Denver, CO 80202...Denver, CO 80202 Bob D. Broscheid, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Parks and Wildlife Commission: Robert W. Bray, Chair • Chris Castilian, Vice Chair

1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 Denver, CO 80202

Bob D. Broscheid, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Parks and Wildlife Commission: Robert W. Bray, Chair • Chris Castilian, Vice Chair Jeanne Horne, Secretary • John Howard, Jr. • Bill Kane • Dale Pizel • James Pribyl • James Vigil • Dean Wingfield • Michelle Zimmerman • Alex Zipp

MEMORANDUM

Date: November 4, 2016

To: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners

From: Bob D. Broscheid, Director

RE: 2016-2017 Animal Capture and Movement - Summary of proposals and completed translocations

Colorado Parks and Wildlife professionals capture and move animals for a variety of reasons to fulfill the agency’s mission. Many different programs and branches of the agency work together on an annual basis to implement this extensive and fundamental aspect of wildlife management. The information presented in this memo and the attached spreadsheets summarizes our proposals and completed translocations and appraises the Commission of other ongoing capture operations.

All the proposals for animal capture and movement planned for the upcoming year have been thoroughly vetted by staff, regulation review managers and the Leadership Team. Several of this year’s proposed projects augment or extend the distribution of existing populations. Other projects are designed to collect data for research and/or management purposes. However, none of the 2016-2017 Animal Capture and Movement Proposals rises to the level that requires Commission approval. CPW’s Administrative Directive W-23 maintains approval for capture and transplant of animals at operational levels within the agency while ensuring Director’s staff and Commission involvement where appropriate or required. The directive establishes a tiered approval process, with Director’s Staff and Commission approval required for animal capture and movement operations that involve introductions, reintroductions, or movements of state and federal endangered and threatened species, federal candidate species or exotic species. Commission approval is also required for interstate movement of big game, state and federal endangered species, and federal candidate species. The directive specifically details the roles, responsibilities, capture guidelines, and the approval process the agency uses to ensure the welfare of individual animals, animal populations, and human safety.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been granted the legal authority to capture and move animals as part of fulfilling its mission. Additional legal and policy direction is contained in Commission Policy: Management of Wildlife Populations. The approval authority for all other

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners November 4, 2016 Page 2 animal capture and movement is designated to the Director through the Management of Wildlife Populations Policy, Administrative Directive W-23, and statute. I am pleased to provide this information to update the Commission on the significant amount of animal capture and movement this agency conducts. This trap and transplant work provides scientific information and data that support CPW’s programs to perpetuate the wildlife resources of this state. I am very proud of this work and want to acknowledge the dedication and effort our biologists provide every year to conduct these operations, ensuring animal welfare and human safety. I will be pleased to address any questions or concerns you have, or to provide additional information for any of these capture operations.

Thank You.

SPECIES

PROJECT

TIER

FUNDING

SOURCE

PROPOSED

RELEASE SITE AREA(s) REGION

PROPOSED

SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS

No animals translocated during reporting period

PRONGHORN No animals translocated during reporting period

MOOSE No animals translocated during reporting period

2015-2016 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - BIG GAME

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP

Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval

Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval

Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval

2015-16 Translocation Progress-draft_Statewide10132016 final 1

SPECIES

PROJECT

TIER

FUNDING

SOURCE

PROPOSED

RELEASE SITE AREA REGION

PROPOSED


MWT 1GMU 681 in San Luis

Valley17 SW Canon City/25-40 birds

100% disease testing because of proximity to Poncha Pass GUSGR population, though release site is ~15

miles south of occupied habitat. Several transplants have occurred to Kerber and Peterson Creeks with

only a small remaining population. No birds were moved in 2015-16.


Valley17 SW Area 15/25-40 birds

Augment an existing but small population along the Rio Grande River on State Wildlife Areas. Previous

transplants of RGWT and MWT have occurred with limited success. No birds were moved in 2015-16.


Valley17 SW Area 15/25-40 birds

Augment an existing but small population. Previous transplants of MWT have occurred with limited

success. No birds were moved in 2015-16.

MWT 1 Escalante SWA GMU 62 18 SW Gateway(nuisance on

private lands)/25-40 birds

Follow up on 2 previous transplants in an attempt to establish a resident non-migratory population along

the Gunnison River. No birds were moved in 2015-16.

MWT 1Lone Dome SWA GMU

71115 SW

Montezuma or La Plata

Cnty, Area 15Augment a very low local population. No birds were moved in 2015-16.

RGWT 1wildlife

cash

Area 12 - Queens and

Two Buttes SWA12 SE Area 14 - Hugo

Released a total of 56 turkeys captured in Hugo. Of the birds captured, 30 were released on Queens

SWA and 26 were released on Two Buttes SWA.

SQUL 2wildlife

cashUtah 11 SE Area 11/200 birds Captured an transferred 200 scaled quail to Utah in October 2016.

CHUK 1wildlife

cash

Lower Poudre

Canyon/Cherokee SWA4 NE Utah - 207 chukar

Released 207 chukar to complete the approved translocation operation of chukar to provide a new small

game hunting opportunity on the front range, on public land, in the areas at the mouth of Poudre

Canyon that have recently burned and which will provide chukar habitat for years to come. The goal is

to initiate a self sustaining population by quantifying the available habitat and evaluating the transplant

success in relationship to population performance and hunter numbers/success.

CSTGR 1

wildlife

cash,

Federal

Aid, GOCO

Supplemental release

into Middle Park in

2014-15 with an

additional

site(Wolcott/State

Bridge, Carbondale,

Blue Mountain,

Meeker, Uncompahgre

Plateau) to be

selected for

transplants in fall

2015.

6 and 10--

source; 9--

recipient

NW

Western Routt

County/Eastern Moffat

County for Middle Park /

fall 2014 (40+ males),

spring 2015 (40-50 females

and 5-10 males. Additional

birds in spring 2016.

Forty male sharptailed grouse were transplanted to the Williams Fork site in Middle Park in September

2014, with 45 females transplanted in April 2015. An additional 11 birds were released at the site in the

spring of 2016 to complete this transplant project.

CHUKAR

COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE

2015-2016 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL

MIRRIAMS WILD TURKEY (MWT)

RIO GRANDE WILD TURKEY (RGWT)

SCALED QUAIL

wildlife

cash

SPECIES

PROJECT

TIER

FUNDING

SOURCE

PROPOSED


PROPOSED


2015-2016 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL

CSTGR 1wildlife

cash

Wolcott/State Bridge

transplant--fall, 2015

and spring, 2016

transplants.

Additional spring

transplants (primarily

of females) to occur

in the spring of 2017

and 2018.

6 and 10--

source; 8--

recipient

Western Routt

County/Eastern Moffat

County. Approximately 40

males in fall 2015, Spring

2016, 40-50 females and 5-

10 males.

Rangewide and Colorado specific CSTGR transplant guidelines were completed in the summer of 2013

and 2014 respectively. A Colorado CSTGR trap and transplant committee, formed per the Colorado

guidelines, evaluated all proposed sites in 2015. A transplant site in the Wolcott/State Bridge area was

selected to follow the completion of the Middle Park transplant. The initial trapping season for this

transplant site was conducted in September, 2015, with 37 males and 4 females captured in Routt and

Moffat counties and transplanted on the new site. Males had formed an active lek site by the spring of

2016, when 53 additional sharp-tailed grouse (mostly females) were transplanted to the site. Additional

spring releases will occur in 2017 and 2018.

RUGR 2wildlife

cashGrand Mesa 7 NW

Southeastern Idaho--initial

contact has been made,

but Idaho has yet to

definitively offer to

provide RUGR to Colorado.

Utah DWR offered up to

100 birds (50 each in 2016

and 2017) in exchange for

a similar number of

Columbian sharp-tailed

grouse. The desired

number of RUGR to be

transplanted is up to 300

birds, with 50-100 birds

captured and transplanted

each year. 25 birds

captured

Colorado contains significant areas of apparently suitable RUGR habitat (aspen/mountain shrub types).

Distribution of RUGR is currently limited to a small area in the northwest corner of the state, but

historic records suggest that broader distribution existed historically. RUGR have been proposed for

transplant on two previous occasions, and the then Wildlife Commission passed a resolution in 1992 in

support of pursuing RUGR transplants. CPW staff trapped an initial 25 RUGR in central Utah and

transplanted them on the Garfield SWA between September 5 and September 16, 2016. UDWR will trap

additional RUGR in 2017 for transplant to the site. Idaho is still of interest as a source site for

additional birds if the state will commit to allowing their capture for transplant in future years.




RUFFED GROUSE

2015-16 Translocation Progress-draft_Statewide10132016 final 2

SPECIES

PROJECT

TIER

FUNDING

SOURCE

PROPOSED


PROPOSED


BFF 3wildlife

cash

Pueblo County, Baca

County, Prowers

County

12 SE

National Black-footed

Ferret Conservation

Center/38 ferrets

Blackfooted ferrets were released in two locations in fall of 2015 in accordance with the Black-footed

Recovery Plan and the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement. The total released were as follows: Baca

and Prowers county sites 38.

BFF 3

Pueblo County, Baca

County, Prowers

County

11, 12 SE


Ferret Conservation

Center/21 ferrets

BFF 3Soapstone Natural

Area4 NE


Ferret Conservation

Center/15 ferrets

2015-2016 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - CONSERVATION SPECIES

BLACKFOOTED FERRET




Blackfooted ferrets will be released in up to three locations in fall of 2016 in accordance with the Black-

footed Recovery Plan and the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement. The proposed allocation of ferrets

is as follows: Baca county site (6 adults); Prowers county site (15; 12 kits, 3 adults), and Soapstone (15;

12 kits, 3 adults).

wildlife

cash

2016-2017 Animal Capture and Movement Proposals - Conservation Species 1

SPECIESPROJECT

TIERFUNDING SOURCE

PROPOSED RELEASE SITE AREA REGION

PROPOSED SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS

LPC 2GOCO, Wildlife Cash

Baca County, USFS Comanche National Grasslands

12 SE

20 males Fall 2016, 40 females and 20 males Spring 2017, 40 females and 20 males Spring 2018, 40 females and 20 males Spring 2019

LPC have an extensive history of distribution on the USFS Comanche National Grasslands in Baca County. In the late 1980’s high counts of LPC in Baca County were 350 LPC. In 1998 we had a high count of 183 LPC. Since that time, we have seen a consistent downward trend in the LPC population. The blizzard event in December 2006 reduced LPC numbers in Baca County by 50%. Since 2006, southeast CO has experinced several successive years of drought and we continued to see reduced LPC numbers. In May 2016, we had a high count of 2 LPC in Baca County. In an effort to prevent complete extirpation from Baca County, we propose to trap LPC in Kansas and release them on the Comanche National Grasslands, which is owned and managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS). Our proposal is a cooperative project with Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism and the USFS. The LPC Interstate Working Group and WAFWA are supportive of the proposal.

BFF 3wildlife cash

National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center/150 ferrets

Blackfooted ferrets will be released in accordance with the Black-footed Recovery Plan and the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement in up to 3 locations in the fall of 2017. The proposed allocation of ferrets is as follows: Pueblo county site (50), Baca and Pioneers county sites (30 each), and Soapstone (40).

2016-2017 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - CONSERVATION SPECIES

BLACKFOOTED FERRET

Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approvalTier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approvalTier 3 = Director and Commission approval

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN

SPECIES PROJECT TIER FUNDING SOURCE

YEAR

START & END AREA(s) REGION

PROPOSED

NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE COMMENTS

RBS 1wildlife cash, Federal

Aid, Auction & Raffle2012-ongoing 14 SE 15 Pikes Peak-S6 and S46

Capture of approximately 15 sheep to evaluate efficacy of Dome Rock habitat treatments &

ongoing survival and mark-resight study.


Aid2013-ongoing 14 SE 5 Rampart Range-S34

Capture of approximately 5-10 sheep for movement and distribution monitoring following the

Waldo Canyon Fire.


Aid, Auction & Raffle2012-ongoing 13 SE 2-4 ewes Badger Creek-S47

Capture 2-4 ewes to replace radio collars from mortalities. Collared animals are used to derive

minimum population estimates and determine gross movements and survival information.

RBS 1 PVT, OTR CORP 2011-ongoing 13 SE several ewesArkansas River-Over The River

(OTR)

Capture several ewes to replace radio collars from mortalities. Collard animals are used for

monitoring and distribution information.


Aid, Auction & Raffle2011-ongoing 13 SE 15 ewes Granite-S12 Capture of sheep for population monitoring

RBS 1Auction & Raffle,

RMBS2011-ongoing 16 SW 1 Lake City-S33

Capture and attach GPS radio collars on 1 additional adult BHS sheep for monitoring, movement,

and distribution information in relationship to an active domestic sheep allotment in the West San

Juan (RBS-21) sheep unit.

RBS 1Auction & Raffle, USFS,

RMBS2016-2021 15 SW

10 (approx 5 rams,

5 ewes)Vallecito S28 initially

Evaluate S28 sheep spatial movements within S28 and neighboring units, establish a pathogen

profile for S28 sheep, familiarize the agencies and the public with the potential risks regarding

transmission between bighorn and domestic sheep

RBS 1 Auction & Raffle, RMBS 2016-2021 16/17 SW 20S22, S36, S53 Central San

Juans RBS 22

1. Compare post-outbreak disease effects among sub-herds in RBS-22 2. Determine current level of

disease risk through documenting interchange between RBS-22 sub-herds and bighorn proximity to

active grazing allotments. 3. Investigate actions to restore population dynamics and prevent

future disease outbreaks.


Aid, Auction & Raffle2005-ongoing Various NW TBD

Zirkel-S73, Glenwood Canyon-

S74, Peru Creek-S41, Main

Canyon-S75, South Fork-S64,

Blair Mountain, Gore Canyon-

S77

Occasional capture as needed to maintain a limited number of collars on sheep in these units.

Capture when a collar is recovered and needs to be re-deployed.


Aid, Auction & Raffle2016 7 NW 10 Battlement Mesa-S24

Initiate limited radio-telemetry study to collect seasonal habitat usage information on this sheep

population.

DBS 1wildlife cash, Federal

Aid2015-ongoing 7 NW TBD Black Ridge-S56

Occasional capture as needed to maintain a limited number of collars on sheep in this unit.

Capture when a collar is recovered and needs to be re-deployed.

DBS 1 BLM 2013-2018 18 SW 10 rams, 10 ewes Dominguez/Escalante NCA

The objective of this project is to determine the homerange sizes, foray distances, and map

seasonal use areas for desert bighorn sheep within S-62 in relation to domestic sheep allotments

and use areas. This bighorn and domestic sheep use data to help develop strategies to prohibit

interaction between bighorns and domestic sheep and goats. The project will also evaluate how

recreation within the GMU affects bighorn habitat selection. The goal would be to develop

recreation guidelines to minimize stress induced on bighorns during critical times of the year. The

data will also be used to identify areas for habitat improvement to improve habitat quality and

abundance. these actions may lessen the effects of human disturbance, domestic sheep and goat

interaction, drought conditions, and predation; while improving the overall health of the desert

bighorn herd within S-62.

MULE DEER

MD 1wildlife cash, Williams

energy2007-ongoing 7 NW 2-6 does Parachute area-D41

Maintain deer movement, distribution and disturbance study in regard to Williams energy

development and mitigation. Capture and radio collars 2-6 does.

MD 1 2012-ongoing 6 NW 30 does, 60 fawns Bears Ears-D2

Radio-collar survival study on deer (does/fawns) in Bears Ears herd (D2) to assess potential

differential mule deer survival. Maintain sample size in 2016-17 by redeploying returned collars

and collaring additional fawns.

MD 1 2012-ongoing 6 NW 20 does, 50 fawns Rangley-D6

Radio collar survival study on deer (does/fawns) in Rangely herd (D6) to assess reason for serious

mule deer decline. Maintain sample size in 2016-17 by redeploying returned collars and collaring

additional fawns.wildlife cash, Federal

Aid

ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY PROJECTS - BIG GAME


DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP


YEAR


PROPOSED



MD 1

D7-2001-

ongoing

D9-1998-

ongoing

6 and 9 NW

D7 =30 does, 120

fawns, 50 bucks

D9= 21 does, 62

fawns, 30 mixed,

44 bucks

Piceance-D7 and

Middle Park-D9

Maintain long term survival studies in the

Piceance herd (D7): 40 does, 110 bucks, 120 fawns and

Middle Park herd (D9): 90 does, 100 bucks, 60 fawns.

MD 1wildlife cash, Federal

Aid, HPP2014-ongoing 6 NW TBD

NW Colorado Habitat Use Study

(D2 & D7 deer herds).

CPW initiated a landscape-scale mule deer and elk habitat use study in the Bears Ears and White

River drainages to gather seasonal habitat use information and evaluate effects of habitat

enhancement projects conducted in the area. A portion of the mule deer radios in the D2, D6 and

D7 projects listed above were replaced with satellite transmitters and will be monitored over the

next several years. Capture as needed to redeploy returned collars. Survival projects in the NW

will continue during this habitat use study, as described above.


Aid, Private, NGO2015-ongoing 7 NW 20

D-41 Logan Mountain (Debeque

vicinity)

This project is partially funded with Mule Deer Strategy funds and assesses seasonal habitat use

and movements and to evaluate reasons for long-term decline of deer in the Winter Flats area

north of Debeque. Fifteen satellite transmitters were deployed by aerial capture in 2015, with

two of the remaining 5 collars deployed by darting. Deploy additional collars by darting in 2016-17

and redeploy returned collars as they become available.


Aid2017-2019 6 NW

120-140 neonate

mule deer during

late-May-June

Neonate survival relative to

predation - GMU 22 & 23

summer range

Begin evaluation of large carnivore predation influence on neonate mule deer survival. This

project will require Commission approval in December 2016.


Aid1999-ongoing 13 SE 15 does, 45 fawns Cripple Creek-D16 Maintain long term survival study in the Cripple Creek mule deer herd (D16): 60 fawns 30 does.


Aid2016 11 SE 90 does, 60 fawns Wet Mountains-D34

If the predator management plan is approved by the commission in December of 2016, we will be

capturing 150 mule deer for a research project on examining the effects of mountain lion

predation on mule deer demographic parameters.


Aid

D19-1997-

ongoing

Gunnison Basin-

2008-ongoing

16 and 18 SW

D19 = 50 mixed

Gunnison Basin - 15

does, 60 fawns

Uncompaghre-D19 and

Gunnison Basin-D20 & D21

Maintain long term survival studies in the

Uncompaghre herd (D19): 60 does, 30 fawns and

Gunnison Basin herds (D20 and D21): 60 does, 60 fawns, potential for 60 buck.

MD 1 PVT Co. 2011-ongoing 15 SW 15 doesBP Wildlife Mitigation Plan

project-D30

Maintain deer movement, distribution and disturbance study in regard to BP energy development.

Capture and radio collar 15 does between the Animas and Pine Rivers.

MD 1Federal Aid, Energy Co

grants2009-2019 6 NW

240 fawns, 120

does Dec. 2014 and

recapture 40

fawns, 120 does

March 2014

Piceance deer/energy research

- GMU 22

Continue ongoing research efforts addressing mule deer/energy development interactions in the

Piceance Basin. Capture and radiocollar fawns (VHF) and (GPS) during December 2014 and

recapture does during March 2015 for late winter body condition assessment.

ELK

E 1wildlife cash, Federal

Aid, HPP2014-ongoing 6 NW 135

NW Colorado Habitat Use Study

(E2 and E6 elk herds).

CPW initiated a landscape-scale mule deer and elk habitat use study in the Bears Ears and White

River drainages to gather seasonal habitat use information and evaluate effects of habitat

enhancement projects conducted in the area. One hundred thirty five elk were collared with

satellite transmitters in 2014 and 2015 and will be monitored over the next several years. Capture

as needed to redeploy returned collars.

E 1

Wildlife cash, Federal

Aid, Auction & Raffle,

RMEF, Estes Foundation

2016-ongoing 9 NW 42 cow elk

DAU E-8, both outside and

inside Rocky Mountain National

Park

This project was initiated to look at herd movements and habitat use in DAU E-8, including

movements into and out of Rocky Mountain National Park. Most capture occurred on winter ranges

in E-8 in the winter of 2015-16, with a subset of capture and collaring occurring in August, 2016

within RMNP. Capture as needed in 2016-17 to redeploy returned collars.

wildlife cash, Federal

Aid

2016-2017 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONL PROJECTS - BIG GAME 2


YEAR


PROPOSED



E 1 HPP, RMEF 2014-ongoing 16 SW25 in GMU 66 and

67Gunnison-E25

Movement study of GMU 55-551, as part of Gunnison Basin-wide elk monitoring/movement study of

GMU 54 in relation to surrounding GMU's. Evaluate use of "refuge" areas as hunting pressure and

timing is manipulated.

E 1 Federal Aid, Outside grants 2016 11,18 SE, SW 120Uncompaghre-E20, Trinidad-

E33

This study is a pilot study to begin determining the cause of low calf recruitment across the

southern part of the state. We will collar 20 cow elk and 40 calf elk in each study area. Nutrition

and the effects on pregancy rates, as well as cause specific survival will be examined.

E 1wildlife cash, NPS,

Boulder County2011-ongoing 2 NE and NW up to 25 St Vrain-E9

This collaborative project involves CPW, Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder County Parks

and Open Space. Capture and radio collar up to 25 elk to monitor movements and demographics of

the E9 elk populations. These elk will be in addition to the 26 radio collared west of Loveland in

spring 2012 and 4 in 2015 on Rabbit Mountain Open Space by CPW. The NPS has collared over 100

elk on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This project will increase our understanding

of survival rates, population performance, and seasonal movements. Information will be used to

inform population model estimates and population management strategies.

MOOSE

M 1 2013-ongoing 1,5 and 9 NE & NW up to 5GMUs 37,39, 46, 500,

and/or 501

Capture and radio collar up to 5 additional moose with VHR/GPS collars in GMUs 37, 39, 46, 500,

and/or 501 as part of a movement and distribution study. This study will also provide data to

index where the population stands related to ecological carrying capacity via twinning rates,

browse utilization, and body fat metrics.

M 1 2013-ongoing 9 and 10 NW 20GMUs 6, 16, 17, 18, 28, 37,

171, and 181

M 1 2013-ongoing 4 NE 25 GMUs 7, 8, 19, and 191

M 1 2013-ongoing 16 and 17 SW 20GMUs 55, 66, 67, 68, 76, and

79

MOUNTAN GOAT

MG 1 Auction & Raffle 2014-ongoing 1 NE up to 5 Mt Evans GMU G4

This goals of this project are 1) determine movements and seasonal use patterns of mountain

goats; 2) compare current seasonal use and movements to those documented in the 1980s; and 3)

monitor mountain goats for a disease similar to clinical symptoms observed in fall 2013. Collars

have been deployed, but up to 5 more may be deployed to maintain sample size if needed.

BLACK BEAR

BB 1 2017 2 NE 10City of Boulder and

surrounding area - B3

Placeholder: Capture and radio collar up to 10 black bears in cooperation with the City of Boulder

during spring-summer-fall of 2017. Movement and distribution information will be used to study

and address black bear/human interactions in and around Boulder. Study plan available on

request.

BB 1 2011-ongoing 6 and 18 SWSummer: 30-40

Winter: 60-70

Durango bear-human

interaction research - GMUs

74, 75, 741

Conduct ~70 black bear captures (~30 sows, ~20 yearlings, ~20 cubs) during winter den visits to

collect GPS collar data and assess reproduction. Data collected from these captures are being used

to address drivers of black bear/human interactions near Durango. MOUNTAIN LION

ML 3wildlife cash, Federal

Aid2016 11,13 SE up to 25

Salida to Walsenburg L11 and

L16

This study is part of the SE predator study. Lion populations will be manipulated to determine the

effect of predation on deer demographics. As part of this we will monitor the lion population to

determine the effects of lion hunting on lion demographic parameters.

PH 1 Auction & Raffle 2015-ongoing 14 SE 5 to 7 PH-8, PH-6, and PH-35Capture to examine pronghorn movements in several pronghorn DAUs in the SE and NE region.

Capture to replace collars that came from mortalities over the past year.

PRONGHORN



wildlife cash, Federal Aid,

Auction &Raffle

wildlife cash, Federal

Aid, City of Boulder


Capture and radio collar 25 moose in each area (15 with GPS collars, 10 with VHF collars) as part of

a survival, movement, habitat use, and body condition research project. Includes up to 5

redeployments by Area 4 biologist in GMU 19.

2016-2017 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONL PROJECTS - BIG GAME 3

SPECIESPROJECT

TIERFUNDING SOURCE

YEARSTART & END AREA REGION PROPOSED NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE COMMENTS

MDOV 1wildlife cash, Federal Aid

July through August 2016

various All 1,000 StatewideCapture and banding of approximately 1,000 mourning doves in collaboration with the USFWS adaptive management program.

GRSG 1Energy donations, BLM

2016-2018 6 NW 40-50 Colowyo mine mitigation

Mark male and female GRSG with VHF transmitters to evaluate response to mine mitigation.

GRSG 1Energy donations

2016-ongoing 7 NW 30Piceance-Parachute-Roan population

Mark up to 30 GRSG per year (10-20 male, 10-20 female) with GPS and/or VHF transmitters for continued research on response to habitat treatments (to offset anticipated habitat loss from energy development).

GRSGR 1wildlife cash, Federal Aid SWG

2017-2019 10 NW 40 Routt County

Capture and banding of approximately 40 female greater sage-grouse in the Northern Eagle/Southern Routt population to evaluate movement and survival of native birds to compare with movement and survival of transplanted sage-grouse from North Park. Capture will begin in the spring of 2017. Maintain at least 40 radio-marked hens annually during the period of the study.

GRSGR 1wildlife cash, Federal Aid (SWG)

2012-ongoing 6 NW TBDCraig area-NE Moffat County

Radio transmitters were placed in several areas north and northeast of Craig from 2012-2015 to evaluate sage-grouse use in developing oil and gas areas. Capture in 2016-17 as needed to redeploy returned transmitters.


2014-ongoing 6 NW TBDBlue Mountain-Moffat County

Joint project with Dinosaur National Monument to collect local habitat use information. GRSG marked in 2014 and 2015. Capture in 2016-17 as needed to redeploy returned transmitters.


2015-ongoing 6 NW TBDElk Springs-Moffat County

Joint project with BLM-White River Field Office to collect local habitat use information. Initial GRSG marked in 2015-16. Capture in 2016-17 to deploy an additional 5 transmitters (as BLM GRSG funding permits) as well as capture as needed to redeploy returned transmitters.

CSTG 1wildlife cash, SCTF

2014-ongoing 10 NW 700 Routt CountyMark 180 adult and 600 young CSTG with VHF transmitters as part of an on-going researh project to evaluate CSTG demographic response to habitat treatments in CRP fields.

PHEASANT

PHEASANT 1Wildlife cash, GOCO

2015-2018 3 NE 50 private land sitesRadio-mark 50 hen phaesants per year as part of a research project to evaluate response of pheasants and grassland songbirds to mid-contract management practices in CRP fields

BWQUL 1wildlife cash, Federal Aid

2016-ongoing 3 NE 100 Tamarack SWABand 100 bobwhite quail and radio-mark 50 (females) as part of a research project to measure demographic response to grazing management.

BOBWHITE QUAIL

ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY PROJECTS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL


MOURNING DOVE

GREATER SAGE GROUSE

2016-2017 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY PROJECTS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL 2

SPECIESPROJECT

TIERFUNDING SOURCE

YEARSTART & END AREA REGION PROPOSED NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE COMMENTS

ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY PROJECTS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL

WFOWL 1wildlife cash, Federal Aid

2012-ongoing 17 SW 100 San Luis valleyOngoing limited duck banding for educational purposes and to support a USFWS duck banding program in the San Luis Valley.

SSH 1 SCTF 2016-2017 15,17,18 SW 15015 sites throughout San Juans

Trap & collar hares across a gradient of beetle kill areas to determine impacts to density and surival

SNOWSHOE HARE

Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approvalTier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval

WATERFOWL

SPECIESPROJECT

TIER FUNDING PROPOSED

RELEASE SITE AREA REGIONPROPOSED


MWT 1

wildlife cash, Federal Aid

Cherokee State Wildlife Area and Four Mile State Wildlife Area

4 and 5 NE Conflict birds if needed.Placeholder for conflict turkeys to be moved to SWAs with spring and fall hunting as needed.

MWT 1


GMU 681 in San Luis Valley

17 SW Canon City/25-40 birds100% disease testing because of proximity to Poncha Pass GUSGR population, though release site is ~15 miles south of occupied habitat. Several transplants have occurred to Kerber and Peterson Creeks with only a small remaining population

MWT 1



17 SW Area 15/25-40 birdsAugment an existing but small population along the Rio Grande River on State Wildlife Areas. Previous transplants of RGWT and MWT have occurred with limited success.

MWT 1



17 SW Area 15/25-40 birdsAugment an existing but small population. Previous transplants of MWT have occurred with limited success

MWT 1


Escalante SWA GMU 62 18 SW Gateway(nuisance on private lands)/25-40 birds

Follow up on 2 previous transplants in an attempt to establish a resident non-migratory population along the Gunnison River

MWT 1


Lone Dome SWA GMU 711

15 SWMontezuma or La Plata Cnty, Area 15

Augment a very low local population

MWT 1


Browns Park 6 NW GMU 21/~30 birds Transplant turkeys from areas of agricultural conflict in GMU 21 to establish a new population in Browns Park. Turkey source issues prevented this transplant from occurring in 2015-16, so it appears again in the 2016-17 list.

MWT 1


Aspen Ridge 13 SE40-50 from conflict birds in Canon City

Capture and transplant of 40-50 turkeys captured within the area to Aspen Ridge.

MWT 1


Beaver Creek SWA 13 SE#TBD upon the need to move birds from conflict situations

Conflict turkey site. Limited hunting spring and fall.

MWT 1


Picketwire Canyon USFS

12 SE#TBD upon the need to move birds from conflict situations


MWT 1


Sand Canyon USFS 12 SE#TBD upon the need to move birds from conflict situations


2016-2017 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL

MERRIAMS WILD TURKEY (MWT)

2016-2017 Animal Capture and Movement Proposals - Small Game and Waterfowl 2

SPECIESPROJECT





RGWT 1


SWAs along the South Platte River

3 and 4 NE Conflict birds if needed.Placeholder for conflict turkeys to be moved to SWAs with spring and fall hunting as needed.

RGWT 1Timpas Creek, Rocky Ford, McClelland, and Melon Valley SWA’s

12 SEConflict turkey release site, priority 2 for Area 12. Includes GMUs 124, 125, and 129. Limited spring and fall hunting.

RGWT 1John Martin and Ft. Lyon SWA’s

12 SE Conflict turkey release site, priority 3 for Area 12. GMUs 126 and 146. OTC hunting spring and limited fall.

RGWT 1 Two Buttes SWA 12 SE Conflict turkey release site, priority 4 for Area 12. GMUs 127 and 132. Limited hunting spring and fall.

RGWT 1 Purgatoire SWA 12 SE Conflict turkey site, priority 5 for Area 12. GMUs 138 and 139. Limited hunting spring and fall.

RGWT 1

Queens SWA, Nee Noshe reservoir, Granada SWA, Peterson/Broyles easement and Holly SWA

12 SE Conflict turkey site, priority 5 for Area 12. GMUs 138 and 139. Limited hunting spring and fall.

RGWT 1 South Republican SWA 14 SE Conflict turkey site, priority 1 for Area 14. GMUs 103 and 109. Limited hunting spring and fall.

BQUL 1wildlife cash

SWAs on S. Platte and Frenchman Rivers in the NE Region; TBD in SE

3 NE & SESWAs on S. Platte River with recovered bobwhite poplulations

Placeholder: The 2013 and 2015 floods on the South Platte River reduced bobwhite populations due to inundation of habitat. However, the floods also increased habitat disturbance that may favor bobwhite quail population recovery with time and indeed populations on some SWAs have recovered while others have not. In addition, select areas of the Frenchman River in Colorado have adequate habitat, but no bobwhite. The SE region also has a release location for bobwhite. Bobwhite quail do not disperse as well as other small game species so transplanting will speed population recovery in distant suitable habitat.

CSTGR 1

wildlife cash, Federal Aid, GOCO

Supplemental release to the Wolcott/State Bridge site in the spring of 2017, with a final release for this transplant site anticipated in the spring of 2018.

6 and 10--source; 8--recipient

NW

Western Routt County/Eastern Moffat County for Wolcott/State Bridge, spring 2017 (40-50 females and 5-10 males).

Rangewide and Colorado specific CSTGR transplant guidelines were completed in the summer of 2013 and 2014 respectively. Transplant to the Wolcott/State Bridge site was initiated in the fall of 2015 with a transplant of males, followed by the first of three spring transplants consisting primarily of females in the spring of 2016. Subsequent spring releases of females (along with a few additional males) will occur in 2017 and 2018 to complete this transplant.

CSTGR 2

wildlife cash, Federal Aid, GOCO

Initial trapping of CSTGR in Colorado for transplant to Utah (exchange for RUGR--see below)

6 and 10--source

NW

Western Routt County/Eastern Moffat County for north central Utah site TBD by UDWR (40-50 males in fall, 2017, followed by one or more transplants of females in subsequent springs).

UDWR expects to have baseline work completed by the fall of 2017 to accept CSTGR from Colorado (in exchange for RUGR provided by Utah--see below). Transplant would follow the National Transplant Guidelines, stipulating a fall transplant of males followed by spring transplant(s) of females in subsequent years.


BOBWHITE QUAIL

RIO GRANDE WILD TURKEY (RGWT)

wildlife cash,

Federal Aid

Various sites along or near the Big Sandy drainage including the towns of

Limon, Hugo, Seibert, and Ramah/#TBD

2016-2017 Animal Capture and Movement Proposals - Small Game and Waterfowl 3

SPECIESPROJECT





RUGR 2wildlife cash

Grand Mesa 7 NW

Utah DWR offered up to 100 birds (50 each in 2016 and 2017) in exchange for a similar number of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. The desired number of RUGR to be transplanted is up to 300 birds, with 50-100 birds captured and transplanted each year. Southeastern Idaho--initial contact has been made, but Idaho has yet to definitively offer to provide RUGR to Colorado. Wyoming has also been approached to determine their interest in providing RUGR.

Colorado contains significant areas of apparently suitable RUGR habitat (aspen/mountain shrub types). Distribution of RUGR is currently limited to a small area in the northwest corner of the state, but historic records suggest that broader distribution existed historically. RUGR have been proposed for transplant on two previous occasions, and the then Wildlife Commission passed a resolution in 1992 in support of pursuing RUGR transplants. CPW staff trapped an initial 25 RUGR in central Utah and transplanted them on the Garfield SWA between September 5 and September 16, 2016. UDWR will trap additional RUGR in 2017 for transplant to the site. Idaho is still of interest as a source site for additional birds in 2017, if the state will commit to allowing their capture for transplant in future years.

GRSG 1wildlife cash

South Routt County 10 NW

North Park--up to 80 grouse over two years (approximately 20 males and 60 females)

GRSG lek counts in the Northern Eagle/Southern Routt population have been holding relatively constant in recent years near 100 counted males, which is at the low end of desired count for the population. GRSG lek counts appear to be stabilizing in North Park (source population) as well. We would like to augment the Northern Eagle/Southern Routt population while there are sufficient GRSG in the release area to allow transplanted birds to associate with local birds and before the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes a listing determination on GRSG. This project was deferred until 2016-17 due to a biologist vacancy in the area. Spring transplants have been selected as the preferred method. Transplant is expected to begin in the spring of 2017.

GUPD 1SCTF, wildlife cash

James Mark Jones and/or Tomahawk State Wildlife Areas

NE

Up to 100 animals from Eleven-mile and Spinney Mountain State Parks and/or Charlie Meyer State Wildlife Area in summer 2017

Gunnison prairie dog populations were nearly extirpated by plague in the 1940's in Park County and are currently < 1% of their original occupancy in South Park. Currently, CPW manages plague through dusting on about 310 acres of Gunnison's prairie dog colonies on state-owned land in Park County within the South Park Individual Population Area (IPA). These small populations have persisted, but have failed to expand into adjacent habitat. The US Fish and Wildlife Service's 2013 decision to refrain from listing Gunnison's prairie dogs was influenced by CPWs proactive plague management and other research/management activities. The goals of this translocation are to reestablish Gunnison's prairie dog colonies within prairie dog conservation areas in historic range on James Mark Jones and/or Tomahawk SWAs and to adapt proven techniques for reestablishing Gunnison's prairie dog colonies to elevations >=9,000 feet.

Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approvalTier 3 = Director and Commission approval


GUNNISON PRAIRIE DOGS

RUFFED GROUSE

GREATER SAGE GROUSE

2016-2017 Animal Capture and Movement Proposals Summary- BIG GAME 1

SPECIESPROJECT

TIERFUNDING SOURCE

PROPOSED RELEASE SITE AREA(s) REGION

PROPOSED SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS

RMBS 1 NABeaver Creek Canyon (Browns Park)

6 NW TBD

Placeholder--CPW is evaluating the potential to reintroduce bighorn sheep to Beaver Creek Canyon in Browns Park. Bighorn sheep were originally transplanted into the area in the early 1980s and occupied the site until removed in the mid-1990s due to disease concerns. Evaluation of this project, including suitable source herd(s) and status of disease outbreaks in neighboring herds in Utah is continuing. This project is listed as a placeholder for a potential transplant to occur in 2017-18.

RMBS 1 NA S-5 Beaver Creek SWA 13 SE S-34 Rampart

The history of bighorn sheep in Beaver Creek is extensive with reports of substantial populations going back into settlement times. Hunting seasons were held for rams in the late 1950's and from 1973-1998. Hunting seasons were terminated because a decline in the population. Since that time, we have received periodic reports of sheep in S-5. Recently, we have observed a few sheep on aerial counts and also had movements of radio collared rams from an adjacent unit (S-60) move into S-5. Current and historical presence of sheep in this unit suggest there is suitable habitat and we would like to use a sheep transplant to see if we can increase the number and sustainability of bighorn in S-5.

RMBS 1 NA River Canyon 11 SE S-61 Purgatoire

Placeholder--In October of 2015, the River Canyon Ranch in GMU S-61 enrolled their ranch in the newly created BSAP program. In evaluating their sheep habitat on the ranch, they identified habitat that appeared to be suitable for bighorn sheep, but had not consistently, or historically observed sheep. In July of 2016, they notified CPW staff in writing of their interest in enrolling the area on their ranch that had not consistently, or historically observed sheep into option C of the BSAP program. CPW staff conducted a GIS analysis, followed by a field visit and concluded that the habitat appeared to be suitable for bighorn sheep, but was directly adjacent to established sheep which could impact the success of the transplant and the transplanted sheep staying where they are released. With multiple proposals expected under the BSAP list C option, CPW would like to evaluate all potential projects before assigning a priority for this transplant.

RMBS 1 NA Bader Ranch 12 SE S-61 Purgatoire

Placeholder--In the Summer of 2016, the Bader Ranch in GMU S-61 approached CPW staff with their verbal interest in enrolling their ranch in Option C of the BSAP program. In 2011, a 17,000 acre burn on their property enhanced and made available bighorn sheep habitat on their ranch. Their ranch is currently 11 miles from occupied bighorn sheep habitat and they have not seen movements of bighorn into the burned area to date. If approved for entry into the program, this transplant could provide for an expansion of bighorn sheep into this portion of S-61. With multiple proposals expected under the BSAP list C option, CPW would like to evaluate all potential projects before assigning a priority for this transplant.

PRONGHORN

PH 1 NASan Luis valley-DAU A16 (GMU 80/81)

17 SWSE Region(east of I-25)60 animals

Placeholder for the potential augmentation of an existing population that was severely impacted by drought in the early 2000’s. Hunting is currently allowed and will be continued. Monitoring by use of ear tags and summer fixed wing flights. Drought conditions and significant animal distribution changes are effecting the source populations of pronghorn in the SE Region.

MOOSE

M 1wildlife cash

GMU 71 15 SW"Dispersal moose" from CWD-NEG area, as available

Low priority, but an opportunity to utilize moose from CWD-NEG areas. Purpose is to augment an existing but small population spreading out from Upper Rio Grande through the Upper Animas. Dolores River is good habitat in appearance, though the southern periphery of moose.

2016-2017 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - BIG GAME


Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approvalTier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approvalTier 3 = Director and Commission approval


YEAR

START & END AREA REGION PROPOSED NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE COMMENTS

BATS

Bats 1 SCTF, wildlife cash 2011-ongoing various All TBD Statewide

Capture and release adhering to standard inventory protocols including mist

netting and harp trapping may be conducted. Most efforts would be related

to the Bats in Inactive Mines Project (BIMP), white-nosed syndrome detection,

and baseline data collection on selected State Wildlife Areas, State Parks and

CPW conservation easements.

various 1 wildlife cash 2013-ongoing TBDNE, NW and

SETBD SWA'S

Small mammals will be captured and released as part of standard survey

protocols on selected State Wildlife Areas and conservation easements to

establish baseline species occurrence and relative abundance.

Prairie Dogs 1 SCTF, wildlife cash 2011-ongoing various Statewide

500 Blacktailed

300 Gunnison's

300-500 white-tailed

Statewide

Plague vaccine evaluation: involves approximately 500 black-tailed prairie

dogs, 300 Gunnison's prairie dogs,300-500 white-tailed prairie dogs, and

potentially 1,000 other small rodents associated with study sites.

New Mexico

Jumping

Mouse

1 SCTF 2013-ongoing 15 and 17 SW TBD SWA's

Mice will be captured and released as part of standard survey protocols on

selected State Wildlife Areas and conservation easements to establish

baseline species occurrence and relative abundance.

BE - Bald

Eagle1

BP America Wildlife

Mitigation Fund2013-2018 15 SW 10 Durango

Project is to evaluate the relationship between nesting summer residents and

winter residents use of roost sites. Both nest sites and winter roosts are

protected in HB1298 Regulations.

GUSG 1NFWF, BLM Assistance

Agreement2013-ongoing 7,15, 16, 18 NW, SW 25

Pinyon Mesa, Dove Creek , San

Miguel Basin and Gunnison

populations

Trap and radiomark resident birds to collect data on habitat use and seasonal

habitats. Some evaluation of survival and nest attempts/fate will occur.

ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY PROJECTS - CONSERVATION SPECIES

SMALL MAMMALS

BIRDS

Animal Capture Only Projects - Conservation Species

Documents

Denver, CO 80202...Denver, CO 80202 Bob D. Broscheid, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Parks and Wildlife Commission: Robert W. Bray, Chair • Chris Castilian, Vice Chair