WMU 402 Goat Survey – ACA/ASRD D‐AUS Report

July 2009

By

Alberta Conservation Association And Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife

July, 2009 Blairmore, Alberta

PERMISSION TO QUOTE

This report contains preliminary information and interpretations and may be subject to future revision. To prevent the issuance of misleading information, persons wishing to quote from this report, to cite it in bibliographies or to use it in any other form must first obtain permission from the Executive Director of the Wildlife Management Branch, Fish and Wildlife Division and / or its regional representatives within the Southern Rockies Area.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The 2009 WMU 402 goat survey was navigated by Greg Hale (FW), while Mike Jokinen (ACA), Jon Jorgenson (FW) and Rob Watt (Parks Canada‐Waterton) participated as observers. The aircraft was chartered from Bighorn Helicopters with Greg Goodison as the pilot.

ABSTRACT

An aerial survey to monitor the status of the mountain goat population in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 402 was conducted on July 11th, 12th and 15th, 2009. Survey objectives included the collection of herd distribution, herd composition and total goat numbers. All mountain complexes associated with the WMU 402 goat survey received detailed aerial coverage during the survey. The WMU 402 survey area is the northern portion of Goat Management Area (GMA)–A, and currently does not have a designated goat hunting area.

A total of 186 mountain goats (119 adults, 44 kids and 23 yearlings) were observed during the survey. Kid and yearling ratios per 100 adults were 37 and 19 respectively. Sixty nine goats were observed on the Alberta side of the Continental Divide while 41 goats were observed in British Columbia. One hundred eighty six goats represent a 24 percent increase in the estimated population (based on total goats observed during survey) compared to 2006 when 142 goats were recorded. Crowsnest Mountain goat numbers have almost doubled since 2006, from 35 to 65 in total.

Draft_July 09 2 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 4 2.0 METHODS...... 7 3.0 RESULTS ...... 8 4.0 REFERENCES ...... 11 5.0 APPENDICES ...... 11

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Map of survey area for WMU 402 goat survey...... 5

Figure 2. Survey units within WMU 402 goat survey area...... 6

Figure 3. WMU 402 mountain goat population trend, 2006 & 2009...... 9

LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Mountain goat observations within each mountain complex/area during 2009. ....10

Table 2. Mountain goat population trend counts for each mountain complex/area in WMU

402, 2006 & 2009...... 10

Table 3. Summary of yearling and kid per adult goat ratios for WMU 402, 2006 & 2009.....10

LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1. Survey flight log for the Southern Continental Divide goat survey, 2009...... 11

Appendix 2. Survey cost analysis – Southern Continental Divide Goat 2009...... 12

Draft_July 09 3 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Censuses to determine the status of Wildlife Management unit (WMU) 402 mountain goat population have been limited historically, with early combined surveys with bighorn sheep dating back to the late 1960’s. Historical survey data for WMU 402 is currently being compiled and will be available for the next reporting period. Most recent mountain goat survey periods include 1994, 1997, and 2006. Entire mountain complexes on both sides of the Alberta/British Columbia Divide (starting at Tecumseh Mtn. north of Hwy 3 following the Divide north to Mt. O’Rourke at the headwaters of the Oldman River) were surveyed in 2006 and 2009, including Crowsnest Mountain and the Livingstone Range (Figure 1). Current survey effort is establishing baseline data to monitor population growth / trend data and to refine Goat Population Area’s (GPA’s) within Goat Management Area (GMA) A– WMU 402. Currently there is no established Goat Hunting Area’s (GHA) or hunting season for mountain goats in WMU 402.

The WMU 402 goat survey area was sub‐divided into survey units in 2009 to assist with future surveys, providing consistency between survey years (start and end points) along the survey route. In doing so, navigation and tracking of flight transects within mountain complexes and along the divide becomes less complex and is contained within defined boundaries, ensuring full coverage while avoiding duplication. The survey units were based on mountain ranges / complexes, mountain passes, river drainages and natural breaks on the landscape (Figure 2).

Survey objectives were as follows: 1. Obtain a minimum count of goats to: • determine population status and develop population trend data. 2. Classify all goats observed by sex and age to: • facilitate population analysis (sex/age composition). • provide an assessment of herd production. • provide an assessment of herd recruitment. 3. Map goat sighting locations to: • provide population status information on a regional (management area) basis. • identify range utilized by goats and specific components of the population at the time of the survey.

Draft_July 09 4 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats

Figure 1. Map of survey area for WMU 402 goat survey. Draft_July 09 5 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats

Figure 2. Survey units within WMU 402 goat survey area. Draft_July 09 6 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats

2.0 METHODS

Survey followed accepted protocol and technique outlined in Carr et al. (2001). Mountain complexes (Livingstone Range, Crowsnest Mountain and the Continental Divide) of WMU 402 were searched in detail using a coarse belt transect method covering timberline to alpine, using a helicopter (Bell 206 Jet Ranger) flown at air speeds ranging from 80 to 100 km/hr with the intent of completing total search and count for WMU 402. In some instances, coverage of the goat range was accomplished by conducting a single flight near timberline, but a large portion of the survey area required a second flight at a higher elevation to provide complete coverage of extensive mountain faces, particularly in high goat density areas.

The timing of survey varies slightly each survey year due to remnant snow cover and weather conditions. However, early July is typically the period in which the survey is conducted since mountain goats are highly observable at this time due to larger group sizes (nursery groups), their use of open alpine habitats, and the increased potential to accurately classify age and sex classes. Additional factors that can affect goat observation during survey include warm temperatures (>25 oC, goats seeking refuge in tree cover, overhanging cliffs, and caves) and high winds (>60 km/h – particularly on the leeward side of the Continental Divide and the Livingstone Range, increasing observer fatigue and a safety concern). Survey conditions (snow cover, temperature, and wind) are taken into account on each survey day to avoid reduced visibility of goats.

During each day of surveying, typically the east side of the divide is flown during the early morning hours since the west side is under shadow until mid‐morning. This provides the best conditions for observation under full sun, however, on overcast days either side can be flown with good visibility. Each day both the east and west sides are completely surveyed for a particular area, reducing any chance for recounting individual goats.

The left front passenger (navigator) is responsible for maintaining the proper flight course, taking GPS location and assisting with classification of goats to sex and age categories. Two observers occupying the rear seat provide continuous side observation, with the right passenger recording wildlife numbers. All observed goats are classified into standard sex and age categories of adult male (billy), adult female (nanny), unclassified adult (2+ year‐olds), yearling or kid. Canon 10 X 42 image stabilizing binoculars aid with classification (primarily from the front seat as the

Draft_July 09 7 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats bubble window (observers) causes distortion and focusing issues), particularly when group size is small, and when identifying kids from yearlings.

During this time of year (June 25th to July 15th), kids are small in size and do not show horn growth. Yearlings may or may not appear much larger than the kids but are noticeably smaller than the adults and do show horn growth, although horns are about as long as the ear. Adults have developed, long curving horns that surpass the ears, show full beards and are large in body size. Nannies are best identified when a kid is observed along side and are typically found within groups, but not always. Billies appear larger and blocky in body, have heavier horns that curve along their entire length and are typically found alone or in smaller groups (Smith 1988, Gonzalez‐Voyer et al. 2001). The percentage of winter molt on individual animals can assist with classification but must be used with discretion. Typically adult males will be near molted at this time of year, therefore their coats appear clean and tidy compared to adult females that have not fully molted and have frayed coats (R.Watt, Parks Canada, pers. comm.).

3.0 RESULTS

Aerial flights were coordinated to avoid the warmest part of the day and were flown between 0630 hours and 1130 hours. The Bighorn Base in Blairmore and the Livingstone Gap Fire Base provided flight bases and staging/fuel cache sites during the survey. The radio room, Calgary (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development) provided flight monitoring during the survey.

The survey was conducted over a 3‐morning period. The survey was initiated on July 11th, flying the Livingstone Range, Crowsnest Mountain area and the southern portion of the Divide (Hwy 3 north to South Racehorse Pass). On the second day of the survey, July 12th, the survey continued from South Racehorse Pass north to Gould Dome/Tornado Pass area. The third morning of the survey was postponed due to weather conditions until July 15th, carrying on with the survey just north of Tornado Pass to Mt. O’Rourke/Kananaskis Country boundary. The conditions for the 3‐day survey were rated as good and additional survey flight conditions are provided in Appendix 1. All surveys were conducted during the morning period to take advantage of peak animal activity. A total of 11.7 hours of flying time was required to complete a detailed aerial coverage of WMU 402. Survey costs are provided in Appendix 2.

A total of 186 mountain goats were observed, including 119 adults, 44 kids and 23 yearlings (Table 1). Classification of age classes revealed production and recruitment

Draft_July 09 8 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats rates of 37 kids/100 adults and 19 yearlings/100 adults. The 2009 survey count of 186, had increased by 24% from 2006 (Figure 3), however during 2006 some areas may have been flown in less detail due to high winds (unpublished data). Observed molt stages of adult goats during the 2009 survey, particularly billies, were noted to be later than expected and were not as “shed out.”

An initial summary of the goat population trend between 2006 and 2009 are provided in Table 2. Livingstone Range goat numbers are down slightly from 2006, while Crowsnest Mountain goat numbers have almost doubled since 2006. Yearling and kid per adult ratios are summarized in Table 3.

Recruitment rates of 37 percent for 2009 were almost identical to 2006 when 36 kids per 100 adults were recorded. The number of yearlings per adults during the 2009 survey (19 yearlings per 100 adult) had increased from 2006 (0.09 yearlings per 100 adult).

Incidental wildlife observations in the study area during the mountain goat survey included the following: bighorn sheep – 336, elk – 64, mule deer – 14, white‐tail deer – 2, and golden eagle – 10.

WMU 402 Mountain Goat Population Trend (2006 & 2009)

200

180

160

140 Goats

of 120

100

80 Number 60

40 Total

20

0

2006 Year 2009

Figure 3. WMU 402 mountain goat population trend, 2006 & 2009.

Draft_July 09 9 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats

Table 1. Mountain goat observations within each mountain complex/area during 2009.

Complex Total Nanny Billy U/C Yrlg Kid adult Livingstone 11 4 2 0 4 1 Crowsnest 65 21 7 11 6 20 Divide‐AB 69 22 19 2 9 17 Divide‐BC 41 13 16 2 4 6 Total 186 60 44 15 23 44

Table 2. Mountain goat population trend counts for each mountain complex/area in WMU 402, 2006 & 2009.

Complex 2006 2009 Livingstone 14 11 Crowsnest 35 65 Divide‐AB 37 69 Divide‐BC 56 41 Total 142 186

Table 3. Summary of yearling and kid per adult goat ratios for WMU 402, 2006 & 2009.

Year Total Adults Yearling Kids Yrlg/Adult Kids/Adult 2006 142 98 9 35 0.09 0.36 2009 186 119 23 44 0.19 0.37

Draft_July 09 10 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats

4.0 REFERENCES

Carr, H.D., K.G. Smith, W.M. Glasgow, and T.C. Sorensen. 2001. Management Plan for Mountain Goats in Alberta. Wildlife management planning series Number – 7, Discussion Draft. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Edmonton, 114 p.

Gonzalez‐Voyer, A., M. Festa‐Bianchet, and K.G. Smith. 2001. Efficiency of aerial surveys of mountain goats. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29(1): 140‐144.

Smith, B.L. 1988. Criteria for determining age and sex of American mountain goats in the field. Journal of Mammology 69(2): 395‐402.

5.0 APPENDICES Appendix 1. Survey flight log for the Southern Continental Divide goat survey, 2009.

Flight Particulars 11‐Jul 12‐Jul 15‐Jul Aircraft Bell 206 Bell 206 Bell 206 Registration BHR BHR BHR Pilot Greg Goodison Greg Goodison Greg Goodison Bighorn Bighorn Bighorn Navigator Greg Hale Greg Hale Greg Hale Observers Mike Jokinen Mike Jokinen Mike Jokinen Jon Jorgenson Jon Jorgenson Rob Watt Cloud Cover 0 to 10% 20 to 30% 5 to 20% Wind Speed (Km/hr) 20 km/hr 15 km/hr 10‐20km/hr Wind Direction W W & E SW Temperature (oC) 7 to 12 oC 10 to 20 oC 7 to 10cC Observing Good Good Good Conditions Hours Flown 3.5 5.0 3.2

Draft_July 09 11 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats

Appendix 2. Survey cost analysis – Southern Continental Divide Goat 2009.

Item Description Cost a) Aircraft Helicopter Charter (Bighorn Helicopters) Hours 11.7 @ $925.00 / hr (wet rate) $10,822.50 $541.13 Total aircraft cost incl. GST $11,363.63 b) Staff Aerial Survey Crew 3 crew X 3 days @ $300.00 / day $2,700.00 Survey prep, data analysis, report $1,200.00 preparation (4 days X $300 / day) Total manpower cost $3,900.00

Total Survey Cost $15,263.63

Note: Aircraft rental and portion of survey crew provided by the ACA.

Draft_July 09 12 ACA/ASRD D-AUS WMU 402 Goats