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
SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS
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.
MWT 1GMU 791 in San Luis
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.
MWT 1GMU 81 in San Luis
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
RELEASE SITE AREA REGION
PROPOSED
SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS
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.
Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval
Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval
Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval
RUFFED GROUSE
2015-16 Translocation Progress-draft_Statewide10132016 final 2
SPECIES
PROJECT
TIER
FUNDING
SOURCE
PROPOSED
RELEASE SITE AREA REGION
PROPOSED
SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS
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
National Black-footed
Ferret Conservation
Center/21 ferrets
BFF 3Soapstone Natural
Area4 NE
National Black-footed
Ferret Conservation
Center/15 ferrets
2015-2016 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - CONSERVATION SPECIES
BLACKFOOTED FERRET
Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval
Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval
Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval
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.
RBS 1wildlife cash, Federal
Aid2013-ongoing 14 SE 5 Rampart Range-S34
Capture of approximately 5-10 sheep for movement and distribution monitoring following the
Waldo Canyon Fire.
RBS 1wildlife cash, Federal
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.
RBS 1wildlife cash, Federal
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.
RBS 1wildlife cash, Federal
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.
RBS 1wildlife cash, Federal
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
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
SPECIES PROJECT TIER FUNDING SOURCE
YEAR
START & END AREA(s) REGION
PROPOSED
NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE COMMENTS
ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY PROJECTS - BIG GAME
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.
MD 1wildlife cash, Federal
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.
MD 3wildlife cash, Federal
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.
MD 1wildlife cash, Federal
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.
MD 1wildlife cash, Federal
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.
MD 1wildlife cash, Federal
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
SPECIES PROJECT TIER FUNDING SOURCE
YEAR
START & END AREA(s) REGION
PROPOSED
NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE COMMENTS
ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY PROJECTS - BIG GAME
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
Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval
Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval
wildlife cash, Federal Aid,
Auction &Raffle
wildlife cash, Federal
Aid, City of Boulder
Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval
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.
GRSGR 1wildlife cash, Federal Aid (SWG)
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.
GRSGR 1wildlife cash, Federal Aid (SWG)
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
COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE
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
SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS
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
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
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
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
GMU 791 in San Luis Valley
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
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
GMU 81 in San Luis Valley
17 SW Area 15/25-40 birdsAugment an existing but small population. Previous transplants of MWT have occurred with limited success
MWT 1
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
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
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
Lone Dome SWA GMU 711
15 SWMontezuma or La Plata Cnty, Area 15
Augment a very low local population
MWT 1
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
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
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
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
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
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
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
Picketwire Canyon USFS
12 SE#TBD upon the need to move birds from conflict situations
Conflict turkey site. Limited hunting spring and fall.
MWT 1
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
Sand Canyon USFS 12 SE#TBD upon the need to move birds from conflict situations
Conflict turkey site. Limited hunting spring and fall.
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
TIER FUNDING PROPOSED
RELEASE SITE AREA REGIONPROPOSED
SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS
2016-2017 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL
RGWT 1
wildlife cash, Federal Aid
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.
COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE
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
TIER FUNDING PROPOSED
RELEASE SITE AREA REGIONPROPOSED
SOURCE/NUMBER COMMENTS
2016-2017 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL
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
Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM 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
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP
Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approvalTier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approvalTier 3 = Director and Commission approval
SPECIES PROJECT TIER FUNDING SOURCE
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