Managing Wildlife Populations

Sharp-tailed grouse: Biologists Lowe and Brinkman attended a virtual meeting with other Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) biologists and wildlife area staff members, as well as biologists from the Colville Tribe, to discuss logistics surrounding an upcoming Columbian sharp-tailed grouse translocation effort from British Columbia into Washington that will occur in April.  

Northern leopard frog: Biologists Lowe and Brinkman attended a brief virtual meeting to discuss northern leopard frogs with two diversity biologists that work on herpetofauna in the state. The main point of discussion was what should be done, if anything, about the non-native leopard frogs that are occasionally reported in the Clear Lake area of District 2.  

Tucannon bighorn sheep: Wildlife Area Manager Dingman located the Tucannon bighorn sheep herd and all six lambs from this year still alive. She checked on the sheep multiple times this week in the hopes they were near the Tucannon Road where a lamb could be darted and collared. Dingman checked with the landowners and got permission to enter their lands to collar the lamb when the sheep decide to cooperate.

Moose: Biologists Lowe and Brinkman finalized a brief summary report of moose capture activities in 2024 for Mount Spokane State Park. This report was required through the terms of the capture permit issued to WDFW for moose captures in 2024. Subsequently, biologist Brinkman submitted a renewal application to continue moose capture efforts in 2025, including the potential need to conduct moose calf survey flights over cows that were collared in 2024.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Access Program: Private Lands Biologist Nizer started the process for enrolling a new contract into Hunt by Written Permission in Spokane County. The total acreage is only 100 acres but will provide excellent hunting for upland, turkey, and big game opportunities. 

Rainbow Lake cyanobacteria: Wildlife Area Manager Dingman participated in the Teams meeting with WDFW staff members, Amaruq Environmental Services, and the Phoslock representative. Dr. Skibo (Amaruq) went over the results from the water and sediment samples that he collected and had analyzed. The group discussed the best steps for treating the higher phosphorus levels in the lake to reduce the risk of future cyanobacteria outbreaks. It was decided to hire Amaruq in the spring to treat Rainbow Lake with Phoslock.

Region South Access Program: Maintenance Mechanic Heimgartner and Natural Resource Technician Nielsen cleaned access sites from the Snake River to the Wooten Wildlife Area lakes and campgrounds. Heimgartner and Natural Resource Specialist Whittaker cleared leaves and trimmed limbs.  Whittaker brought the dump truck and dumped some gravel to fill potholes on the access road to the Botts parking area.  

Access: Private Lands Biologist Thorne Hadley assisted hunters through calls and emails regarding access for hunting.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Moose Call: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Samsill, Wildlife Conflict Technician Edmonson, and Wildlife Conflict Technician Keeling responded to the report of a mangey moose that reportedly had not moved for several days. WDFW staff members located the moose, which ran off shortly thereafter. While the moose was not in ideal body condition, it was able to move quite well and did not need to be euthanized. The reported mange was likely due to a bad case of winter tick infestation.

Elk Damage: Samsill followed up on several reports of elk causing damage to fences and hay crops throughout the week. Samsill, Edmonson, and Keeling met two commercial producers sustaining elk damage and provided them information on the Damage Prevention Cooperative Agreement (DPCA) for crop damage as well as the Private Lands Hunting Access Programs.

Wolf Activity: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Kolb followed up on a report of wolf activity in eastern Walla Walla County. Kolb scouted the area for both straggler cattle and any sign of wolf activity. Kolb followed up with the producer.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Habitat Projects: Private Lands Biologist Thorne Hadley and several volunteer members of the Blue Mountain Pheasants Forever chapter planted over 300 native shrubs on a contracted access property in Walla Walla County.  

Private Lands Biologist Thorne Hadley and Natural Resource Tech Moberg mowed a habitat area and planted native shrubs on a contracted access property in Walla Walla County. 

Wind Energy: Biologist Lowe attended a meeting with Cordelio Power, Tetra Tech, several WDFW district staff members, and the Solar and Wind Development team to discuss the company’s Areas of Interest (AOIs) in eastern Washington. These are areas that are in the assessment stage and have land leased for potential projects. The AOIs include four in Lincoln County, two in Spokane County, and one in Adams County.  

Revere Wildlife Area: This week Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Wagner and Natural Resource Technician Duclos went to the Revere Wildlife Area to rebuild the short span of fence between WDFW and the private landowner to the south. The landowner removed a short span of fence south of the WDFW property line, therefore the boundary fence that separates WDFW and the private property runs within the wetland and the wires of the fence has disappeared due to corrosion. Wagner and Duclos ran a new wire and stretched the wire on a short span of approximately 200 feet.

Habitat Projects: Private Lands Biologist Thorne Hadley coordinated with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Rainwater Wildlife Area Project Lead in scheduling and suppling grass seed and approximately twelve hundred ponderosa pine trees for a habitat planting project this spring.

Providing Education and Outreach

Farwell Middle School Presentation: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Harris gave a presentation on wildlife adaptations to a fourth-grade class at Farwell Middle School. Students learned about different wildlife adaptations that help them survive in their habitat.

Managing Wildlife Populations

On December 10, District 14 biologists Seitz and Soltysiak took to the skies to search for and record snow geese flocks. This survey is conducted at least once a year, weather permitting. On this particular day, the weather cooperated and provided biologists a clear view of the ground and the surrounding area. The survey begins in Vancouver, Canada and zig zags its way down the coast until it ends near Duvall. When a snow goose flock is spotted, the aircraft flies near the flock and a series of photos are taken. The goal is to photograph the entire flock so that the images may be stitched together and analyzed for accurate counts. By the end of the day there were 16 flocks observed. 

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

L.T. Murray Elk Feeding: The L.T. Murray crew is keeping an eye on the elk coming into the Watt and Robinson feed sites. There are less than 50 head spread out hanging around the Watt feed site and they are laying down mid-morning, actively grazing, and not coming in at the sound of vehicle activity around the barn, so feeding won’t start until around the 1st of January.

Wenas Wildlife Area – Winter Elk Feeding: Wenas Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Taylor and Natural Resource Technician Janes began winter elk feeding December 16. Currently, the head count in the Wenas has been 565 elk as of the New Year.

Frankling County Deer Surveys: District 4 Wildlife Biologist Fidorra, Assistant Wildlife Biologist Hoffman, Sunnyside Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber, and Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach completed deer road surveys for Franklin County in early December. 

Providing Recreation Opportunities

South Ridge Road Hunt by Written Permission: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach is working on an agreement with a landowner in south Yakima County to expand their acreage in Hunt by Written Permission. The property is listed as South Ridge Road and currently allows for 1,440 acres of access, with existing shrub plots and future habitat plantings planned. The landowner acquired another 523 acres of mostly Conservation Reserve Program nearby and agreed to add it to their contract, with habitat work in the draws likely to be implemented as well.

Sunnyside Wildlife Area Pheasant Release: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Ferguson and Natural Resource Technician Cardenas have carried out four pheasant releases at the Sunnyside Unit, including using volunteer members to assist with moving pheasants and educating them about our pheasant supplementation program.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Wenas Wildlife Area – Elk Fence Repair: Wenas Wildlife Area Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame repaired a hole in the elk fence where elk had been going under the fence. The elk had potential to wander into private property. The hole was repaired, and an established one-way reentry gate is nearby.

Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued to monitor elk activity on private lands and the Hanford Reach National Monument (HRNM). No elk or reports of elk were observed outside the HRNM.

Franklin County Deer: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand responded to a call from a tree fruit/vineyard operation near the Columbia River experiencing increasing numbers of deer and associated damage to young trees in the orchard. Non-lethal hazing has been utilized and damage permits, and youth hunts are being planned.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Wenas Wildlife Area - Seasonal Closure of Bull Pasture Road – Gates Installed: Bull Pasture Road is now under a seasonal closure from December 15 to May 1 to help protect wintering wildlife and to prevent road damage when road conditions are not ideal. The gates have now been installed.

South Ridge Road Shrub Planting: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach took advantage of a sunny winter day to plant some shrubs on a Hunt by Written Permission property. The existing planting was completed in partnership with the Mule Deer Foundation and has been added to by Region 3 private lands staff members over the last three years. All gaps have now been filled and more tarps will be added this spring adjacent to the existing one.

Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Byron Trash Removal: Sunnyside/Snake River Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Ferguson and Natural Resource Technician Cardenas have been busy with trash removal after the remains of an entire burned up house were dumped in the Hwy 24 parking lot at the Byron Unit. Ferguson and Cardenas removed nine tons of debris associated with the incident. Fortunately, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Officer Miller tracked down the dumpers and will be fining them for the costs of removal.

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

Wenas Wildlife Area Advisory Committee: Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Gray has been working on updating the Wenas’ Wildlife Area Advisory Committee (WAAC) through late fall and early winter. The WAAC is finalized now and will play a significant role in the Wenas’ 10 Year Management Plan, the process for this is just starting. The 10 Year Management Plan will outline the goals and objectives for the wildlife area. The objectives will support WDFW’s mission to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. There will be a subsection additionally focused on recreational management for the wildlife area. The process is expected to take approximately two years. Throughout the entire process there will be several opportunities for public comment. The WAAC itself will play a crucial role in representing stakeholders that use the wildlife area and border the Wenas as well. A kickoff meeting with the WAAC and a second public meeting for all stakeholders are expected to take place this spring. Gray is working on lining these meetings out with Lands and Recreation Planner English.

Other

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Meetings: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Manager Morrison held a Wildlife Area Advisory Committee (WAAC) meeting. Assistant Manager Winegeart and Natural Resource Specialist Nass attended along with ten WAAC members. 

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Equipment: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technician Blore ordered chains for the wildlife area skid steer. The chains work great for snow blowing and sanding the steep grade leading to the Robinson Canyon elk feeding site. 

Windmill Headquarters Shipping Container Storage: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach, Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber, Assistant Manager Jahns, and Natural Resource Technician Pizzini worked to make room for and receive four used shipping containers for storage at Windmill Ranch. These containers will provide waterproof, windproof, and animal proof storage of equipment, seed, herbicide, etc. for Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area staff members, Region 3 Private Lands staff members, and District 4 Wildlife staff members. 

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

Managing Wildlife Populations

Midwinter Aerial Seabird Surveys: Regional and Waterfowl Section biologists took to the skies to continue the long-term monitoring effort to document the abundance, trends, and distribution of marine birds and mammals in the Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca. The team has made good use of the weather and are on track to complete surveys by the end of January. Check out the survey data!

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Photo by WDFW

Managing Wildlife Populations

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Cowiche Unit: Winter feeding operations commence on the Cowiche Unit of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area. There is no public access or close proximity viewing opportunities at this feeding location. Winter feeding at the Oak Creek feeding station has not begun yet due to a lack of winter weather to push elk out of higher elevations.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Elk Fence Maintenance: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Natural Resource Technicians Boggs and Stoltenow fabricated new vehicle and walk through elk fence gates. New gates will be used for the new elk fence that will be constructed in the spring of 2024 and for repair of existing damaged gates.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

L.T. Murray Elk Feeding: The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area began feeding elk as they made their way out of the high country. There were around 100 elk hanging around the Robinson and Joe Watt feed sites a week ago, but the numbers have shot up to around 800 head.

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Photo by WDFW

L.T. Murray Taneum Canyon Elk Fence: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart worked on fortifying a brace-point on an elk fence in Taneum Canyon. The L.T. Murray crew will add wire to some sections of this fence that elk have been jumping over the last few months.

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Sunnyside Haystack Wetland: The North Haystack Wetland in the Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area is now completely reflooded, providing additional habitat for migratory waterfowl as well as increased opportunity for waterfowl hunters. The existing hunting blind on the Haystack Wetland is ADA accessible.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Wenas Wildlife Area Trail Counter Data Collection: Lands and Recreation Specialist Frame collected multiple trail counters from different trails spread throughout the Wenas Wildlife Area. These pieces of equipment are used to see how many users are on the landscape and how often. These counters were deployed for an 8-month time period and were redeployed after the data was collected.

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Rattlesnake Hills Elk: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand monitored elk activity on Rattlesnake Mountain including the Hanford Monument and surrounding private lands. No elk have been observed off the National Monument, but a few small groups of mostly bull elk were located within half a mile from the border. Three large groups of 200-300 elk were observed on lower elevations in the Snively Basin area.

Kahlotus Deer Damage: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand continued working with a new deer damage complaint from a wheat producer in the Kahlotus area. He gave the producer information about hazing strategies, damage permit hunting, and possible youth hunting opportunities. Two youth from the Region 3 special permit pool were deployed to another wheat farm near Lower Monumental Dam for hazing and lethal removal.

Kahlotus Injured Deer: District 4 Wildlife Conflict Specialist Hand and Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area Manager Kaelber responded to an injured deer call in the town of Kahlotus. The deer involved in a vehicle collision and was euthanized and removed from the area.

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Wenas Miracle Mile Acquisition: Wenas Wildlife Area Manager Hughes and Regional Lands Agent Carbary met with a landowner in the Wenas Valley who is interested in conserving their property. The landowner is currently deciding how they are going to conserve the property with possibilities of a conservation easement and a life estate.

The total area being considered for conservation is 440 acres. The habitat consists of shrubsteppe and includes a riparian section of Wenas Creek. Hughes and Carbary answered questions for the landowner regarding a life estate, conservation easement, funding sources, and more. Hughes will be working with the two other colleagues to apply for a Recreation and Conservation Office Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Grant this year as a potential funding source.

L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Seeding: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Winegeart broadcast seeded the Taneum Canyon six and half acre Ragland field with a native grass mix. Winegeart had borrowed a midsized Truax seed drill from Department of Transportation to do the job but a recent cultural survey restricted ground disturbance making using a seed drill not an option.

Providing Education and Outreach

Oak Creek Wildlife Area – Tim's Pond Interpretive Trail: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Technician Boggs continues to work on mounting signage for the new Tim’s Pond Interpretive Trail. Metal signs were fabricated by Naches Valley High School students and identify native vegetation.

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Photo by WDFW

Oak Creek Wildlife Area Winter Feeding Brochures: Oak Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Charlet worked with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) Division to update and produce an informational brochure. This brochure outlines basic information about the elk and bighorn sheep winter feeding program, public viewing opportunities, and elk and bighorn sheep facts.

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Photo by WDFW

Other

Sunnyside-Snake River Wetland Maintenance: Sunnyside-Snake River Wildlife Area staff members continue to maintain access sites, monitor wildlife area waterways and wetlands, and clear debris when necessary.

Private Lands Website: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach has been working with Private Lands biologists from other regions to improve the verbiage on the Private Lands website for Region 3. The website will soon be updated with new wording that should help clear up rules and access questions based on the calls and emails they receive, as well as common enforcement issues at private lands sites.

Horse Heaven Hills Pronghorn: Region 3 Private Lands Biologist Manderbach recently came across a herd of 39 pronghorn in the Horse Heaven Hills. The information was entered into the incidental wildlife observations page in Survey123.

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Photo by WDFW

Managing Wildlife Populations

District 6 Lynx Research: Biologist Fitkin assisted the Home Range Wildlife Research crew with the first lynx capture of the season by immobilizing and helping radio-collar a healthy 32-pound male lynx. This was an animal that had eluded capture last season, but a pre-snow trapping effort for this individual specifically proved successful and wrapped up the first season of captures for this 3-year project.

The primary objective of this multi-year project is to see how lynx are using the fire-impacted landscape across a gradient of fire scars of different ages. Results will inform forest and fire management strategies to help maintain adequate lynx habitat in the face of growing wildlife risk. More information on this project and the locally grown Home Range organization can be found here: HOME RANGE. See attached release video.

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Photo by Machowicz Home Range

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

District 6 Fisher Surveys: Biologists Fitkin and Heinlen finished up deploying remote camera survey stations in District 6 as part of the north Cascades fisher monitoring effort. Stations are equipped with a scent dispenser that will operate periodically from fall through late spring when the cameras will be retrieved. Data from this effort will help determine the current distribution and status of fishers throughout the ecosystem following the recent reintroduction efforts. Many thanks to other staff members and partners that made this herculean effort possible.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Mule Deer Aerial Surveys: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers finished a multiday aerial winter range mule deer survey of the Chelan and Wenatchee Mountains subherds. The subherds are part of Washington’s east slope Cascades mule deer population which also extends into Okanogan and Kittitas counties.

Biologists observed over 2,000 deer during the course of these surveys and will use these observations to attempt to generate an abundance estimate for the Chelan and Wenatchee Mountains subherds. Ratio data, including buck to doe and fawn to doe ratios, will also be generated from these aerial observations to assess age and sex composition. Wildlife biologists use these data to inform management decisions and harvest regulations.

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Photo by WDFW

In the case of the Wenatchee Mountains subherd, biologists will compare ratios gathered from these aerial surveys with those collected via images captured by 15 remote cameras placed along migratory routes crossing Highway 97 between Peshastin and Blewett Pass. If the ratios generated from both methods are similar, cameras may be a viable method for determining herd age and sex ratios moving forward. This would be a far more efficient and far less costly alternative to the current method of obtaining these data via aerial surveys. Not only is the helicopter time extremely expensive, but the weather throughout Chelan County during the timeframe in which these surveys must take place makes it very difficult to actually complete the work.

These surveys are timed to fall within the narrow window between the end of hunting seasons and the onset of antler shedding in late December. After antlers are shed it becomes impossible to reliably differentiate between bucks and does. Low-hanging clouds and patchy fog are prevalent this time of year in Chelan County. In clear weather, biologists can reasonably expect to survey ten subunits per day, achieving the goal of 25 to 30 subunits within three days of flying. This ideal scenario virtually never occurs in reality.

The weather this year was so poor that it took eight days just to complete 20 subunits. The majority of local mule deer winter range was obscured by low-hanging clouds throughout the allotted survey window, leaving biologists grounded at the airport for part of each day and a couple of full days.

Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers managed to get solid survey coverage of the Wenatchee Mountains subherd’s winter range in areas such as Number Two Canyon, Horse Lake area, Sage Hills area, and the foothills south of Monitor and Cashmere. North of Highway 2, biologists surveyed the Chelan subherd’s winter range in areas such as Nahahum Canyon, Swakane, Entiat, Mills Canyon, and Navarre Coulee.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Mule Deer: Early in December, Douglas County Wildlife Area complex staff members assisted with a mule deer survey, identifying deer herds, and estimating herd composition. During this one-day survey, staff observed 254 deer and recorded their location, sex, age, and antler point category.

Mountain Goat Aerial Surveys: Biologists Jeffreys and Eilers attempted to perform a day of mountain goat aerial surveys along the north shore of Lake Chelan. Unfortunately, inclement weather shortened these surveys allowing for the complete coverage of only one survey unit in the Prince Creek area. A total of 11 mountain goats were observed during these surveys, and most were observed very near the approximately 200-foot-thick band of clouds that hovered around 2,000 feet in elevation the entire day across Lake Chelan.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Chelan Audubon Christmas Bird Count: Biologists Eilers and Jeffreys participated in the annual Chelan Christmas Bird Count along with North Central Washington Audubon Society volunteers. This year’s count was coordinated by Assistant Wildlife Area Manager Pavelchek. The Chelan Christmas Bird Count represents the nation’s longest running citizen science project. Every year volunteers all across the United States and in 20 other countries in the western hemisphere gather to identify and count birds in their local communities.

Data collected from the Chelan Christmas Bird Count is used to monitor relative abundance of bird species and assess long-term population trends. Volunteers work alone or as part of a team and they drive and hike around predetermined survey routes or areas. This occurs during a 24-hour period between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, and they count every single bird observed.

Biologist Jeffreys surveyed an area that included Chelan Gorge and Chelan Butte, while Biologist Eilers surveyed the South Shore of Lake Chelan. Many bird species were observed between these two areas. They spotted all three Washington chickadee species (mountain, black-capped, and chestnut-backed), common loon, golden eagle, bald eagle, and Cooper’s hawk.

One of the most surprising birds encountered was a Lewis’s woodpecker along Chelan Gorge Road. Biologists did not expect to see a Lewis’s woodpecker here in late December because Lewis’s woodpeckers are summer residents in our area, typically arriving to the North Central Cascades in early May and departing by October. To learn more about how you can become involved in the Chelan Christmas Bird Count or another in your area, visit the Audubon website.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Douglas County Wildlife Area complex staff members have been coordinating with district biologists, research biologists, and the Diversity Program in an effort to capture sharp-tailed grouse at lek sites in the Big Bend Wildlife Area. They placed traps and game cameras in November. Staff members have routinely monitored the game cameras and replenished the corn that is used as bait.

Sharp-tailed grouse have been detected by the cameras. Unfortunately, as observed in early December, there are not enough showing up consistently to trap. The bait that staff members placed in the traps was covered by snow, which might account for the significant decrease in detections this last round. Hopefully, once snow covers the ground again in mid-December, more grouse will be returning to the leks. Staff members hope to trap them and affix a GPS collar to captured birds to gain knowledge on seasonal habitat use.

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Recreation Opportunities

Feeding stations: Staff members have been tending to feeding stations that span across the Wells Wildlife Area and Sagebrush Flats units near Brewster. These stations are filled with wheat seed for upland game birds such as quail, pheasants, chukar, and sharp tailed grouse as well as some species of migratory birds. This year the feeding stations received a revamping. They now have lids and gates to keep animals out of the seed buckets. These new gates and lids allow buckets to be filled with seed preemptively in early December so they can be opened when hunting season ends. Wheat that is left over from this project is kept on site and available to the public.

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Photo by WDFW

Other

Winter Maintenance: After completing a rather rigorous seeding project in November, this month wildlife area staff members have been tackling various projects to prepare for the winter. These tasks include repairing and maintaining equipment that was used heavily in the fall, as well as winterizing vehicles and spray tanks.

Lands Division Workshop: There was a Lands Division Workshop in Ellensburg where Douglas County Wildlife Area staff members were able to put faces to names and attend lectures on lands related topics. Many attendees were particularly interested in hearing about the projects going on in other districts that differ greatly from their own.

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Managing Wildlife Populations

Bear Trap Removal: Wildlife Biologist Prince removed a bear trap that was set up over the weekend in an effort to trap an orphaned bear discovered by a local resident. The bear cub was feeding on and bedding underneath a deer carcass outside of Metaline Falls. Unfortunately, the bear was not seen on camera or captured. 

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Biologists Lowe and Brinkman attended a planning meeting with staff members that will be involved in translocating sharp-tailed grouse from British Columbia to Washington in the spring.

Grouse and Shrubsteppe Songbird Species Lead Atamian demonstrated the process of attaching netting to sharp-tailed grouse funnels for walk-in traps so that Biologists Lowe and Brinkman can assist with preparing traps for the capture effort in British Columbia. 

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Photo by WDFW

Providing Conflict Prevention and Education

Spokane Moose: Wildlife Conflict Specialist Harris responded to a report of a cow moose that has been stuck inside a fenced property since Christmas. The property is 50 acres of forested land that is surrounded by 6-foot-tall chain link fencing. Harris and the reporting party attempted to herd the moose towards an open gate without success. The moose appears to be in good health and has adequate access to food and water on the property. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff members will continue to monitor the situation. 

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Photo by WDFW

Conserving Natural Landscapes

Timber Management: For a third week in a row, Sherman Creek Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Palmer spent two days at LeClerc Creek Wildlife Area. He used a pole-style brush cutter to remove undesirable lodgepole pines from regrowth areas that had been previously thinned. On Tuesday, he had volunteer help from Access Manager Dziekan, Conflict Specialist Harris, and Private Lands Biologist Baarstad. Wednesday, he was assisted by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Research Scientist DeVivo, Lands Agent Stallinga, and Biologist Westacott. Over just two days of work, Palmer and his crews cleaned up 28.5 acres of land. Thanks to all the volunteers who showed up to lend a hand!

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Prescribed Burn Planning: Private Lands Biologist Nizer is in the planning process for a prescribed burn on a property enrolled in the Hunt by Reservation Program. Nizer reached out to Department of Ecology for permits regarding the burn. 

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Photo by WDFW

Conducting Business Operations and Policy

New Rock Rake: This week, Wildlife Area Manager Finch and Wildlife Area Assistant Manager Rimmelspacher worked on blading the one-mile entry road coming into the office complex. After the rain the following day, Finch and Rimmelspacher tried out the new rock rake for the first time. The new rock rake did an excellent job on the road, and it may take the place of grading the road at certain times and conditions. 

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Photo by WDFW

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Photo by WDFW

Other

Cultural Resource Survey: Archeologist Davis visited the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area this week to dig the holes for a cultural resources survey on the site where a new pole building will be built at the Wooten headquarters. Wooten staff members assisted with digging the survey holes. While the archeologist was on site, he dug a couple test holes where the new irrigation well will be drilled to save Capital Asset Management Program staff members from having to come back to the site for an additional survey. 

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Photo by WDFW