Arizona Game & Fish Department’s
WILDLIFE NEWS
Sept. 10, 2002 Vol. 50 No. 35
EDITOR: Rory Aikens, (602) 789-3214, raikens@gf.state.az.us, or Marijke Van Fleet at (602) 789-3377, mvanfleet@gf.state.az.us.
THIS WEEK'S STORIES
Fishing Limits Lifted From Scotts Reservoir
Reward Offered In Condor Death
Spring Hunt Regulations Available (you can apply now)
Go Online For Small Game Outlook
Outdoor Recreation Expo This Weekend
Note: The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes they have been discriminated against in any Game and Fish program or activity, including its employment practices, the individual may file a complaint alleging discrimination directly with the Game and Fish Deputy Director, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phx., AZ 85023, (602) 942-3000 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact the Game and Fish Deputy Director as listed above or by calling TTY at 1-800 367-8939.
150 Hunters Get Tags Due to Computer Glitch
There are 150 hunters with an extra reason to smile this season – they are all getting hunting tags due to a computer glitch during the first-come, first-served process for leftover hunt-permit tags in August.
The computer glitch resulted in 150 more tag “confirmations” being sent to individuals than there were hunt-permit tags available. On September 5, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission decided to award all those individuals with tags.
Information Branch Chief Joe Janisch explained that this was the first time the department conducted an on-line and telephone-only process for first-come, first-served big game tags leftover from the July draw. In the past, the first-come, first-served process has been via mail-only.
“In reality, it was all a computer process this year, because even when applicants called the telephone number, the person on the receiving end was sitting at a computer terminal entering the information,” he said.
Janisch further explained that the computer logic for the first-come, first-served program was designed to handle two people simultaneously trying to hit the Web site for the last tags. “Apparently, the program was not designed to take hundreds of hits simultaneously, and that is what happened.”
The program “reserved” tags once people were logged onto the system, and then sent e-mail success notices to the applicants it determined were successful. “It was a case of tag goes to the runner. However, we ended up having 150 more people on base at the same time than there were hunt-permit tags available. Unfortunately, the computer sent notices to those 150 people telling them that they were successful,” Janisch said.
The Game and Fish Commission agreed with the department recommendation to award the over-issued tags to those applicants who incorrectly received a tag confirmation. There are 145 tags for antlered whitetail deer and five tags for anterless elk in various units that have been awarded by the commission. Successful hunters will be notified by mail.
Commission Lifts Limits At Scotts Reservoir
You can now catch all the fish you want at Scotts Reservoir in Pinetop-Lakeside.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission removed the bag limits and liberalized the methods of take at Scotts Reservoir on September 5th because the lake will be drained for dam repairs and a fish kill is likely.
The Show Low Irrigation Company plans to drain the Navajo County reservoir with fall to repair the dam. Although there is dead storage of a small pool less than two feet deep below the head gate when the lake is completely drained, the irrigation company plans to pump water out of the this area as well so they can work on the head gate, so a fish kill is possible.
Fishing is currently fair to good at Scott’s Reservoir. The lake contains rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill. The preference is to remove bag limits and liberalize methods of tag so anglers can harvest the fish rather than losing those resources through a fish kill.
Condor Found Dead: Reward Offered
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 – with the Arizona Game and Fish Department offering up to a $1,000 reward – for information about the recent death of a rare California condor.
It is believed that California condor #186 died sometime between Aug. 28 and 30 in the Kaibab National Forest in northwestern Arizona. Condor #186 – a male – was hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo on April 15, 1998. He was transported to The Peregrine Fund's Hurricane Cliffs release site on Oct. 8, 1998 and released with eight other condors on Nov. 18 of the same year.
This condor was expected to begin breeding at the normal age – six or seven years old.
Individuals with information they believe may be helpful should call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent in Mesa, AZ at 480-835-8289 or Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700.
G&F Commission Being Provided Briefings
On Wolves, Red Squirrels, & Rodeo Fire
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is being provided “briefings” on the Mexican wolf reintroduction program, the Mt. Graham red squirrel conservation efforts, and the status of upcoming fall hunts in hunt units ravaged by the Rodeo-Chediski Fire.
The Game and Fish Commission is meeting in Springerville on September 13-14. Friday’s meeting begins at 9 a.m. at American Legion Post 30, 825 E. Main Street. Saturday’s portion of the meeting begins at 8 a.m. at the Round Valley High School Auditorium, 550 N. Butler Street in Eagar.
The presentations on the wolf reintroduction and Mt. Graham red squirrel situation are slated for the Saturday meeting in the Round Valley High School Auditorium while the Unit 3C briefing is slated for Friday.
The Commission is being provided a briefing on the “progress and results of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 3-Year Review” of its Mexican wolf reintroduction program and an update regarding the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s comments pertaining to this review. The posted agenda states that, “The Commission may vote to give the Department direction regarding its recommendations to the Service.”
The Commission will also be provided a briefing on Mount Graham red squirrel conservation, including:
· The results of ongoing survey efforts;
· Red squirrel habitat selection in response to landscape changes induced by fire and/or insect infestation;
· Refugium access;
· Any plans for changes in survey protocol and/or study site boundaries as a result of red squirrel habitat changes.
The agenda states that the Commission, “may vote to give the Department direction on Mount Graham red squirrel refugium access.”
The Commission is being provided a briefing on the status of upcoming fall hunts in Unit 3C and updates on the watershed recovery and department involvement in wildlife habitat rehabilitation from the Rodeo-Chediski Fire. The agenda states that “No action will be taken by the commission” on this agenda item.
The briefing includes:
· Hunter access and hunt predictions for 3C;
· Big game population status in 3C;
· Wildlife use on temporary waters in the burn area;
· Burned area runoff and its effects on downstream systems;
· Salvage timber harvest progress;
· Habitat recovery progress;
· Summary of private landowner assistance;
· Bear Springs property recovery update.
Spring Hunting Regulations Available
(You Can Now Start Applying)
The “Spring 2003 Hunting Regulation Supplement” is now available at all license dealers in the state, at www.azgfd.com, and at all seven Arizona Game and Fish Department regional offices – and you can start applying now!
The deadline to submit hunt applications for spring turkey, javelina, buffalo, and bear is Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Remember, postmarks don’t count!
Now you can get your hunting and fishing licenses online – and apply for spring hunts – anytime day or night at www.azgfd.com.
“One of the most common mistakes applicants have made for past spring hunts is not getting the next year’s license. A way to avoid making such errors is to apply online – the computer fields won’t let you make simple errors,” said Public Information Officer Rory Aikens.
Small Game Outlook Available Online
Thinking about taking the youngsters squirrel hunting this year? Maybe you’re new to the state and want to know the best areas for quail hunting. Or you’ve been in Arizona for a long time, but haven’t been out on a small game hunt in a long time.
Whatever the reason, when it comes to small game this year – be it quail, rabbits, or squirrel –it’s worth a visit to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Internet Home Page. Look under “What’s New” for the “Small Game Outlook.”
Outdoor Recreation Expo This Weekend
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will have lots of outdoor activities for the whole family at the first annual Outdoor Recreation Expo this weekend. The expo runs from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, September 13 & 14, and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, September 15 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza.
Activities include two laser shooting booths, a viewing tank hatchery truck from the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery (with fish in it, of course!) and an electro-shocking boat. The Department will also be doing shows ranging from outdoor and game meat cooking to speeches on various outdoor-related topics like boating safety and wildlife – with live wildlife from the Wildlife Center and Adobe Mountain provided as visual aids. Information on Off-Highway Vehicles, Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration, Fishing, Hunting, Boating Safety, Heritage Fund programs, Wildlife Management, Operation Game Thief, and the Wildlife Center at Adobe Mountain will also be available.
The weather is starting to cool down, so this is the perfect time of year to take the family outdoors for some fun. Other activities at the expo include fly-tying, a kids’ fishing pond, a planetarium with stargazing, and a rock climbing wall.
Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Update Aug. 16 - 31
This is a brief summary of current information about the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program in Arizona and New Mexico. Additional information can be obtained by calling (505) 248-6652 or (928) 367-4281 or by visiting our web site, http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov. Call toll-free at (888) 459-9653 to report suspected livestock depredations, incidents of take or harassment of wolves, or wolf sightings.
The reintroduction is a multi-agency cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, USDA-Wildlife Services, U.S. Forest Service, the Turner Endangered Species Fund, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
Numbering System: Mexican wolves are given an identification number recorded in an official studbook that tracks the history of all known Mexican wolves. Capital letters preceding the number indicate adult animals two years or older (M = Male, F = Female). Capital letter “A” preceding the letter and number indicate alpha wolves. Lower case letters indicate sub-adults or pups (m = male, f = female).
WOLF PACK NEWS
Bluestem Pack (AM507, AF521, M639, m754, m755, m756, f757, f758): Arizona
The members of the Bluestem pack are establishing a territory in the area of Beaver Creek and Bear Creek. On occasion M639 continues to travel separately from the alpha pair. On Aug. 21, the Bluestem pack was likely involved in a depredation (see Incident section). Project personnel continue intensive monitoring and hazing efforts to deter the wolves from the Beaver Creek Lodge property (see Incident section). Project personnel have ceased providing supplemental feed to the pack.
Saddle Pack (AM574, AF510, F646): Arizona
The pack has recently been located in the vicinity of Blue Vista and KP Cienega Campground. They have also been using areas near Hoodoo Knoll and the West Fork Campground.
Hawks Nest Pack (AM619, AF486): Arizona
The pair continues to spend much of their time in the Campbell Blue and Coyote Creek drainages. They also spent some time in the Crosby Crossing area and near Sierra Blanca Lake. More recently, they have been located near Half Moon/Elk Wallow Lakes as well as Josh Tank at the southern end of their territory.
Bonito Creek Pack (AM674, AF587): Arizona
The pair continues to use the areas near Hurricane and Reservation Lakes. On Aug. 23, project personnel located the den site. The den was found in an area of exposed rock with many large boulders leaning and stacked against each other. Several small dugouts were found with wolf hair in them that could have been used for whelping.
Cienega Pack (AM194, AF487, F621): Arizona, New Mexico
The alpha pair continues to use the area northeast of Hannagan Meadow and have been located on occasion in the vicinity of Willow Creek, Horseshoe Cienega, and east of Clell Spring. On Aug. 18, campers observed two wolves in an area of the Cienega pack territory chasing an elk in a meadow at 1 a.m., and later in the morning saw at least one pup but possibly two playing/digging in gopher holes. On Aug. 31, AF487 was captured in a trap set to capture any un-collared wolves traveling with the pair (i.e. wild-born pups born to the pair in 2001 or 2002). She was given a complete exam, fitted with a new radio collar, and released on-site. She was in good condition. Yearling F621 remains in New Mexico and has recently been located near Cub Mountain and Turkey Feather Pass in the Gila Wilderness.
Francisco Pack (AM509, AF511, F644, m794): Arizona
The pack was located in the Dry Pong area on the San Carlos Reservation and recently has been located as far north as Snake Creek and as far south as Bear Wallow Creek in the Bear Wallow Wilderness in the Apache National Forest. Project personnel continue to monitor the Four Drag Ranch area for possible depredation incidents and to capture un-collared wolves. On Aug. 30, Wildlife Services personnel observed two wolf pups at a tank east of Malay gap and again, on Aug. 31 observed one pup coming to the same tank while monitoring the Four Drag Ranch. It is uncertain whether this pup was one of the same pups seen the previous day. The pups appeared to be in good physical condition and were estimated to weigh approximately 30 to 35 pounds, which would be consistent for pups of approximately four months old.
Pipestem Pack (AM190, AF628): New Mexico
The pack remains in captivity at the Sevilleta wolf facility. Genetic test results on the pup’s parentage are pending.
Gapiwi Pack (AM584, AF624): New Mexico
The pair has been located in the vicinity of Prior Cabin and Hells Hole in the Gila Wilderness.
Luna Pack (AM583, AF562): New Mexico
The pair continues to localize in the vicinity of McKenna Park and White Creek Cabin in the Gila Wilderness. They have also been located near Langstroth Canyon.
FATE UNKNOWN (indicates wolves that have not been located for three months or longer).
· M555 (Gavilan Pack – last signal 02/12/00)
· M627 (Pipestem Pack – last signal 07/02/00)
· F189 (Mule Pack – last signal 02/02/01)
· F127 (Hawk’s Nest Pack - slipped out of radio collar; last seen 9/19/98)
· F579 (Mule Pack un-collared pup released 5/24/99)
· M581 (Mule Pack un-collared pup released 5/24/99)
· M586 (Gavilan Pack un-collared pup released 5/22/99)
· M641 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00)
· M642 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00)
· M643 (Francisco Pack un-collared pup released 7/15/00)
· M678 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01)
· F679 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01)
· M680 (Lupine Pack un-collared pup released 6/20/01)
· Three un-collared Hawk’s Nest pups (sexes unknown) released 6/3/99
SEASONAL NEWS
Seven of the eight free-ranging packs, and potentially all eight packs, are believed to have had pups this year. Numbers of pups surviving to each of the packs is unknown. The packs have moved away from their den sites and project personnel are currently attempting to locate the abandoned den sites to gather data on den site characteristics and possibly, pup mortality.
Project personnel are continuing trapping efforts for un-collared wolves to document wild-born wolves.
Archery bear season began Aug. 23 and continues through Oct. 7 in Unit 1 (north of Alpine and west to Vernon) in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Hunters in wolf recovery areas are advised to restrain their dogs and keep them near campsites to prevent wolf/dog altercations.
CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
On Aug. 27, members of the field team administered vaccinations to two litters (12 pups total) of captive pups at the Sevilleta wolf facility.
INCIDENTS
On Aug. 21, project personnel found a dead calf near the junction of the 24/26 Roads in the Apache National Forest. Wildlife Services personnel were notified and responded to the situation and confirmed wolves were responsible for the depredation. The Bluestem Pack had been located in the area and the alpha pair approached the carcass during the investigation. The owner of the calf and Defenders of Wildlife were notified of the depredation.
Project personnel continue intensive monitoring efforts of the Bluestem pack to prevent possible depredations in the Bear Creek pasture. Efforts are also being made to haze and prevent the wolves from approaching the Beaver Creek area. Two Radio Activated Guard (RAG) boxes are still in place on the property in an attempt to deter wolves from entering the property.
REWARDS OFFERED
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the recent shooting deaths of three Mexican gray wolves. An additional $5,000 is being offered by the Center for Biological Diversity.
The Lupine Pack alpha female, AF169, was found dead from gunshot wounds on Nov. 15 near Maverick Mountain on the White Mountain Apache Reservation; Saddle Pack yearling female, f645, was found dead from gunshot wounds on Nov. 5, near Forest Road 117, south of Highway 60, in the Greens Peak area near Vernon; and Lupine yearling male, m630, was found dead from gunshot wounds Dec. 3, 18 miles northwest of Springerville, south of Highway 60 in Apache County, Arizona.
Investigations into the illegal killing of four other Mexican wolves are also still being conducted:
· Campbell Blue alpha female, AF174, was shot on Aug. 7, 1998, in the Williams Valley area near Alpine, Arizona.
· Hawk’s Nest male, m532, was found dead from gunshot wounds near the Arizona/New Mexico state line on Nov. 7, 1998.
· Hawk’s Nest male, m531, was found dead from gunshot wounds on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation on Nov. 23, 1998;
· Francisco yearling male, m590, was found dead from gunshot wounds on Dec. 18, 2000 approximately ½- mile north of Highway 12 in the Apache National Forest’s Divide wood cutting area near Aragon, New Mexico.
Individuals with information they believe may be helpful should call one of these agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Mesa, AZ at (480) 835-8289 or Pinetop at (928) 367-5689; the White Mountain Apache Tribe at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700; or New Mexico Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263.
The killing of a Mexican gray wolf is a violation of Federal and State’s of Arizona and New Mexico laws. Violations of the Federal Endangered Species Act can invoke criminal penalties of up to $25,000 and /or six months in jail, or a civic penalty of up to $10,000.