Game and Fish to begin radio-collaring

Willow Lake pronghorn

A 12-member Willow Lake Pronghorn Workgroup was formed in March of last year to develop recommendations on how to manage the Willow Lake Antelope herd, which has become surrounded by development. The citizen workgroup is composed of individuals with a variety of backgrounds and interests.  The workgroup's recommendation calls for possibly relocating the pronghorn if the monitoring shows a lack of movement out of the area and a significant decrease in herd size. The monitoring data will also be useful in future management decisions involving pronghorn and development in other areas.

Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists will begin capturing and radio-collaring a portion of the 57 Willow Lake pronghorn near Prescott sometime in March. Game and Fish biologists will attempt to capture individual pronghorn using an air guns firing darts filled with an immobilizing drug. Biologists will fire the darts from temporary blinds placed in strategic areas where the pronghorn frequently travel. Pronghorn will be immobilized for a short time, fitted with radio-collars, and then released on-site. Radio collaring the Willow Lake pronghorn will allow us to better track their movements and survival," said Prescott Field Supervisor Eric Gardner.  Gardner hopes to capture and radio-collar as many as 10 pronghorn, but capturing animals one-at-a-time will be challenging.  Gardner said. Game and Fish will continue to monitor the herd regardless of how many animals are collared.

For more information contact - Eric Gardner, Prescott Area Field Supervisor      (520) 713-1545 (home number) or       David Boyd, Region III Information and Education Coordinator, Kingman Office (520) 692-7700 ext. 117

Support the AG&FD they support you and are trying to ensure our outdoor heritage.  Remember, only you can make a difference.  Get involved and make sure you can pass on your heritage.  Special thanks to the individuals who made up the 12-member group. 

AZOD Staff