IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Cal Groen, Director Project W-170-R-31 Progress Report BIGHORN SHEEP Study I, Job 4 July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 Prepared by: Jay Crenshaw.......................................................................................... Clearwater Region Jon Rachael ............................................................................... Southwest (Nampa) Region Jeff Rohlman.............................................................................Southwest (McCall) Region Randy Smith, Regan Berkley.............................................................. Magic Valley Region Daryl Meints, Hollie Miyasaki ............................................................ Upper Snake Region Tom Keegan..................................................................................................Salmon Region Compiled and edited by: Dale Toweill, Wildlife Program Coordinator September 2007 Boise, Idaho Findings in this report are preliminary in nature and not for publication without permission of the Director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game adheres to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations related to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or handicap. If you feel you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, or if you desire further information, please write to: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, PO Box 25, Boise, ID 83707; or the Office of Human Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. This publication will be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for assistance. TABLE OF CONTENTS STATEWIDE...................................................................................................................................1 Abstract................................................................................................................................1 Bighorn Sheep Harvest 2005 ...............................................................................................1 Bighorn Sheep Applications 2006 .......................................................................................2 CLEARWATER REGION ..............................................................................................................3 Climatic Conditions .............................................................................................................3 UNITS 11, 13, 18.......................................................................................................................3 Abstract................................................................................................................................3 Management Direction.........................................................................................................4 Background..........................................................................................................................4 Population Surveys ..............................................................................................................5 Harvest Characteristics ........................................................................................................6 Habitat Conditions ...............................................................................................................6 Capture and Translocation ...................................................................................................7 UNITS 14, 17, 19, 20.................................................................................................................7 Abstract................................................................................................................................7 Management Direction.........................................................................................................8 Background..........................................................................................................................8 Population Surveys ..............................................................................................................8 Harvest Characteristics ........................................................................................................9 Habitat Conditions .............................................................................................................10 Capture and Translocation .................................................................................................10 SOUTHWEST (NAMPA) REGION .............................................................................................19 UNITS 40, 41, 42.....................................................................................................................19 Abstract..............................................................................................................................19 Management Direction.......................................................................................................19 Background........................................................................................................................20 Population Surveys ............................................................................................................20 Harvest Characteristics ......................................................................................................20 Habitat Conditions .............................................................................................................21 Capture and Translocation .................................................................................................21 W-170-R-31 BH Sheep PR07.doc i TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Management Implications..................................................................................................21 SOUTHWEST (MCCALL) REGION...........................................................................................27 UNITS 19A, 20A, 26...............................................................................................................27 Abstract..............................................................................................................................27 Management Direction.......................................................................................................27 Background........................................................................................................................27 Population Surveys ............................................................................................................28 Harvest Characteristics ......................................................................................................28 Management Implications..................................................................................................28 UNITS 22, 23, 31.....................................................................................................................29 Abstract..............................................................................................................................29 Management Direction.......................................................................................................29 Background........................................................................................................................29 Population Surveys ............................................................................................................29 Harvest Characteristics ......................................................................................................29 Management Implications..................................................................................................29 MAGIC VALLEY REGION .........................................................................................................34 UNITS 46, 47, 54, 55, 57.........................................................................................................34 Abstract..............................................................................................................................34 Management Direction.......................................................................................................35 Background........................................................................................................................35 Population Surveys ............................................................................................................36 Harvest Characteristics ......................................................................................................36 Capture and Translocation .................................................................................................37 Management Studies..........................................................................................................37 Management Implications..................................................................................................37 LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................................38 UPPER SNAKE REGION.............................................................................................................42 UNITS 51 (PART), 58, 59A, 61,