Tucannon Bighorn Sheep Lamb Captures

Tucannon Bighorn Sheep Lamb Captures

Hello all,

The Tucannon Bighorn Sheep herd, located primarily on the Wooten Wildlife Area along the Tucannon River, has been in decline for a number of years, primarily due to poor lamb survival. In 2012, we augmented the herd with 5 ewes from the Asotin herd, but lamb survival and recruitment has continued to be very low. We are undertaking an effort to determine the causes of poor lamb survival, and as part of this effort, we will be attempting to capture up to 5 lambs and put radio-collars on them to monitor survival. In order to capture lambs, we need to observe ewes during the lambing period (generally the first 3 weeks of May), identify ewes that are preparing to lamb, identify lambing locations, and capture lambs within the first 2 days of lambing. You all will be assisting with the spotting and monitoring of ewe behavior.

This being the first year of this effort, we are still working through the process, but we expect your assistance will consist of 1) watching ewe groups, 2) monitoring single ewes that leave groups, 3) identifying where single ewes go, and 4) directing a biologist to a ewe’s lambing location. Most of these activities will probably be done from long distance through spotting scopes. We only have 2 radio-collared ewes out of 10-11 ewes total, so finding ewes may be very difficult. Hopkins Ridge, on the west side of the Tucannon River, will provide a good overlook of a portion of the usual ewe range. Hopefully we all will be able to find groups by scanning from viewpoints along this ridge. Various viewpoints will allow you to scan the different aspects of draws off the main ridges. If you are interested, there are some areas that can be best viewed by hiking up into some of the deeper and more complex draws, but we suspect most of your viewing will be done in close proximity to the old 2-track along Hopkins Ridge.

We have some spare equipment, but it will be very helpful if you can bring your own binoculars and spotting scope with tripod and/ or window mount. Also, a 4-wheel drive vehicle will be most appropriate for accessing the old 2-track along Hopkins Ridge. We will have small 2-way radios which will hopefully work across the valley so we can keep in contact concerning ewe group locations and single ewe movements.

We will probably begin searching for sheep around 8:00 am each morning. There will be opportunity during the day for a break back at the bunkhouse if needed, and we will probably stay out close to sunset. That said, as much time as you can provide will be greatly appreciated. The weather this time of year can be highly variable, so be prepared for cool weather, especially in the morning. Rain/wind gear would be helpful, although spotting sheep from a distance will not be very productive in extreme wet weather. Also, be prepared for ticks if you spend much time sitting away from your vehicle or hiking.

To reach the Wooten Wildlife Area office and bunkhouse coming from the west through Dayton, as you go through town, stay in the left hand lane, go past the Best Western on your left and look for the Patit Creek Rd on your right before you cross the overpass heading out of town. Stay on the Patit Creek Rd for roughly 16 miles, where it will “T” into the Hartsock Grade Rd. Take a left onto the Hartsock and continue down the Grade until you reach the bottom where the road will intersect with the Tucannon River Rd. Take a right on the Tucannon River Rd and travel roughly 2 miles to the Wooten Wildlife Area office. There is a driveway with the gate attached to the back of the garage. Enter this drive and park at the small parking area.

There are 3 bedrooms at the bunkhouse, one with bunk beds and 2 with double beds. If you plan on staying overnight, you will need a sleeping bag and pillow. The kitchen is fully equipped with range, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, pots and pans, utensils, etc, so all you will need to bring is food. There is a small grocery at the Last Resort Campground, but it is very expensive. Dayton has a grocery store on the west end of town, and numerous restaurants.

Point A is the Patit Creek Rd on the east side of Dayton, Point B is the Wooten Wildlife Area office and bunkhouse. Total distance is about 20 miles.

Detail of Patit Rd

Detail of Hartscock and Tucannon River Rds.

If interested in assisting, please contact:

Mark Vekasy

WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife

Assistant District Wildlife Biologist

District 3, Blue Mountains

1340 N 13th Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362

Cell: 509 780-1016

Office: 509 527-4105

Email: