Field Reports: Wildlife issues scuttle gas leases

Dozens of oil and gas leases in Montana will be withdrawn from auction, federal officials said last week as they pledged to look more closely at the environmental consequences of the developments near the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

Conservation groups and state officials have claimed the federal government’s pro-energy policies threaten wildlife populations.

“It’s a huge step if they’re willing to do things differently,” said T.O. Smith, energy coordinator for the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks.

Dave Galt, petroleum industry representative, warned the Bureau of Land Management’s action could “complicate development of resources in the Rocky Mountain West.”

At issue are the effects of increased drilling under the Bush administration on public lands stretching from Montana to New Mexico. In deferring the lease sales on 73,000 acres, the BLM pledged to consider whether additional industry restrictions are needed in light of emerging wildlife research from the universities of Montana and Wyoming.

Recent studies have tied intensive oil and gas development to sharp declines in game species including mule deer and sage grouse.

Associated Press

HUNTING

Rules for blinds

With archery pronghorn hunters building blinds for their August hunting season in southern Idaho, it’s worth reviewing state rules for blinds on public lands. Among them:

“ Blinds must be placed no earlier than 10 days before the beginning of the hunting season and removed within seven days of the season.

“ The builder’s name must be fixed to the blind, but any blind on public land is still available to other hunters on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Wire mesh is not allowed for building a blind.

“No digging, trenching or other surface disturbance is allowed.

“Cutting live vegetation to construct, screen or camouflage blinds is discouraged.

“Portable pop-up blinds are effective and encouraged.

Details to these and other rules are on page 10 of the current Idaho hunting regulations pamphlet.

Rich Landers

WILDLIFE

Yards badgered

Badger encounters are on the rise in southwestern Idaho where housing developments have overrun areas the dirt-digging animals with the striped heads have traditionally called home.

Paul Martin, a Boise volunteer with Animals in Distress, said police often draw their guns when called to deal with a badger.

Martin said he’s captured a dozen badgers in neighborhoods this year, releasing them in remote areas away from the city.

Badgers typically hunt burrow-dwelling animals such as ground squirrels by digging them out, Martin said. When badgers are cornered, they can put on a fierce display.

This time of year young badgers are out looking for homes of their own, but occasionally find those areas already claimed by humans.

The Idaho Humane Society recently received 10 badger calls in one day.

Associated Press