Big horn sheep dwindling at Kofa Wildlife Refuge

Gary Hovatter, of the Game and Fish Yuma Regional office, and Jose Viramontes of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report the 2007 survey taken of desert bighorn sheep populations on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, which includes 435 square miles of sheep habitat, has been completed with an estimate of 460 sheep in residence. These results show the numbers are up from the 2006 survey that estimated 390 sheep. Although this most recent survey indicates a slight increase in sheep numbers, wildlife management agencies remain concerned with the historically low population levels on the refuge - much lower, for example, than the 812 sheep estimated on the refuge in the year 2000.

For the past 50 years, the Kofa has been an important source of desert bighorn sheep for the reestablishment and maintenance of bighorn populations across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas. The most recent translocation of sheep from the Kofa was in 2005 when 30 sheep were captured and transported to the San Andres Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. As a result of the finds of the 2006 survey, no new translocations from the Kofa herd have been scheduled.

While severe drought is a significant limiting factor for bighorn sheep and other desert species, the decline in the face of somewhat improved rainfall conditions since 2003 is the subject of ongoing study by both the USFWS and AGFD. In November, 30 bighorn sheep ewes were captured and fitted with tracking devices in order to monitor nutrition, movements and mortality, and assist in making management decisions in keeping with the findings and recommendations of the joint USFWS-AZGFD investigative report published last year. The research component of this effort marks the beginning of a five-year collaborative effort on the Kofa bighorn herd by the U.S. Geological Survey-Biological Resources Division (USGS-BRD), the USFWS and AGFD. As part of the processing of the captured animals, blood samples were drawn for disease analysis and measurements taken to determine body conditions. Results of the disease analysis are still pending.

Predation, permanent water availability, disease and public recreation impact on lambing areas are among the other factors being studied for their possible contributions to population decline, with the ongoing efforts being funded by the USFWS, AGFD, the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep and the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club.

The ongoing investigation and management of mountain lion predation includes the use of waterhole cameras; searches for lion tracks, scat or kills; the capture, collaring and tracking of lions; and recording of all reported lion sightings. Newly arrived on the Kofa as a resident component of the ecosystem, it is thought that lions may be adding significant additional mortality to prey populations already heavily stressed by drought or disease.

Survey data also will continue to be used to adjust hunting and translocation activities so as to minimize any additive downward pressure on the bighorn population. The USFWS and AGFD continue their combined research and active management strategy in the pursuit of a desert bighorn sheep herd that can once again sustain a translocation program. Check the web site at www.azgfd.gov/kofa for additional information about management and research activities related to the Kofa desert bighorn sheep populations.

Hunt happenings

*Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: Congratulations to members with successful hunts this past year which include Larry Smart with his bighorn sheep, Phil Townsend with his whitetail deer and Frankie Ferguson with is Kaibab deer. Winners of the 2007 Big Javelina Contest are: First place to Kevin Wilson with his whopp'n 64-pounder, Frank Gaumer and David Fischer with javelina weighing 43 pounds, to Tommy Ray - 40 pounds, Jeff Miller - 39.5, Bryon Strom - 38.5 pounds, Matthew Phillips - 37 pounds, Ed Stone - 36.8, Dick Fischer - 34, Bertin Lewis Sr. - 28.5 and George Reiners - 25.5. Good shoot'n to everyone! New members are most welcome with dues $40 ($30 seniors over 65, $20 youth through 13) - to check out the website go to newsletter@yvrgc.com or call Paul Williams at 343-9099.

*Ducks Unlimited: Contact George Daniels at 726-4248 of the Yuma Chapter of DU for information on the Jan.26 DU Banquet being held in Yuma.

*Hunter Safety Education Class: Attend the Jan. 14-26 "free" class 6-9 p.m. at the Yuma office of Game and Fish, a must for any youngster under 14 who might want to hunt big game in Arizona - bring your adult along and arrive early to be assured of a seat. Call Game and Fish at 342-0091.

Fish findings

*The January 19th Fortuna Pond Junior Fishing Clinic is free to any interested youngster with the clinic being limited to the first 100 kids - must register and be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. A free fishing rod and reel will be given to each youngster who is registered and has completed the various learning clinics that day with classes on knots, bait and tackle, casting, fishing rules and regulations, and learning how to clean a fish. Youngsters will be assisted in successfully learning how to fish. Call Debbie Hovatter at (928) 210-7304.

Fishing clubs

*Yuma Bassmasters: Meet with club members at 6 p.m. Tuesday at River Marine with the January 19th Pro/Am Tournament on the agenda. Interested fishermen are most welcome. Call Curtis Cernic at 503-0511 or River Marine at 783-6502.

*Yuma Women's Reel and Rifle Club: Members are reminded it's time to pay those annual dues - $20 adult, $10 youngsters. Ladies and their young gals interested in hunting, fishing and/or the shooting sports are always welcome with the next meeting Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion, 2575 Virginia Dr. Call me at 726-0953 for information. To report catches for the fish boards, call Judy Proksch at 305-1240.

*Yuma Desert Bass Anglers: Watch next week's column for results of the Jan. 5 Team Tournament or call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984. New members are welcome with dues $15 - $10 each additional family member.

*Yuma Pro/Am Series:  Call Bob La Londe at 580-1270 for information on the January Pro/Am tournament being planned.

*Goin' Fishin' Productions: For a bass class on the water, call Dave Willhide at 782-2621 who will furnish a fully rigged bass boat with all gear needed to learn tips, tactics, locations and bait selection for catching that Colorado River largemouth or smallmouth bass.