: A producer contacted Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen to complain about deer damage to his hay crop. After speaking with the landowner, Jacobsen determined that he did not meet the financial production threshold to be eligible for damage permits. However, Jacobsen offered several non-lethal hazing tools as options and offered to deploy youth antlerless deer hunters to his property to help reduce the local deer population. The landowner stated that he would contact Jacobsen if he decided that he needed hunters on his property. Jacobsen did not hear back from the landowner.

Deer Damage to Produce: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen met with crop producers who had recently lost their entire tomato, watermelon, and cantaloupe crops to deer and elk damage. Unfortunately, the producers waited until the crops were completely decimated before seeking out WDFW assistance. Jacobsen met with the producers to review the damage and discuss preventative measures. Jacobsen enrolled the landowners in a Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement and is working with the producers on a Cooperative Fencing Agreement as well.

Injured Deer 1: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of a sick deer that had been laying in a resident’s yard for two days. The deer ended up expiring shortly before Jacobsen arrived. Further investigation revealed that the deer’s sinuses were severely damaged and infected, likely due to a vehicle collision. Jacobsen disposed of the carcass.

Injured Deer 2: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of an injured buck near a public utilities department substation but was unable to locate the buck. No additional reports of the injured animal were received.

Trapped Buck: Biologist Ott and Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen captured a black-tailed deer buck that had been trapped for a prolonged period within a seven-acre high-fence hazard site in the city of Vancouver. The deer likely jumped over a fence that had barbed wire angled inward into the enclosure. Based on how the wire was constructed, the buck was unable to jump out. After an extensive game of hide-and-seek around the enclosure, Jacobsen was able to successfully dart the deer with chemical immobilization drugs. Jacobsen and Biologist Ott quickly worked up the deer and prepared it for transport. The deer was moved outside of the city a few miles away to nearby WDFW property, where it was released. The deer is now free to roam, breed, eat, and drink unimpeded.

Buck with Fencing: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen received a report of a deer with electric fencing wrapped around its antlers. Once entangled in the fencing, the deer ran away from the (previously) fenced garden with several hundred feet of fencing in tow. The trailing fence quickly wrapped around an irrigation standpipe and the deer became tethered. The landowner found the deer this way and contacted WDFW to report it. Jacobsen and WDFW Enforcement Officer Way responded to the scene. Jacobsen was able to successfully approach the deer and chemically immobilize the animal with a dart gun. Jacobsen and Officer Way promptly removed the fencing from the deer’s antlers, ear-tagged the deer to document that the deer had immobilization drugs in its system, and administered a chemical reversal to wake the deer back up. Within a few minutes, the deer was up on its feet and walking away like nothing had ever happened. Interestingly, this is the second time that Jacobsen has responded to a report of a buck deer entangled in this property owner’s electric fencing in the last few years. The previous scenario went exactly like this one, with the deer becoming tethered in the woods by its trailing fence nemesis. This landowner will be promptly changing the style of fencing he has been using to protect his crops.

Buck with Wire: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen and Officer Nelson responded to a report of a buck mule deer with wire wrapped around its antlers and trailing for 15 feet behind it in the city of Goldendale. The buck was still very mobile, but the hard wire was starting to get wrapped around the deer’s neck. Jacobsen reported on scene to capture the deer and remove the wire. Jacobsen managed to get within 25 yards of the buck and shot the deer with a dart gun. After the deer was chemically immobilized, Jacobsen removed the wire from its antlers, marked it with an ear tag, and administered a chemical reversal to send the deer on its way. Ten minutes later, the deer was up and walking away, wire-free.

Sick Deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen responded to a report of a sick or injured deer lying in a resident’s carport. The deer did not move when the homeowner moved their car in and out of the carport, and they were concerned for its well-being. Jacobsen arrived on the scene and, after assessing the deer’s condition, determined that the deer needed to be euthanized. The deer was in poor overall health and did not move when Jacobsen approached or touched it.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Fencing All The Way: Recently, the Mt. St. Helens-Shillapoo Complex Wildlife Area staff members completed a new fence on the South Unit of Shillapoo Wildlife Area. The previous fence was aged and no longer effective at containing cattle. The crew used wildlife friendly fencing principles to design the fence to minimize fence impacts on wildlife while effectively containing cattle in. The new fence not only will contain cattle but was also re-routed to cut off cattle access from the edge of the South Cell wetland. The team expects the newly protected wetland plant community to thrive without grazing pressure.

Providing Education and Outreach

Wildlife Tracking Class: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen assisted Columbia Land Trust’s (CLT) Natural Area Manager Adam Lieberg with a field-based wildlife tracking class in Klickitat County. The tracking class took place on CLT’s Bowman Creek property. Participants had the opportunity to examine sign left be species such as deer, bear, coyote, skunk, squirrel, and wolf.

East Cascades Oak Partnership Presentation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen prepared and delivered a presentation at the East Cascades Oak Partnership quarterly meeting regarding managing carnivore conflict in oak ecosystems. Jacobsen served on a discussion panel at the meeting along with biologists from the Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs regarding carnivores and conflict.

Police Department Trainings: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen, with assistance from Officers Moats and Hughes and new Wildlife Conflict Specialist O’Connor, held multiple training sessions for local police officer staff members on managing urban-wildlife conflict situations. While these duties fall under the purview of WDFW Wildlife Conflict and Enforcement staff members, local law enforcement officers are often first on the scene and/or provide logistical assistance during wildlife conflict scenarios involving public safety. The training focused on how the two agencies could work collaboratively and effectively when these conflict situations arise.

Washington State University (WSU) Extension Living on the Land Presentation Series: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Jacobsen prepared and delivered a presentation as part of WSU Extension’s Living on the Land series for landowners in Clark and Skamania counties. The presentation focused on attracting wildlife to one’s property while avoiding conflicts.

Vancouver Wildlife League presentation: In Clark County, Private Lands Biologist Gray spoke at a monthly meeting of the Vancouver Wildlife League. Gray gave a presentation about the WDFW Private Lands Access Program and her Southwest Washington work area. She discussed what the program is, the status of the program, and future program goals with continued funding. The participants seemed very engaged with interesting questions and discussion about pheasant releases on program properties. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Orphaned Juvenile Cougars: Within a few days, District 9 staff members received reports of two litters of orphaned juvenile cougars in Klickitat County. The mother of one litter was shot in self defense; the cause of death for the other female is unknown. Several members of the public reported seeing the second litter scavenging on an old cow carcass along the highway, looking very skinny. Biologists Wickhem and Ott and Conflict Specialist Jacobson set and checked traps in the areas of both litters in an attempt to capture them. This team was able to capture two juveniles from one litter. Bear and Cougar Specialist Beausoleil and Bear and Furbearer Specialist Welfelt came to assist the District staff members and were able to capture two more juvenile cougars for the second litter.

These cougars cannot be rehabilitated and released into the wild, because humans cannot teach them how to hunt prey. Instead, they were sent to zoos where they can educate the public about cougars and inspire the next generation of biologists and conservationists. The younger pair, a male and female who were about 20lbs and less than two months old at capture, were sent to the Oregon Zoo in Portland. The older kittens, two males who were about six months old and approximately 50lbs each, were transported to the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Before being transferred to the zoos, all the cougars were sedated to determine sex and do a health assessment.

Dusky Canada Goose Surveys: October kicked off the survey season for Dusky Canada geese in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Wahkiakum counties. Dusky geese are a sub-species of Canada goose that spend summers in Alaska and migrate through and/or overwinter in the lower Columbia River. Duskies are closed to recreational harvest due to low population levels. The purpose of the surveys is to count dusky geese observed and read alphanumeric codes on any red neck bands on the geese, also called collars. Wildlife managers survey the geese multiple times across their primary wintering grounds and use the data to generate survival estimates. Biologists Wickhem and Ott have completed four surveys in Clark County, recording numerous duskies and six neck collars so far this season. Biologists Stephens and Holman have conducted the surveys in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. They observed, dusky, cackling, western, and Taverner’s Canada geese as well as greater white-fronted geese, Trumpeter and Tundra swans.  

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Winter is Coming: Access area staff members are currently in the process of winding down many sites for the coming winter with backpack blowing, pruning, and hedging. Some sites such as Lower Mineral Lake, have one of the two restrooms closed for the winter due to very minimal use. During this season, the hectic clean up from heavy public use is replaced by down trees, erosion, flooding, and inaccessible sites due to heavy snow and icy roads. As always, safety is the number one priority for staff members and the public. 

Managing Wildlife Populations

Dusky Goose Survey: Biologist Stephens conducted goose surveys in Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties. No dusky geese were observed during the survey efforts. However, several groups of cackling geese were counted, and a group of resident dark geese were seen near the Columbia River. These dark geese look nearly identical to dusky geese; however, this group was able to be distinguished because many had been collared by biologists during a previous summer on nearby islands in the river.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Repair at Icehouse Complete: For the past few months the old Icehouse building at the Mineral Springs Access Area has had a large hole on the side of the building. Recently this hole was repaired with the help and coordination of the Wildlife team in Klickitat, which is very much appreciated! 

Storm Damage: The recent storms that swept through the area have kept the access area staff members busy. As expected, trees and debris littered sites around the region especially at the Kress Lake trail. On two separate occasions (within a couple days) access area staff members cleared the trail of down trees blocking the path.

Managing Wildlife Populations

Western Gray Squirrel Surveys in Lewis County: Biologists Stephens and Holman conducted a third round of efforts in response to the presence of a dead western gray squirrel on U.S. Forest Service managed lands in eastern Lewis County two years ago. The effort finally paid dividends, producing multiple videos and still photographs of western gray squirrels alive and well near the location of the dead individual. Thanks to Species Lead Kohler, Region 6 Wildlife Diversity Biologist Sage, and Growth Management Biologist Salter for their assistance on the project. 

Hunter Harvested Wildlife Checks: Regional wildlife biologists, wildlife conflict specialists, and customer service specialists continue to check hunter harvested wildlife. Many species of wildlife including cougars, bobcats, bears, big-horned sheep, and mountain goats have various checking requirements to facilitate biological sample collection and assure the legality of harvests. Hunters are reminded to check the Big Game Seasons Pamphlet to be clear on checking requirements for various species. Recently, Biologist Holman checked a mountain goat, a cougar, and evaluated several sets of elk hooves in association with the hoof disease incentive program. Congratulations to the successful hunters. 

Northwestern Pond Turtle Habitat Use Study Presentation: Biologists Ott and Bergh, along with Ph.D. student Chen from the University of Washington, participated in Webinar Wednesdays, a series hosted by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Research and Library Services. During their presentation, they provided an overview of an ongoing collaborative study involving WSDOT, the University of Washington, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The study focuses on assessing the movements and habitat preferences of the state-endangered northwestern pond turtle. This research was funded in part by WSDOT Quick Response funds and the WDFW Biodiversity Grant Program. The final analyses and findings of this study are expected to be completed in Spring 2025.

Klickitat Mule Deer Mortality: Biologist Wickhem responded to a mortality notification from one of the district’s mule deer radio-collars this week. The collars send an email via satellite when an animal has not moved for at least nine hours. When Wickhem arrived at the location, the deer, a doe, was completely intact, with blood and rumen seeping out of its nose and blood coming out of its ears. The doe was only approximately 100 feet from a paved road and appeared to have been hit by a car. This deer is part of a four-year study being conducted throughout GMUs 388 and 382 to track the annual movements of female mule deer and locate important migration corridors. Staff members are also attempting to determine cause of death when an animal dies, which has proven to be difficult. In winter 2021, 81 collars were deployed throughout GMUs for this effort. Twenty-two collars were deployed in the winter of 2022 and 23 collars in winter 2023 - most of which were redeployments replacing study deer that died over the first two years of the study. We are nearing the end of the study so these collars will not be redeployed for this project. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Deer Season on the Klickitat Wildlife Area: The 2024 deer season on the Klickitat Wildlife Area marked a successful period for hunters, with a notable increase in recreation and visitation due to a management shift on the Simcoe Unit. For the first time, this unit was open for general season hunting, a change from previous years' special draw requirements. This adjustment provided additional opportunities for harvesting mule deer on both the Simcoe and Soda Springs units, attracting a significant number of hunters to the area.

Although the season ran smoothly overall, a few incidents highlighted the importance of fire awareness and readiness, as well as abiding by current fire bans and restrictions. These included an engine fire that was promptly managed without spread and a campfire incident on the western side of the property. Gusting 15 mph winds led the campfire to spread across approximately two to five acres before it was successfully contained.

Modern Firearm Deer Season Opener: Biologists Wickhem and Ott teamed up with WDFW Enforcement Officers Nelson and Way to patrol the district for the opening day of modern firearm deer season. Ott and Way worked both black-tail and mule deer territory. Wickhem and Nelson focused solely on mule deer and worked on or near the Simcoe Mountains Unit of the Klickitat Wildlife Area most of the day. The teams talked with and checked numerous hunters but unfortunately did not check any harvested deer. Wickhem and Nelson did check two harvested black bears and saw another bear while working on Simcoe. 

Down Trees: With the coming stormy weather, windthrown and rotten trees are going to become more common. In some cases, the trees do not impede access to specific sites. Recently, however, a large snag fell across the road at the north Liedl Access Area, making it necessary to buck up the log enough to make room for passing traffic. Fortunately, there was a way around the log, but it was at a sharp angle that would make it difficult for vehicles with trailers and large R.V.'s.

Aging Facilities: Access area staff members have been working to find a long-term solution to the damaged Oneida boat ramp for some time. Most, if not all the damage has been caused by boater's power loading on the ramp, causing a large hole to form and grow over time and use. This late summer access staff members poured gravel into the hole and packed it as best as possible. A recent visit at low tide revealed that this “patch” did not last long.  

Fall clean up: With fall weather now in full swing, access area staff members work diligently to keep access areas clean from debris and leaf litter. The cooler weather also is a good opportunity to get a handle on much needed pruning and weed eating before winter arrives and ends the growing season until spring. 

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Entangled deer: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Aubrey and Officer Lehr responded to a report of a fawn that had some fencing material wrapped around its neck. Aubrey was able to immobilize the deer and he and Officer Lehr removed the material from the deer. The deer was observed up and moving around quickly after the reversal drugs were administered. 

Providing Education and Outreach

High School Class Presentation: Biologist Bergh spoke to a Wildlife Biology class at Mountainview High School in Vancouver. She presented general information on wildlife management, WDFW, and her job, and gave examples of the work WDFW does on different wildlife species. 

Vancouver Wildlife League presentation: Biologist Bergh spoke at a monthly meeting of the Vancouver Wildlife League. She provided information on game species populations and their hunting seasons. She gave background on the purpose and importance of hunter reporting and the collection of biological samples as well as encouraged the group to participate in these two activities. The group had a lot of great questions and was particularly interested in mountain goats, which is always a fun topic to talk about.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Wilderness First Aid Training: Assistant Regional Wildlife Program Manager Hauswald along with Biologists Holman and Stephens attended two days of Wilderness First Aid Training. The course featured units on providing medical care in remote locations, equipment to be safer outdoors, and legal/administrative topics related to emergency response in these settings. Much of the course focused on how to best provide basic care to individuals in situations where higher-level care is likely hours or days away.  

Other

New Staff: We are very excited to welcome two new staff members to the WDFW Region 5 team.

Sierah Cain joins WDFW’s Wildlife Program as the new Shillapoo Wildlife Area Assistant Manager. She brings a wealth of experience in wildlife ecology and conservation to our team. A local of Washougal, WA, she has worked with various agencies and organizations throughout the western U.S. Her fieldwork has spanned diverse ecosystems, from the mountains to the coast, studying everything from small mammals to marine life. Sierah even spent a semester in Tanzania, gaining international experience in wildlife survey and management techniques. 

Mason Rozgowski joins WDFW as the new Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area Assistant Manager. With over four years of experience at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, he brings a wealth of knowledge in wildlife area management. His recent role as a Wildlife Area Technician on the White River and Lower Deschutes Wildlife Areas, honed his skills in habitat management, including weed control, shrub plantings, and vegetation and wildlife monitoring.