Biologists target sick bighorns
WILDLIFE –State wildlife officials are making plans to kill some bighorn sheep in the Yakima River Canyon later this month to curb the spread of pneumonia.
No treatment or vaccination has been developed for pneumonia that’s often fatal in wild sheep but is not transmissible to humans or livestock.
Donny Martorello of the Fish and Wildlife Department says biologists will identify sheep that show signs of pneumonia, such as coughing and lethargy.
Martorello says about a third of the 260 animals comprising two herds in the canyon between Yakima and Ellensburg are expected to be euthanized.
The Yakima River area is home to about 800 the state’s 1,500 wild bighorn sheep.
Staff and wire reports
Smith River applications due
BOATING – Tuesday is the deadline to postmark applications for permits to float Montana’s Smith River.
Several thousand floaters apply, with about 800 getting the permit they seek. The peak float season runs early May to early July.
Applications are available at www.fwp.mt.gov.
Hunters and anglers who have ALS numbers from their licenses can apply online.
Info: (406) 454-5840.
Rich Landers
Idaho flip-flops on chukar rules
HUNTING – The Idaho Fish and Game Commission on Thursday reversed a January vote to start the chukar and gray partridge hunting season two weeks later than in the past and reduce the bag limit.
Outfitters in particular opposed the later start because they had already booked float trips for September, when the birds are concentrated low along the Snake and Salmon rivers.
Commission Chairman Wayne Wright of Twin Falls had convinced the panel that a two-week delay in the season would allow young birds to put on more growth before the season starts and let the birds spread away from water sources for a more conservative harvest to help boost struggling populations.
Idaho’s season will open Sept. 18 with a daily limit of eight partridge.
Washington went to a later season – opening Oct. 2 this year – and six-bird limit years ago.
Rich Landers