Sheep Killed by Wolf in Oregon’s Umatilla County

A May 2 investigation by ODFW confirmed that four penned sheep (two ewes, two lambs) were killed by a wolf on private land east of Weston, Ore. in northern Umatilla County.

One additional lamb is missing and believed to have been killed by the wolf.

The incident occurred in an area not known to be frequented by one of Oregon’s known wolf packs (Imnaha, Wenaha, Walla Walla, Snake River) but by two wolves discovered last August in the northern Mt Emily wildlife management unit. Based on evidence at the scene, wildlife biologists believe a single wolf was involved in the depredation.

ODFW immediately helped the landowner install electrified fladry, a type of fencing that can deter wolves, around the sheep pens. ODFW is also working to capture and radio-collar the wolf.

This marks the first time ODFW has confirmed a wolf kill of livestock in Umatilla County. The county has an active Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee under the state’s new Oregon Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance County Block Grant Program and the landowner is eligible to seek compensation for the loss.

The five dead sheep bring the total number of livestock animals killed by wolves in Oregon to 57 since 2009. The last confirmed wolf kill of livestock occurred March 8, 2012.

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Oregon Fall 2012 Big Game Tag Proposals Online, Controlled Hunt Deadline is May 15

Proposed Fall 2012 tag numbers for controlled deer, elk, Rocky Mtn goat, bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope hunts are online at ODFW’s website under Hunting Resources

The proposed tag numbers are based on field surveys of big game populations completed earlier. Most big game herds fared well due to the mild winter experienced in Oregon, though low fawn and calf ratios heading into winter means deer and elk tags are down very slightly this year (1 percent or less overall). Pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep tags are up slightly while Rocky Mtn goat tags are unchanged, bringing the overall controlled tag changes to less than -1 percent from last year.

• 2012 District May Meeting (pdf)
• Bighorn Sheep draft (pdf)
• Deer Buck draft (pdf)
• Deer Doe draft (pdf)
• Elk draft (pdf)
• Pronghorn draft (pdf)
• Rocky Mt. Goat draft (pdf)
• Spring Bear draft (pdf)

Final 2012 fall big game tag numbers will be adopted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission at their June 7-8 meeting in Salem. But any hunter that has yet to apply for a fall controlled hunt should look at the proposed tags online and apply as soon as possible to avoid the long lines typical before application deadline day on May 15.

Hunters can apply for a controlled hunt online, at a license sales agent, at ODFW offices that sell licenses, or by mail or fax order using the application found here or on page 17 of the 2012 Oregon Big Game Regulations. The cost is $8 and applicants also need a hunting license.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. PT May 15 but many license sales agents close before that hour. Hunters planning to fax applications should try to do so well before the deadline to avoid a busy signal and having to fax in multiple applications—which can lead to repeated credit card charges that take time to correct. Illegible handwriting on handwritten applications can also be a problem so hunters should write neatly.

As of April 30, 2012, 111,030 controlled hunt applications have been processed. Last year, a total of 380,639 applications were processed.

2013 hunting regulations

ODFW kicked off a series of statewide meetings about hunting regulations yesterday. Besides fall 2012 tag numbers, ODFW is presenting concepts under consideration for next year’s big game hunting regulations at these meetings. This information is also online and people that cannot attend meetings are welcome to send comments about the changes by email to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us, mail to ODFW Wildlife Division, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem, OR 97303 or fax (503) 947-6330. Public comments on bird hunting and trapping regulations are also welcomed.

Final 2013 big game hunting regulations won’t be set by the Fish and Wildlife Commission until October 2012, and public comment is welcome through that time. See the packet for changes to individual hunts. Some major concepts under consideration for 2013 are:

• Reduce antlerless elk hunting on national forestland on the west slope of the Cascades for all hunters by going to a “one bull elk” bag limit on national forestland. Changes are meant to reverse the decline in elk numbers and calf ratios seen in many areas of the west Cascades, particularly on national forestland.
• Reduce antlerless harvest on the Ochoco unit by creating two different archery tags; only one would allow antlerless harvest. The overall number of tags available would not change.
• Prohibit ATV use and allow camping only in designated areas of the White River Wildlife Area. Off-road vehicle use and new campsites have increased to the point of harming wildlife and fish habitat on the wildlife area. White River has been informing area users of this possible change since fall 2011.
• Charge a penalty fee of up to $25 to hunters that fail to report the results of their deer and elk tags by the deadline (Jan. 31, 2013 for most tags). The fee would be charged when hunters purchased their 2014 hunting license (2014 licenses go on sale Dec. 1, 2013). Reporting the results of all big game and turkey hunts has been mandatory for four years but compliance rates are still too low to provide reliable information. Deer and elk general seasons have some of the lowest compliance rates.
• Several concepts are being considered to reduce problems related to general season spike-only hunters taking branch-antlered elk in Mt Emily, Walla Walla, and Wenaha units, where a hard-to-draw controlled tag is required for branch-antlered elk.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oregon Fall 2012 Big Game Tag Proposals Online, Controlled Hunt Deadline is May 15

Oregon’s Draft Black Bear Management Plan Available for Public Review

An updated plan to manage Oregon’s 25,000-30,000 estimated black bears is available for review online at:
http://dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/management_plans/docs/2012_Bear_Mgt_Plan_draft_21Mar2012b_X.pdf.

Public comments related to the draft update of the Oregon Black Bear Management Plan will be taken through the June 7-8, 2012 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Salem, when final action may be taken on the plan. However, comments received by April 13 will be reviewed and summarized for the Commission by their April 20 meeting in Salem, when ODFW staff will brief commissioners on the plan. A revised draft plan will be available in May.

Send comments to ODFW.Comments@state.or.us, mail to ODFW Wildlife Division, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem OR 97303 or fax to (503) 947-6330.

The draft plan was written by ODFW wildlife biologists, with input from stakeholders.

A Black Bear Management Plan was last adopted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in 1993. Since that time, the overall population size of black bears has been stable to increasing. Oregon’s black bear population was estimated to be 9,000 in the early 1930s but had grown to an estimated 25,000 by the 1990s.

The Draft Plan outlines four main objectives: Maintaining a healthy bear population in balance with other wildlife, reducing the number of human-bear conflicts that result in lethal removal or relocation of bears, developing and refining population modeling techniques, and using applied research to improve the understanding of black bear management and ecology.

The updated draft plan includes new information and changes in bear management since the previous plan was adopted in 1993. For example, in 1994, Oregon voters passed Measure 18, which prohibits sport hunters from hunting black bears or cougars with the use of hounds or bait.

Population modeling techniques have also changed since the 1990s. ODFW uses a variety of methods to monitor black bear populations. The department closely tracks the number, sex, and age of bears killed and also uses data from a radio-collaring study. Since 2005, ODFW has been using a tetracycline mark-recapture method to develop a better estimate of the population.

Some other facts about black bears and black bear management in Oregon:

• Black bear densities are highest in the Coast, Cascade, and Blue Mountains, and lowest in the arid southeast region.
• Black bears can vary in color from light brown to black.
• Most human-bear problems occur when bears are being fed by people. The 2011 Oregon State Legislature passed a bill that prohibits (in most instances) knowingly placing food, garbage or other attractants for black bears and certain other wildlife species.
• There has never been a fatal bear attack in Oregon. Only four human-bear interactions that resulted in injury have been documented by ODFW. They involved hunters, bears attracted to homes due to accessible garbage cans or birdseed, or dogs which agitated bears.

For more information on black bears in Oregon, visit the Living with Bears page
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/black_bears.asp

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oregon’s Draft Black Bear Management Plan Available for Public Review

Enter to Win a Guided Youth Turkey Hunt in Jackson County, Oregon

ODFW’S Access and Habitat program is offering youth hunters (age 17 and under) the opportunity to win a guided turkey hunt on a private ranch in Jackson County during the spring 2012 season.

To enter the drawing to win one of 10 hunts at the C2 Ranch, fill out this online application. Mail it to ODFW at 1495 E Gregory Rd, Central Point, OR 97502, or fax (541-826-8776) or email it (vince.j.oredson@state.or.us). Applications can also be picked up at ODFW’s Central Point office.

Applications must be received at ODFW’s office in Central Point by March 29, 2012 at 5 p.m. The drawing will be held that evening and winners will be notified on March 30.

Winners receive one day of turkey hunting on the C2 Ranch, accompanied by a guide who will help locate wild turkeys. A parent or other family member may also accompany the youth on the hunt. Winners will need to contact C2 Ranch directly to arrange their one-day hunt during the youth turkey season (April 7-9, 2012) or general spring turkey season (April 15-May 31, 2012).

There is no cost to enter the raffle but winners are responsible for purchasing the right documents before hunting (a juvenile hunting license for $14.50 and juvenile turkey tag for $10.50). Youth age 9-13 without hunter education certification may apply and hunt under the Mentored Youth Hunter Program (MYHP) provided all program rules are followed during the hunt (youth hunts on adult’s tag, one weapon between youth and adult, etc.) MYHP hunters may only hunt during the general spring turkey season, not the youth turkey season.

Southwest Oregon has the most turkeys in Oregon and the C2 Ranch’s oak savannah and brushy areas provide good turkey habitat. C2 Ranch has improved habitat for big game and other wildlife on its property, thanks in part to an $11,000 Access and Habitat (A and H) program grant. As part of the grant, the ranch also provides 10 guided youth turkey hunts during the spring and 25 guided youth deer hunts during the fall.

The A and H Program funds projects that provide hunter access and/or improve wildlife habitat on private land in Oregon. The A and H Program is funded primarily by a $4 surcharge on hunting licenses and revenue from the sale of big game auction tags and raffle tickets.

More information about the A and H Program can be found at www.dfw.state.or.us/lands/AH.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Enter to Win a Guided Youth Turkey Hunt in Jackson County, Oregon

Oregon Sports Pac Winners Announced

A lucky 49 Oregon hunters won a 2013 Sports Pac (a $164.75 value) and one Californian won a 2013 Non-Resident Hunting License ($140.40 value) because they applied early for their 2012 fall big game controlled hunts. The 50 hunters were drawn from a pool of 13,887 people that applied by Jan. 31, 2012.

Fifty more 2013 Sports Pacs or Non-Resident Hunting Licenses will be given away over two additional drawings. To be eligible, hunters must:

• Apply for and be issued a controlled hunt application by March 15, 2012 for a chance to win one of 30 Sports Pac or Non-Resident Hunting Licenses.

• Apply for and be issued a controlled hunt application by April 15, 2012 for a chance to win one of the remaining 20 Sports Pac or Non-Resident Hunting Licenses.

The next drawings will take place March 16 and April 19 and winners will be notified by mail. Hunters unsuccessful in early drawings are re-entered into future drawings. Only one entry per hunter is allowed, meaning hunters that apply for several controlled hunts are still only entered once.

ODFW and the vendor that manages its license sales system are giving away a total of 100 free 2013 Sports Pacs (or Non-Resident Hunting Licenses) over three separate drawings to encourage hunters to apply early for a 2012 fall controlled hunt. A Sports Pac includes a Combination Angling/Hunting/Shellfish License, a Combined Angling Harvest Tag, a Validation for Upland Bird and Waterfowl hunting, plus a General or Controlled Deer, General or Controlled Elk, General Cougar, General or Controlled Bear, Spring Turkey Tag and a Wildlife Area Parking Permit.

Hunters can apply for controlled hunts online, at a license sales agent, at ODFW offices that sell licenses, or by mail or fax order using the application found here or on page 17 of the 2012 Oregon Big Game Regulations.

Mail order/fax applicants should allow 7-10 days for their applications to be processed and issued. To be eligible for the drawing, the controlled hunt application must be issued, not just received, by the drawing deadlines (March 15 and April 15). Controlled hunt applications can be processed and issued immediately online and at license sales agents or ODFW offices.

The deadline to apply for a controlled hunt is May 15 each year. In 2011, 79,481 out of 380,639 total applications, or almost 21 percent, were processed by April 15, 2011. That compares to 21 percent in 2011 and 16 percent in 2010.

“Most controlled hunt applications are received during the last few days,” said Deanna Erickson, ODFW license sales services manager. “However, these drawings have increased the number of early applicants.”

In the past, the high volume of sales activity in the last few days prior to the May 15 deadline led to long lines and slowed or crashed the system.
To encourage hunters to apply early, ODFW began this special drawing a few years ago. The vendor that manages the license sales system is purchasing the Sports Pac and Non-Resident Hunting Licenses for the winners.

Some of Oregon’s big game hunts are limited entry, including almost all rifle hunting of deer and elk east of the Cascades and pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat hunts. These hunts require a controlled hunt application.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oregon Sports Pac Winners Announced

Oregon Trappers Should Be Mindful of Wolverines in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area

ODFW has reminded northeast Oregon trappers that wolverines could be in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area and of the species’ threatened status under the Oregon Endangered Species Act.

This comes after a wolverine was accidentally captured in a foothold trap set near the Eagle Cap Wilderness in late December. Upon finding the captured wolverine, the trapper immediately contacted ODFW. Wildlife biologists came to the site, tranquilized the wolverine and released it unharmed.

Currently wolverines cannot be trapped in Oregon due to their state-threatened status. No citations were issued in this case because the trapper followed regulations and immediately contacted ODFW. “This trapper did exactly what he was supposed to do following the capture of the wolverine,” said Tim Hiller, ODFW furbearer coordinator. “We appreciate that the trapper also voluntarily pulled all of his traps from the area afterwards.”

In a letter to trappers dated Jan. 27, 2012, ODFW reminded trappers to immediately contact ODFW should they trap a wolverine. ODFW asked trappers to avoid the area or take special precautions when trapping in areas of known wolverine activity, encouraging them to avoid the use of lethal traps such as medium or large body-gripping traps.  ODFW also recommended that trappers familiarize themselves with wolverine sign, especially tracks.

Bobcats and wolverines can sometimes be found in the same areas. However, deep snow usually forces most bobcats out of wolverine habitat and greatly decreases access to that habitat for trappers.

Most bobcat trappers have since voluntarily removed all of their traps from the area where the wolverine was trapped, according to Jim Soares, Secretary/Treasurer of the Northeast Oregon Trappers Association and member of the Oregon Trappers Association.

“Oregon trappers don’t want to capture wolverines or any non-target species,” said Soares. “The trappers I know are very aware of the diversity of wildlife in the area and take precautions to only trap animals they intend to trap.”

In addition to talking with northeast Oregon trappers, ODFW has also responded to Oregon Wild and TrapFree Oregon, organizations that expressed concerns about wolverines and trapping after hearing about the capture. ODFW informed these organizations of its communication with northeast Oregon trappers and that the risk to wolverines from trapping activities in the area is low.

Trapping is a regulated activity in Oregon with special rules based on species, bag limit, season and species status. Since 1985, all first-time trappers and those born after June 30, 1968 have been required to pass an education course before they can obtain a trapping license. The course deals with topics like wildlife identification, trapping ethics, animal welfare, and setting traps so they catch target animals. Oregon currently has about 1,100 licensed trappers.

Bobcat season runs through Feb. 29, 2012 in Oregon. Many other seasons wrap up by that date as well.

Wolverines have been found in Oregon several times since 1936, when they had been thought to be extirpated from Oregon. In 1965, a male was killed on Three Fingered Jack in Linn County. In 1973, a wolverine was trapped and released on Steens Mountain, Harney County. In 1986, a wolverine was trapped in Wheeler County. In 1990, a dead wolverine was picked up on I-84 in Hood River County. In 1992, a partial skeleton was recovered in Grant County.

Most recently, researchers captured images of wolverines on a trail camera and confirmed wolverine tracks in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area in Wallowa County in 2011. ODFW supports this and other wolverine survey and research efforts throughout Oregon. To date, there is no evidence of a breeding population of wolverines in Oregon.

More information on wolverines: The Wolverine Foundation

Images of wolverines can be found here: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2011/april/042511c.asp

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oregon Trappers Should Be Mindful of Wolverines in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area

Oregon Spring Bear Hunt Applications are Due Feb. 10

Salem, OR—Applications for controlled spring bear hunting are due by Feb. 10, 2012.

Hunters may apply online, at a license sales agent or ODFW office that sells licenses, or by mail or fax order using this application (also found on page 17 of the 2012 Oregon Big Game Regulations). Mail orders must be postmarked no later than Feb. 10 and faxes must be received at ODFW (fax 503-947-6117 or 6113) by 11:59 p.m. PT on Feb. 10.

New for this year, the start dates for White River Unit and Hood Unit hunts have been moved up to April 1 (from April 15). Units 45 (Fossil) and 48 (Heppner) have shifted from the W Blue Mts hunt to the S Blue Mts hunt.

There are 4,000 first-come, first-serve SW Oregon spring bear tags available for the SW Oregon hunt. As of Jan. 30, 2012, 2,821 of these tags have been sold. SW Oregon spring bear tags sold out on Feb. 14 in 2011 and Feb. 20 in 2010. Hunters that apply for a controlled spring bear hunt may not purchase a SW Oregon tag until after the draw on Feb. 20.

Last year, 488 bears were taken by hunters during the spring season. See spring bear hunting statistics for more information

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oregon Spring Bear Hunt Applications are Due Feb. 10

Oregon Youth Spring Turkey Hunt Set for Apr. 7-9

This year’s youth spring turkey season will be April 7, 8 and 9, 2012 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).The season dates are misprinted in the current 2011-12 Oregon Game Bird Regulations (page 15).Due to an ODFW staff error, the regulations list April 8-9, 2012 (Sunday-Monday) as the season dates.Youth turkey season is always the weekend before the general spring turkey season which begins on April 15.The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a rule that will begin the season on Saturday, April 7 and extend it by one day this year due to the error.The youth spring turkey season is open to licensed hunters age 17 and under.Youth that don’t fill their tag during the youth season can go on to hunt the general season April 15-May 31.The youth turkey season is one of several youth-only hunts in Oregon.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oregon Youth Spring Turkey Hunt Set for Apr. 7-9

Some Oregon State Wildlife Areas Close Feb. 1 to Protect Big Game

Dayville, OR—State and BLM lands on Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area in Grant County will be closed to all public access from Feb. 1-April 14, 2012 and in future years. The winter closure began last year and is a cooperative effort meant to protect wintering mule deer as part of the Mule Deer Initiative, an effort to restore mule deer populations which have declined in Oregon and across the West.

All lands west of Foothill Road on Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area (La Grande) will also be closed to entry Feb. 1-March 31 to protect wintering elk. Wildlife areas Elkhorn (North Powder) and Bridge Creek (near Ukiah) are also closed to entry from Dec. 1  to protect wintering big game. (Elkhorn reopens April 11 and Bridge Creek reopens April 15.)

Mule deer and other wildlife naturally struggle to maintain energy reserves in late winter. Minimizing human disturbances should big game survival and their overall fitness throughout the year.

Motor vehicle use is already restricted on Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area. But more and more people are hiking the area during the sensitive winter time period, in search of antlers shed by deer and elk.

“Late winter and early spring is when mule deer are most vulnerable because their energy reserves are low,” explained Ryan Torland, ODFW district biologist for Grant County. “People and pets put deer on the move and use up energy reserves that could otherwise help them survive the winter.

By mid-April, deer will be recovering from the winter and starting to move onto their summer ranges,” added Torland. “And shed antlers can still be found on the wildlife area at that time.”

In its prime, nearly 30,000 mule deer wintered in the Murderers Creek Unit, but that has declined to an estimated 5,300 today. Severe winters, habitat changes that worsened conditions for mule deer and predation all contributed to mule deer’s decline.

The closure is one of a number of steps being taken to increase mule deer populations in the Murderers Creek Unit. ODFW biologists believe habitat is the biggest factor affecting mule deer. Juniper trees and invasive weeds like medusahead rye and cheatgrass have replaced bitterbrush, sage-brush and other forage that mule deer rely upon during the winter months.

ODFW is working with BLM, U.S. Forest Service and partner sportsman organizations like the Oregon Hunters Association, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Mule Deer Foundation to improve mule deer habitat. Together, the groups have removed juniper trees on 3,221 acres in the Murderers Creek Unit, treated invasive weeds, planted shrubs and created food plots for mule deer. The habitat improvements should also benefit other game animals and wildlife species identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy as species in need of conservation.

In other parts of the state where Mule Deer Initiative efforts are focused, ODFW is reducing predator populations, increasing Oregon State Police presence, and reducing hunting pressure.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Some Oregon State Wildlife Areas Close Feb. 1 to Protect Big Game

Oregon Hunters must Report Results by Jan 31 for a Chance to Win Special Tags, Penalty for Not Reporting Begins 2013

Salem, OR—Hunters need to report the results of most big game and turkey hunts by Jan. 31, 2012. Hunters should complete a report for each and every deer, elk, bear, cougar, pronghorn and turkey tag purchased, even if they didn’t fill their tag or go hunting. The participation and harvest rate information is critical for setting tags and seasons.

 

Report online or by phone at 1-866-947-6339. To complete the report, hunters need the following information:

• Hunter/Angler ID# (ODFW ID#), which is printed on all licenses and tags
• Number of days hunted
• If they mentored a youth during the hunt
• Wildlife management unit where hunted
• Number of antler points on the side of their animal with the most points

At this time, only about 37% of 2011 tags have been reported.

The Jan. 31, 2012 reporting deadline is for hunts that end between April 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. April 15, 2012 is the deadline for reporting hunts ending between Jan.1-March 31, 2012.

Hunters that meet the appropriate Jan. 31 or April 15 deadlines for their tags will be entered into a contest to win one of three special big game tags. Winners choose the tag (deer, elk or pronghorn) and may take an either-sex animal during an extended season and expanded hunt area that allows them to hunt nearly statewide.

Reporting hunt results has been mandatory since 2008 and is meant to eventually replace phone harvest survey calls that determined hunter participation and harvest rates. Oregon was one of the last Western states to adopt mandatory hunt reporting. Reporting rates were low in other states until penalty fees were introduced.

Since 2008, reporting rates have been too low and ODFW has continued to call a percentage of hunters by phone to get the needed data. To bring hunter reporting rates up, ODFW will begin charging a penalty fee to hunters that don’t report on time. The fee will be set by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in October 2012, during the 2013 big game regulation setting process. ODFW’s proposal to the Commission is to charge a fee of up to $25 to hunters that fail to report on deer and elk tags, as these tags have some of the lowest reporting rates. The fee will take effect for 2013 tags, with hunters facing the penalty when they purchase their 2014 hunting license. (Year 2014 licenses go on sale Dec. 1, 2013.)

“We were hoping a penalty fee would not be necessary but despite all our efforts to get the word out, reporting rates are still too low to phase out phone surveys,” said Tom Thornton, ODFW game program manager. “It only takes a few minutes to report and the information is critical to setting big game seasons.”

“We do thank all the hunters that have reported on time,” Thornton added.

Since reporting became mandatory in 2008, ODFW has gotten the word out through press releases, on the front page of the regulations, postcards to hunters, advertising online, in the regulations and by offering the chance to win special big game tags. Hunter reporting rates averaged 58 percent in 2010, 37 percent in 2009 and less than 15 percent in 2008 (for 2007 tags).

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Oregon Hunters must Report Results by Jan 31 for a Chance to Win Special Tags, Penalty for Not Reporting Begins 2013

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