Historically Low Alaska Sheep Harvest

[Mykolaivka887]

I can't remember what podcast or zoom meeting it was BUT movi is the biggest concern with winter feeding and breeding programs.

That, and the State budget won't allow it, and, it's also way beyond State purview.

 

[wildwilderness]

That, and the State budget won't allow it, and, it's also way beyond State purview.

Other States do it in the L48, heck look at the Nat'l elk refuge been feeding for decades! Its definitely possible, and in the states purview. Like you said, managing people. If everyone thinks its the way to go, then it happens

 

[Mykolaivka887]

Other States do it in the L48, heck look at the Nat'l elk refuge been feeding for decades! Its definitely possible, and in the states purview. Like you said, managing people. If everyone thinks its the way to go, then it happens

No, the State of Alaska official policy (purview) is to not supplemental feed any wildlife, whatsover. It's a codified law, protected under statute. Ain't happening. Plus, it's (feeding) not sound wildlife management.

 

[CodyAK]

That, and the State budget won't allow it, and, it's also way beyond State purview.

State budget doesn't allow a fraction of what we’d like to see. But they also mentioned they're allocating research money for brooks project.

 

[wildwilderness]

No, the State of Alaska official policy (purview) is to not supplemental feed any wildlife, whatsover. It's a codified law, protected under statute. Ain't happening. Plus, it's (feeding) not sound wildlife management.

I know its not happening, but I am pointing out like you said its all about managing people. Laws can be changed, if the people make it happen. Budgets can be allocated if the majority want it to happen. Feeding can be considered ethical or sound if the goal is to have more sheep on the mountain.

What else can be done to mitigate a harsh winter with no feed available?

 

[Mykolaivka887]

Basically, for the best interest of Alaska's wild mountain sheep, and all persons (consumptive and non-consumptive alike) who appreciate and enjoy mountain sheep, is for the residents of Alaska to embrace and promote and adopt a new management strategy for the wild sheep of Alaska; a strategy other than people/predator management, relocation/translocation, supplemental feeding, et cetera. Otherwise, we're just going to continue down this same path of remnant population in extreme low-level equilibrium, with the same disastrous result.

 

[CodyAK]

Basically, for the best interest of Alaska's wild mountain sheep, and all persons (consumptive and non-consumptive alike) who appreciate and enjoy mountain sheep, is for the residents of Alaska to embrace and promote and adopt a new management strategy for the wild sheep of Alaska; a strategy other than people/predator management, relocation/translocation, supplemental feeding, et cetera. Otherwise, we're just going to continue down this same path of remnant population in extreme low-level equilibrium, with the same disastrous result.

In your mind, what is this strategy you keep alluding to?

 

[slick]

Adopt a strategy other than people management (ie draw structure, general season, bag limits, etc.), other than shooting predators as that's ineffective (?), don't translocate sheep from areas with robust populations into areas with diminished populations, don't supplemental feed because its against codified law.

Claims to have the answer but won't share.

 

[Mykolaivka887]

In a nutshell, the residents of Alaska need to adopt a new harvest strategy to turn things around for Dall sheep in Alaska.

 

[slick]

Regulating airplane use?

 

[wildwilderness]

What's wrong with changing the rules on hunting Nat'l Parks? There is precedence for it- look at Grand Teetons holding an elk hunt. People thought it impossible Roe vs Wade would ever be changed... Alaska laws for feeding, breeding or transplanting can be changed...

I think everything should be done or at least attempted to help the current sheep population. I know Weather is a huge uncontrollable factor that has more affect than everything else combined. That's why I am interested in something to mitigate adverse weather events. There is one thing I am sure of and that will be more bad winters/springs with the warming climate and icing events, and potential for more snow (warmer air carries more moisture)

 

[wildwilderness]

Thinking about it, the Western Brooks used to hold lots of sheep. Its been closed for a long time to hunting. However the population has not come back yet. What else is causing the decline? Are there too few sheep to repopulate? Would a transplant help establish a viable population again? They do this all the time for Bighorn sheep.

The only thing I see limited hunting achieve is to have more legal rams available for those who are lucky enough to get to hunt, and potentially better trophy quality. I don't see it as having an overall population level impact. Unless there are not enough rams to breed all the ewes?

 

[cubdriver84d]

EP 244: Climate Change & Dall’s Sheep, with Paul Forward, Roman Dial, and Tom Lohuis - Journal of Mountain Hunting

Nolan sits down with Paul Forward, Roman Dial, and Tom Lohuis to discuss the impacts of climate change on Alaska’s Dall’s Sheep population.

beyondthekill.net

New study estimates 3 times as many golden eagles in Alaska than previously believed

At least 12,700 of the 12-pound predatory birds migrate to the state each summer in order to create new golden eagles.

www.adn.com

I'm sure there are many Political barriers to sheep numbers increasing, and increased hunting opportunities, here are some ideas that won't fly-

-First off Make Sheep management a priority, like moose and caribou are
-Open all federal land to sheep hunting! Lots of closed areas in Nat'l Parks!!!
-No subsistence sheep hunts
-Kill golden eagles!
-Winter feeding? May be the only way to combat bad winters/spring
-Breeding program? heck, should throw some stone/fannin sheep in there as well!

-Maybe make Non-Res a draw statewide, cap the number???

On a side note if the State is going to take control back from the Federal Gov, NOW is the time to do it with the current Supreme Court!!! We need someone in F&G to push that!

AK BHA recently hosted a virtual presentation by Tom Lohuis (ADFG sheep biologist in Palmer) and the other folks from the podcast I linked above to talk about their sheep research. He was asked at the end about the effects of golden eagles on sheep populations, and he stated explicitly that, although they certainly kill some lambs, he does not think golden eagles are a major driver of sheep demographics.

 

[Mykolaivka887]

AK BHA recently hosted a virtual presentation by Tom Lohuis (ADFG sheep biologist in Palmer) ...... and he was asked at the end about the effects of golden eagles on sheep populations ..... he stated explicitly that, although they certainly kill some lambs, he does not think golden eagles are a major driver of sheep demographics.

Exactly. The data emphatically supports that finding.

 

[slick]

The oracle speaks^

 

[Clarktar]

The oracle speaks^

No I didn't.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[Snyd]

Exactly. The data emphatically supports that finding.

EP 244: Climate Change & Dall’s Sheep, with Paul Forward, Roman Dial, and Tom Lohuis - Journal of Mountain Hunting

Nolan sits down with Paul Forward, Roman Dial, and Tom Lohuis to discuss the impacts of climate change on Alaska’s Dall’s Sheep population.

beyondthekill.net

AK BHA recently hosted a virtual presentation by Tom Lohuis (ADFG sheep biologist in Palmer) and the other folks from the podcast I linked above to talk about their sheep research. He was asked at the end about the effects of golden eagles on sheep populations, and he stated explicitly that, although they certainly kill some lambs, he does not think golden eagles are a major driver of sheep demographics.

And then there is this.....

"Alaska Fish and Game biologist Steve Arthur found that golden eagles are significant predators of Dall sheep lambs in the Central Alaska Range. The lambs are born in late May and they’re very vulnerable in their first few weeks."

Alaska’s Most Powerful Bird of Prey, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Alaska Wildlife News is an online magazine published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game

www.adfg.alaska.gov

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/regprocess/gameboard/sheepcomm/pdfs/3predators.pdf

"Predation was the most common cause of death of lambs (90% of deaths for 1999–2002 cohorts). Coyotes and golden eagles were the main predators (40 and 30% of all mortality, respectively). In addition, 20% of deaths were ascribed to unknown predators; many of these cases showed signs of use by coyotes and one or more other predators. Wolves, wolverines, and possibly grizzly bears accounted for small numbers of deaths. Other sources of mortality included drowning, falls, and starvation (probably due to abandonment)."

"Results from this study suggest that, during the peak of the snowshoe hare cycle, predation of lambs by coyotes and eagles was sufficiently high so as to cause the sheep population to decline. However, predation rates were greatly reduced after the hare population declined, and likely will remain low until hares have again increased. In northern areas where populations of snowshoe hares undergo dramatic cycles in abundance, predator-caused mortality of alternate prey, such as Dall sheep lambs, may periodically exceed sustainable levels. Therefore, long-term persistence of sheep in these areas may depend on the ability of the sheep population to grow sufficiently during low and intermediate phases of the hare population cycle so as to accommodate periodic declines when hares and their predators are abundant. Managers should be aware that lamb mortality rates may differ greatly among years, but some of these changes can be predicted based on changes in snowshoe hare populations, especially in areas where

coyotes and golden eagles are present. This knowledge should help managers interpret results of periodic sheep population surveys and identify potential causes of population trends."

 

[Mykolaivka887]

Nearly 30 years of intensive predator control in Alaska has done absolutely nothing to turn the tide for Dall sheep. In fact, the statewide population continues to plummet, exponentially. Obviously, predator control isn't the answer, either.

 

[cubdriver84d]

And then there is this.....

"Alaska Fish and Game biologist Steve Arthur found that golden eagles are significant predators of Dall sheep lambs in the Central Alaska Range. The lambs are born in late May and they’re very vulnerable in their first few weeks."

Alaska’s Most Powerful Bird of Prey, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Alaska Wildlife News is an online magazine published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game

www.adfg.alaska.gov

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/regprocess/gameboard/sheepcomm/pdfs/3predators.pdf

"Predation was the most common cause of death of lambs (90% of deaths for 1999–2002 cohorts). Coyotes and golden eagles were the main predators (40 and 30% of all mortality, respectively). In addition, 20% of deaths were ascribed to unknown predators; many of these cases showed signs of use by coyotes and one or more other predators. Wolves, wolverines, and possibly grizzly bears accounted for small numbers of deaths. Other sources of mortality included drowning, falls, and starvation (probably due to abandonment)."

"Results from this study suggest that, during the peak of the snowshoe hare cycle, predation of lambs by coyotes and eagles was sufficiently high so as to cause the sheep population to decline. However, predation rates were greatly reduced after the hare population declined, and likely will remain low until hares have again increased. In northern areas where populations of snowshoe hares undergo dramatic cycles in abundance, predator-caused mortality of alternate prey, such as Dall sheep lambs, may periodically exceed sustainable levels. Therefore, long-term persistence of sheep in these areas may depend on the ability of the sheep population to grow sufficiently during low and intermediate phases of the hare population cycle so as to accommodate periodic declines when hares and their predators are abundant. Managers should be aware that lamb mortality rates may differ greatly among years, but some of these changes can be predicted based on changes in snowshoe hare populations, especially in areas where

coyotes and golden eagles are present. This knowledge should help managers interpret results of periodic sheep population surveys and identify potential causes of population trends."

That study found evidence to suggest that only during the peak of the snowshoe hare cycle predation rates were high enough to cause population declines. It says nothing about longterm trends, which I think is what Tom L was speaking to.

 

[wildwilderness]

Nearly 30 years of intensive predator control in Alaska has done absolutely nothing to turn the tide for Dall sheep. In fact, the statewide population continues to plummet, exponentially. Obviously, predator control isn't the answer, either.

Predator control has never included Golden Eagles


I did state that climate/weather is the main driver- What’s the answer to that?