2024Vol41No2NBUJournal

1 ~ Sportsmen working for the future of Nevada’s wildlife ~ NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2

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NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2

TABLE of

CONTENTS Volume 41 . Number 2

8 IN THE FIELD

10 GUZZLER PROJECTS By Steve (Rocky) Hall

15 KINDRED AWARD RECIPIENT 12 REMEMBERING RAYMOND By Larry Johnson

20 2024 BANQUET LIVE AUCTION SUMMARY

30 2024 MONTANA MOUNTAINS BIGHORN SHEEP RESTORATION By Mike Cox, NDOW Statewide Bighorn/Mountain Goat Staff Biologist and Ed Partee, NDOW Game Biologist

32 NB EWES

By Michelle Pillsbury

By Cody McKee, NDOW Elk and Moose Staff Specialist 34 MOOSE IN NEVADA 36 NEVADA WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETING UPDATE 38 NEVADA BIG GAME STATUS BOOK

42 YOUTH IN THE FIELD 44 ALPINE ARCHERY TEAM By Dawn Andersen

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RECIPE: ANTELOPE TAQUITO APPETIZERS

By Kristy Crabtree

49 REMEMBERING FRIENDS

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Letter from the Editor

The first half of May is always a busy month for NDOW and the Nevada Wildlife Commission. Final tag applications are submitted, quotas are set and the draw occurs. I know a few of you out there got quite lucky this year while many of us were unsuccessful and already hoping next year provides better results. New opportunities were provided this year included 2 moose tags as well as a ram tag in the Bloody Runs. This California bighorn herd was reestablished in 2019 and it is exciting to see stable populations to allow for a ram hunt! You can learn more in this journal edition about current

NBU Journal is published quarterly by: Nevada Bighorns Unlimited P.O. Box 21393 Reno, Nevada 89515-1393 A non-profit, tax-exempt organization incorporated under Nevada State Law. Board of Directors Evan McQuirk, President Lydia Teel, Vice President

population trends of big game species. A highlight of the Commission meeting has also been included. We understand it can be a long two days listening to the Commission meetings, so we have done our best to summarize it all for you. Speaking of reintroductions of bighorn sheep, the Montana Mountains now have sheep again! NDOW, KUIU Conservation Direct and NBU moved 18 California bighorn sheep from unit 068 to unit 031 (Montana Mountains) in March 2024. We are excited to share more about this historic reintroduction. NDOW has done a ton of work on the back end to make this happen. More work and monitoring efforts has to be done in the near future, but the hard work and tenacity has paid off. It is a special thing to see sheep here once again. This is right at the core of NBU’s mission, and we hope these sheep do well in their new home. My photo in this issue is me and Joe Zweifel at the sheep capture. We were thankful to be a part of this project and we hope to work with KUIU again in the near future.

S

Steve Field, Treasurer Allen Stanley, Secretary Ben Bardet Chris Cefalu Jenny Chappell

ummer is here which means our guzzler crew is wrapping up another water development season. We had a record number of volunteers on some of our projects this year, and we thank everyone for their

Tom Fennell Matt Fogarty Steve Hall Brad Pillsbury Pat Pinjuv Jim Puryear Trevor Puryear Pat Reichman Mike Ryan Caleb Van Kirk Joshua Vittori

continued dedication. We all have our busy lives going on and it speaks volumes that many of you spend your weekend with us on these guzzler build projects. We are also catching our breaths now that the annual fundraising banquet is over. It was another successful year, so we’d like to give a big thank you to all the volunteers, donors and attendees. We learn something new every year and are always looking at new things to incorporate to keep all of our attendees interested! Thank you to the Peppermill for always being such an incredible host and venue. The Ewes have been busy with clothing giveaway events and bingo! The Ewes knocked it out of the park at the ladies’ baskets at the banquet. Every year they break their sales records, and we love seeing all of their creative baskets. A youth backpack raffle was also done this year and it was fun to see the kids participating!

Dan Warren Victor Yohey Submission Dates: Spring Issue:

February 15th May 15th August 15th November 15th

Summer Issue: Fall Issue: Winter Issue:

For more information on NBU call (775) 400-1172 or visit our website http://NevadaBighornsUnlimited.org

Lydia Teel

Cover Photo by KUIU Conservation Direct - Matt Forsyth

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NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2

NBU Gratefully Acknowledges Weatherby as a 2024 Sponsor

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NBU Gratefully Acknowledges Sunnyside Offroad as a 2023 Sponsor

NBU Gratefully Acknowledges La Palmosa Outfitter as a 2024 Sponsor

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NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Happy Tag Season! Some of us are celebrating. Some of us are whining. It is an exciting time when NDOW releases its big game tag results in May of each year. It is a great time of year when we plan for fall hunts. You get to re-connect with hunting buddies, friends and family. Take some time to discuss: • How are tag quotas decided? Significant time and effort goes into gathering data and ensuring our harvests are responsibly targeted to ensure healthy wildlife populations. • How can sportsmen & women be more engaged: local, state and federal levels? Here are some examples: • Local CAB meetings (county advisory boards to the state wildlife commission) • Wildlife commission meetings – attend a meeting, get an appreciation for the hard work our wildlife commissioners put in to enhance wildlife in Nevada. • Legislative changes • How about gun laws, hunting laws & wildlife management changes? NBU works hard to keep our members up to speed and to provide resources to allow your voices to be heard. We encourage you to partake in your civic responsibility: BE ENGAGED! Summer is upon us and everyone will be busy every weekend! We have our final water development project in Eastern Nevada on June 29th. Thank you for your time. We appreciate your dedication to supporting conservation in Nevada. We will see you there!

Evan A McQuirk, DVM President, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited Evan A McQuirk, DVM

NBU thanks NAE for providing quality merchandise and soft goods

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IN THE FIELD

Editor's Note: Please feel free to email us a picture of you in your NBU gear for the journal. Emails can be sent to bighornsjournal@gmail.com.

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Electric Avenue signs off of USA Pkwy thanks to Director Victor Yohey and Storey County

Russell Reed, Heidi Reed, Curtis and Laura Ruesch

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NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2

Talya Tallerico, Laura Ruesch, Ben Tallerico, Heidi and Russell Reed

Karl Ihrig

Brit N Tina Forrester (@skedaddlesetters)

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GUZZLER PROJECTS

By Steve (Rocky) Hall

South Rail Youth Guzzler Build The South Rail guzzler project (April 27th, 2024) was directed toward Nevada youth and attended by approximately a record 250 people! Boy and Girl Scout troops in attendance include Troop 847, Troop 4, Troop 88, Troop 55 and Troop 107. NDOW personnel conducted seminars which introduced the youth to various Nevada wildlife, the importance of guzzlers and their construction. A scavenger hunt was held Saturday afternoon with the youth searching for wildlife artifacts such as antlers, reptile shells (Desert tortoise) and skulls.

A United States flag retirement ceremony was conducted Saturday evening by Troop 88. NBU Fallon held a raffle for the kids Saturday evening. The NB Ewes distributed various outdoor clothing items to all the youth.

Installation of a 54' x 60' apron, five storage tanks, a drinker and fencing were installed by Saturday afternoon. This guzzler was constructed to augment a nearby spring fed guzzler. Water from the storage tanks of the spring fed guzzler was pumped to the new storage tanks which were filled to approximately 75% capacity prior to our departure. Dan Urquhart and his family purchased the naming rights at the recent NBU Fallon banquet. The Urguhart family erected a sign dedicating the guzzler to future wildlife conservationists and young hunters. NBU Fallon and NV Energy contributed funds toward the food bill - many thanks to their organizations.

Seven Troughs The Seven Troughs guzzler project was constructed May 18th, 2024 under sunny skies and windy conditions. The guzzler consists of 4 tanks, a 54' x 60' apron, a trough with a holding capacity of 8,500+/- gallons of water. The Pershing County Chukar Club provided dinner Friday evening and the Nevada Muley's provided steaks Saturday evening. 49 people and four dogs attended the project. A sign post was erected and awaits a nameplate.

NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 10

Toulon #2 Guzzler The Toulon #2 Guzzler project was built on Saturday March 16th with the help of 80 people and approximately 10 dogs. The installation of the metal collection apron (54' x 60'), gutter, fencing and rock apron around the trough was completed by 2:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Approximately 4,000 gallons of water was deposited in the five holding tanks (12,500 gallon capacity) prior to our departure. Special thanks to the Pershing Valley Chukar Club for dinner Friday evening. Boy Scout Troop #443 attended the project which included six scouts and two adult scout leaders. The troop was a great help with the guzzler construction and conducted a United States flag retirement ceremony Saturday evening. Per Boy Scout and U.S. military protocol, the flag was burned over an open fire while the scouts and guests stood at attention

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By Larry Johnson

Ray Joseph was a regular fixture at NBU guzzler builds for the past couple of decades. He loved the concept of working for wildlife and especially giving of oneself for the betterment of the resource. He was such an inspiration to our entire

guzzler crew. He sadly passed away last December just shy of his 99th birthday. In true Raymond fashion, he went downhill skiing on the Monday before suffering a fatal stroke on Thursday. He lived his life his way! He was a dear friend and mentor. I will attempt to summarize this remarkable man's life. Raymond was born into a poor emigrant family in east LA in 1925. He grew up hunting rabbits for food, and with his brothers bought mustangs from the slaughter pens at the railroad, breaking them to ride, and reselling them as saddle horses. The hard working example of his parents was deeply instilled in Ray and his 12 sibling, constantly pushing them to succeed. One brother became a world renowned marine biologist, and one sister became a Mother Superior loved by all. Ray felt strongly that this was only possible in America - Land of Opportunity. He volunteered for duty during World War II serving in the Naval Signal Corp in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. Following the war, he joined a labor union as an apprentice pipe fitter on industrial projects. He soon caught the eye of an international construction firm (Fluor) where he rapidly rose through the ranks ultimately becoming vice president. His specialty was his ability to organize and motivate people, and to analyze problem projects, turning them around to bring them to successful completion on time and within budget. In that role he was in demand worldwide as project manager of a wide variety of big dollar projects such as oil refineries, petrochemical plants, de-salinization water treatment, and other high profile projects. He managed projects in Saudi Arabia, Canada, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Germany, Korea, as well as the US. At his pinnacle, Raymond was project manager of the entire Alaska Pipeline, and was recruited out of retirement to head the cleanup efforts after the oil tanker Valdez ran aground spilling vast quantities of crude oil triggering the resulting environmental disaster. The stories that Ray and his wife Janet tell are riveting. Janet jokes about the last minute home cooked dinner she prepared when Raymond unexpectedly brought home the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia!

Throughout his illustrious career, Raymond retained his strong love of the outdoors and hunting and fishing. We have shared so many outdoor adventures with Ray and Janet for practically everything that moves, including deer, antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, turkey, chukar, waterfowl; the list goes on and on. We were together on his desert bighorn hunt when he was 76, Janet's bull elk when she was 70, his axis deer in Texas for his 95th birthday, his last deer at age 97 (he didn't draw a tag last year at age 98). So many dreams; So many memories. The family made a donation to the NBU guzzler program in his name, and NBU responded with naming a guzzler in his honor. It is with great difficulty that I say goodbye to such a dear friend, such a great man, and such an inspiration to us all!

NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 12

NBU Gratefully Acknowledges Scheels as a 2024 Sponsor

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NBU Gratefully Acknowledges Peppermill as a 2024 Sponsor

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NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2

KINDRED AWARD RECIPIENT

Steve Duncan

We are delighted to present Steve Duncan with the esteemed 2024 Kindred Award. Steve embodies the spirit of dedication and camaraderie that defines our organization’s mission. If you’ve ever participated in a NBU/NDOW wildlife project in northern Nevada, chances are you’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Steve. With his unwavering commitment and infectious enthusiasm, Steve has become an integral part of our volunteer community. Whether it’s constructing a guzzler in a remote area or fencing a spring

complex, Steve’s presence is not only felt but cherished. His genuine passion for conservation is evident in every task he undertakes. Steve’s willingness to roll up his sleeves and dive into any project speaks volumes about his character and commitment to our cause. A lifelong hunter and fisherman, Steve’s love for the Nevada outdoors runs deep. His profound connection to the land and its wildlife fuels his dedication to our conservation efforts. Beyond his invaluable contributions, Steve brings a sense of levity to our projects with his quick wit and good-natured banter. Tonight, we proudly honor Steve for his selfless devotion and tireless efforts over the years. His old-school work ethic, coupled with his easy going demeanor, sets a shining example for us all. Thank you, Steve, for being a beacon of inspiration within our community. Your contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization, and we are immensely grateful for your continued support.

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44th ANNUAL NEVADA BIGHORNS U

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NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2

UNLIMITED FUNDRAISING BANQUET

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NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2

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NBU Gratefully Acknowledges Granite Construction as a 2024 Sponsor

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NBU Gratefully Acknowledges Blend Catering as a 2024 Sponsor

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2024 Banquet Live

NBU is thrilled about the outcome of our banquet live auction. Thank you to everyone who donated as well as the bidders. This was a huge success! Take a look at what each item sold for.

WINNING BID

WINNING BID

$

$

3,500

5,000

Mystery Backpack Raffle

Wall of Guns

WINNING BID $ 5,500

WINNING BID 16,000 $

WINNING BID $ 9,000

2025 NBU VIP Table

Alaskan Caribou Hunt

Eureka, NV Bison Hunt

WINNING BID $ 4,500

WINNING BID $ 10,000

WINNING BID $ 2025 Fallon NBU Full Curl Table 5,500

Spanish Ibex Hunt

Brittany Puppy

WINNING BID $ 5,500

WINNING BID $ 37,000

WINNING BID

$

5,500

English Setter Puppy

English Setter Puppy

Alaskan Bear and Wolf Hunts

NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 20

e Auction Summary

WINNING BID $ 4,500

WINNING BID $ 5,000

WINNING BID $ Tires and 1 year of oil changes 2,600

Dinner for 20 at Louis' Basque Corner

Upland Hunter Package

WINNING BID $ 7,500

WINNING BID $ 4,500

WINNING BID $ 7,500

Reno Rodeo Box Seats

Blend Catered Meal for 20

Nevada Mountain Lion Hunt

WINNING BID $ 9,000

WINNING BID $ 9,000

WINNING BID $ 1,700

NBU License Plate

Gold Ram BBQ

Gold Ram BBQ #2

WINNING BID $ 75,000

WINNING BID $ Nevada 221-223 and 231 Bull Elk 75,000

WINNING BID $ 5,500

Live Wild Gear Package

Mexico Desert Sheep Hunt

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2024 Banquet Live

100,000 WINNING BID $ 4,000

WINNING BID $ 32,000

WINNING BID $ 4,200

CA Striper Fishing

Raiders Ticket Package

Guzzler and BBQ

WINNING BID $ 4,500

WINNING BID $ 7,500

WINNING BID $ Jarbidge Horse Pack Trip for 2 5,500

Reno Rodeo Box Seats

Coney Island Dinner for 20

WINNING BID $ 30,000

WINNING BID $ Summit Cascade Utility Trailer 6,000

WINNING BID $ 1,600

NV Heritage Antelope Tag

Custom Tactical Hearing Earpieces

WINNING BID $ 4,100

WINNING BID $ 130,000

Meat and Freezer

NV Heritage Desert Bighorn

NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 22

e Auction Summary

WINNING BID $ 2,700

WINNING BID $ 8,000

WINNING BID $ 8,500

New Zealand Tahr Hunt

Oregon Blacktail Deer Hunt

Four Wheel Pop-up Camper

WINNING BID $ 10 Day Multi-Species Africa Hunt 9,000

WINNING BID $ 6,500

WINNING BID $ 2,800

10 Day South African Cape Buffalo Hunt

Wolf Pack Party and Sky Box for 12

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS, we gave away Vortex binoculars to 50 lucky youth banquet attendees. The remaining youth in the room were given a $100 gift card to Scheels thanks to the following donors! Thank you! 1. Capurro Trucking 2. Gerhardt and Berry Construction 8. Shafer Equipmemy 9. Alston Construction 10. Pinecrest Construction

3. Larry and Trish Johnson 4. Western Nevada Supply 5. Mike and Julie Dianda 6. Q & D Construction 7. Joy Engineering

11. MSM Sheet Metal 12. Summit Elevators 13. Custom Powder Coating 14. RO Construction

A list of all of our gun and raffle donors will be listed in the next journal. Stay tuned!

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A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE DONORS OF NBU! Silencer Central PRESENTING SPONSOR PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS High Mark Construction

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

Miller Bison Spoon Creek Outfitters - Ken Wilson Thaba-Tala Safaris Four Wheel Campers KUIU Conservation Direct Wilderness Athlete Alaska Hunting Expeditions Mike Odin’s Alaska Adventures New Zealand Hunting Safaris Rightful Liberty Arms Grey Light Guide Service Granite Construction Featherlite of Reno Tactical Hearing Raglen Systems Balance Eikelberger Awning and Drapery - Chris Eikelberger Lumos & Associates, Inc. Michael’s Reno Powersports Fallon NBU

Peppermill La Palmosa Outfitters Scheels Weatherby Vortex Optics Iberhunting

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS

NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 24 Wildlife Revolutions Jarbidge Wilderness Guide & Packing Les Ohlhauser Michael Dermody Cassidy & Associates Scott Freeman Guide Service Louis’ Basque Corner Carson Valley Chukar Club and Stacy Trivitt - Carson Valley Allstate Reno Forklift Blend Catering Reno Vulcanizing Lil Wal Saloon Leica Sport Optics The Evans Group - Tim Slagle

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

NBU Gratefully Acknowledges Vortex as a 2024 Sponsor

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NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 26

27 KUIU CONSERVATION DIRECT - MATT FORSYTH

NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 28

29 KUIU CONSERVATION DIRECT - MATT FORSYTH

2024 MONTANA MOUNTAINS BIGHORN SHEEP RESTORATION

By Mike Cox, NDOW Statewide Bighorn/ Mountain Goat Staff Biologist and Ed Partee, NDOW Game Biologist

Watch the KUIU video

breed and feed on the alfalfa because of the lack of forage in Buena Vista Valley that year from the Humboldt River going dry that summer. It is likely this was the source of the Montana Mountains disease event with so many domestic ewes being in estrous. It was a huge attraction to younger bighorn sheep rams on the Montana Mountains that would normally be unsuccessful in breeding bighorn ewes at the same time the normal bighorn breeding season occurs in early November. Since that year, the woolgrower only has brought lambs to Kings River Valley in the early fall to graze. This consists of wethers or castrated young males and female lambs that will go to slaughter, and female lambs that will stay with the flock and replace aging adult ewes. None of the ewe lambs are in estrous. The lambs are trucked into the valley in late September to fatten up on the alfalfa fields and trucked away in late January/February. The lambs are moved from various fields with 2 herders and guard dogs. While in a field, an electric fence is erected around them and repositioned periodically to move the sheep’s grazing across the entire alfalfa field. In January 2024, the Nevada Wildlife Commission approved the plan to reintroduce bighorn sheep into the Montana Mountains. The capture and release was slated for mid March 2024 and the source stock would be from the Sheep Creek Range north of Battle Mountain. California bighorn sheep were first translocated into the Sheep Creek Range (Unit 068) in 1991 with subsequent augmentations in 1993 and 1995 from the East Fork Owyhee River, Idaho and Fraser River, Lillooet, B.C.). The current Sheep Creek Range herd is approximately 180 adults. Due to the proximity of domestic sheep trailing routes as well as the Snowstorm Mountain bighorn herd, that experienced a previous die-off and continues to test positive for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi.), the current management strategy is to maintain the herd below the current level. This has provided the opportunity to use the

The Montana Mountains in Unit 031 in Humboldt County is the southern extension of the Trout Creek Mountains that are predominately in Oregon. The town of Orovada sits to the east with State Route 293 running west to Thacker Pass separating the southern tip of the Montana Mountains and northern end of the Double H Mountains. State Route 293 dead ends into Kings River Valley on west side of these two mountains. Kings River Valley is very much an agricultural valley with multiple center-pivot hay operations. California Bighorn Sheep were first released into the Montana Mountains in 1991 from Hart Mountain in Oregon. A separate bighorn release occurred 3 years later in “The Granites” north of the Montana Mountains. Both release sources were from Hart Mountain, Oregon. Since the two original releases, this population steadily increased in numbers with the highest population estimate of 210 in 2011. This population has been extremely productive and was a source stock for both out of-state as well as in-state bighorn releases. In 2000, the first capture took place in the Montana Mountains which consisted of 6 sheep which were released on Antelope Island in Utah. Subsequent captures were conducted in 2006, 2007, and 2012. A total of 72 animals were removed and released in the Santa Rosa’s, Virginia Mountains, and Massacre Rim. The bighorn herd has provided life-long memories to ram hunters with 75 rams harvested since the first season in 1996. On December 1, 2015, during capture operations for disease surveillance and monitoring interstate movements in collaboration with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, two sheep died during the operation. Upon further investigation with necropsies of the 2 rams, it was discovered that they both had severe pneumonia. Once this was discovered, our focus drastically changed from assessing movement and health of the herd to managing an all-age dieoff. During the capture event on December 2nd and 3rd, a total of three rams were collared as well as two ewes. These animals were spread from the Trout Creeks to the South end of the Montana Mountains. In addition to the collared animals, two ewes were sampled. On February 4th, 2016, aerial survey results confirmed the all-age die off occurring in the Montana Mountains with the potential loss of 80% of the original herd. After much consideration for the adjacent healthy bighorn sheep herds in Oregon and Nevada, it was decided to depopulate or euthanize the few individuals that remained in the Montana Mountains to stop the spread of the deadly pathogen to healthy herds. Since 2016, both the Trout Creek herds in Oregon and the Double H Mountains herd in Nevada have been healthy or “clean” with no detection of key pathogens that cause upper respiratory pneumonia. A woolgrower first brought his entire flock of domestic sheep to the Kings River Valley alfalfa fields in Fall 2015. The flock had open (estrous cycling) ewes and rams (bucks) to

NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 30

herd as source stock for several transplants including the Montana Mountains. The Sheep Creek herd was pre-sampled in February 2024 and all animals tested negative for M. ovi. as was the case during the last 5 times the herd has been tested. With the source stock testing negative and the capture crew arrangements in order, the reintroduction was in its final planning stages. On the weekend of March 16, 2024, NDOW staff, local volunteers, KUIU Conservation Direct® and NBU-Reno collaborated on this historic reintroduction. A KUIU customer participation initiative was set up to fund the GPS collars that were to be fitted on the newly released sheep. There were 18 GPS collars made available for sponsorship through the NBU website. After one email notice and in less than 15 hours, all 18 collars were fully paid for by 63 generous donors! Three days later, every collar was on a newly released bighorn sheep. Fifteen healthy ewes (14 pregnant ewes and 1 yearling) and 3 young rams were captured for translocation to some of Nevada’s best sheep habitat in the Montana Mountains. All sheep fared well overnight and the next morning in their transport crates on a flatbed trailer. The crates were slung up the mountain side by helicopter due to the rocky terrain and muddy ground conditions. Many of the same people at the capture the day before, were at the release site simultaneously opening the doors of the 8 crates and watching all the bighorn sheep run out into their new home. There have been no mortalities of the reintroduced sheep through mid June. A ground lamb survey was conducted in June on part of the released herd with 9 ewes and 1 ram observed in 2 different groups. The 9 ewes that were surveyed had a total of 8 lambs present and healthy. In the coming weeks continued surveys will be conducted on the remaining groups to determine lamb production for the entire release compliment. Over 2,000 domestic sheep lambs will again be trucked into Kings River Valley this September to graze across multiple landowner’s alfalfa fields. NDOW is currently developing a Surveillance Plan involving NDOW employees and volunteers/sportsmen from all over northern Nevada including Kings River Valley. The challenge is the domestic sheep are in the fields from late September through January, for about 4 months. We won’t be able to have coverage every day but key days to have vigilance on the valley is the first week they are trucked in and offloaded, and the days that domestic lambs are moved to new fields. We hope to have sites for volunteers who can drop their trailer or put up a tent and stay a few days to help monitor. We also hope to have a fund that can reimburse volunteers for fuel costs for those that travel a long distance. A day of vigilance would involve monitoring the sheep on the fields, helping the herders where needed, and checking on last locations of GPS collared bighorn that are the closest to the valley provided by NDOW and local resident. The GPS collars will be programed with a “geofence” so that if they cross the west escarpment of the mountain, an email message will be sent alerting us of a collared animal that crossed the geofence. If you might be interested in helping out this fall and winter to monitor the domestic and wild sheep in Kings River Valley and the Montana Mountains, please email our NDOW volunteer coordinator Julie Bless at jbless@ndow.org and someone will get back to you once we have a draft monitoring schedule in late August 2024.

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NB EWES

By Michelle Pillsbury

Hello from the NB Ewes!

When the Ladies of NBU learned of the 2nd Annual NBU kids guzzler build at South Rail, we thought, “what a great event to hold our annual youth clothing giveaway.” The Ewes collect used clothing of all sizes, hunting and fishing gear, backpacking equipment, camping gear and more. Our donors graciously give all year long and on the evening of April 27th, the Ewes gave it to kids of hunting age. The kids couldn’t believe we were giving it to them for free. They were told they could each have two items from the lot and a free, new NBU embroidered backpack.

We held a second clothing giveaway at Mark Fore & Strike for those who couldn’t make it to the South Rail guzzler. It is always a success and so special to see the smiles on the kids faces! The Ewes receive support from Mark Fore & Strike, Cabela’s and of course YOU! If you are getting rid of clothing or gear, please call the Ewes at 775-241-4702 or email nbuewes@gmail.com. The Ewes bring awareness to our community of the role that sportsmen and women play in wildlife conservation through educational and humanitarian projects.

Our next BINGO event is on July 17th at the Wal. Watch your email and our social media for more information about this event as we get closer! See you there!

The NB Ewes are looking for new members! If you are interested in becoming a Ewe or would like to volunteer, please email nbuewes@gmail.com

NBU Journal . Volume 41 . Number 2 32

NBU Gratefully Acknowledges KUIU as a 2024 Sponsor

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MOOSE IN NEVADA

By Cody McKee, NDOW Elk and Moose Staff Specialist

Presence and distribution of Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi) in Nevada prior to European settlement is unknown. Historical sightings of moose in Nevada date back to the 1950s, likely coinciding with burgeoning moose populations in neighboring states. Since the early 2000s, frequency and distribution of moose sightings in Nevada have increased substantially. In 2023, public sightings increased by 154% compared to 2022. While the increase in observations is undoubtedly due to a growing moose population, NDOW’s requests for sightings paired with increased public awareness, have contributed to repeated moose observations occurring throughout the year. These observations have greatly contributed to the NDOW’s knowledge of the expansion and abundance of moose in Nevada. Biologists with the NDOW recorded aerial moose observations occurring during recent composition surveys for all big game species in Elko County. Unlike the 2023-2024 survey season, less emphasis was placed on locating moose and a reduced sample was obtained. Surveys resulted in the classification of 29 moose with observed sex and age ratios of 100 bulls:100 cows:42 calves. Biologists estimate the moose population to be comprised of 105 adults. Even in regions with large populations, moose are notoriously difficult to locate during aerial surveys. As a result, the estimated population is likely conservative compared to the true abundance of moose in Nevada.

Since 2020, 9 cows and 6 bull moose have been captured and fit with radio-collars during winter captures. During early summer 2023, one cow was detected on mortality and was determined to have succumbed to complications from calving. An additional 3 collars were automatically released from cows, as designed, during winter 2024. The remaining collars are active in Units 061, 071, 072, 075, and 081. NDOW biologists determined annual survival for adult moose rangesd from 94-100% since 2020; well above minimum thresholds needed for population growth. Monitored cows have been strategically observed from the ground to determine calving status during each year of the project. Annual recruitment for radio-monitored cows averaged 673 calves:100 cows. Moose populations are strongly influenced by adult survival due to a long-life span. Given observed recruitment and high adult survival, the Nevada moose population is predicted to grow by about 20% each year. Moose have been documented in a variety of habitats in Elko County, primarily north of Interstate 80. During summer, moose generally prefer intact riparian systems dominated by willows, as well as dense fir and aspen stands. In contrast, during winter, moose can be found in patches of mahogany, aspen, and Ceanothus. Nevada moose can occupy elevations that are higher than most other game species during winter due to long forelimbs and hind limbs, which are adapted to navigate through deep snow. Most observations reported to the NDOW occur during fall and winter coinciding with the annual rut and cooler weather.

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NDOW recognizes moose as an important component of Nevada's diverse wildlife landscape and serves to protect, maintain, and, where applicable, increase the moose resources for current and future enjoyment and sustainable use by Nevadans. To support moose conservation and management in Nevada, NDOW has identified 3 goals to guide management. Those goals (1) maintain and improve abundance and distribution of Nevada’s resident moose population, (2) allow natural expansion of moose into suitable but unoccupied habitats, and (3) identify and encourage recreational opportunities for all user groups. In May 2024, the Nevada Wildlife Commission approved quotas to allow for the allocation of 2 antlered moose tags in a first-ever moose hunting season this fall. Only Nevada residents were eligible to apply in the 2024 big game draw. Interest in the inaugural moose hunt was high when over 25,000 Nevadans applied or purchased a bonus point in hopes of drawing one of the 2 moose tags offered for the upcoming hunting season.

NDOW would like to continue to learn more about this species in the state. If you live in or travel to eastern Nevada, and spot a moose, you can help their efforts to learn more about them, by reporting your sightings using the QR code!

In 2023, partners with the Natural Resources Institute at Texas A&M University analyzed existing movement data collected during 4 years of monitoring to produce a map of available habitat in Nevada, as well as evaluated habitat suitability under various scenarios of climate change. Key findings included the overall importance of riparian habitats during all seasons of the year, ambient temperatures that could cause heat stress in moose are likely to increase by about 2 weeks by the year 2050, and habitats in Nevada may currently be able to support around 200 adult moose. The potential abundance of 200 adults is based on several assumptions and likely represents a minimum supportable population rather than carrying capacity.

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The May 2024 Nevada Wildlife Commission meeting can be referred to as “the Super Bowl” of all commission meetings. Historically, the May meeting before the big game draw is slated for a long review of proposed big game quotas. These meetings can attract a variety of individuals from sportsmen to those who are against certain hunts. The Friday agenda typically covers normal business, department and committee reports, and updates from public workshops. Saturday is dedicated to big game quotas where the commission goes through line by line, considering every species, area and weapon choice while making any necessary edits to the proposed quotas. Edits to these proposed quotas are based on County Advisory Board (CAB) comment, public comment, and commission discussion. NBU typically has a presence, whether in person or online, at these meetings, and we provide public comment on agenda items that relate to our mission and membership interest. A high level overview of important agenda items are captured below. For the full agenda, support material and a link to the YouTube recording, please visit https://www. ndow.org/events/may-2024-commission-meeting/ to learn more. The next commission meeting is on June 28, 2024 in Lovelock where the upland game and furbearer season and limits will be set and/or revised. NEVADA WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETING UPDATE

Friday, May 3, 2024 Habitat Status and Trend

This presentation was provided by Habitat Division Administrator Mark Freese and Wildlife Diversity Division Administrator Jasmine Kleiber. An overview of the condition of Nevada’s habitat was provided in detail with historic comparison maps illustrating the transition of shrub and grasslands from good to poor condition over time. In 2023 alone, the following restoration and rehabilitation efforts were performed:

• 73,934 acres fire rehabilitation at $1.97 million • 10,158 acres pinion juniper removal at $1.1 million • 334 acres (26,618 linear ft fence) spring, meadow, riparian enhancements at $676,000

Black Bear Presentation Game Biologist Rebecca Carniello provided a thorough presentation of the population status and distribution of black bears in Nevada. Data collected from various methods including captures, GPS collar data, sightings, tracks, scat, DNA from hair snares and cameras help provide NDOW with the best educated estimate of current bear populations. Nevada’s black bear population continues to grow at approximately 5% annually. The managed black bear hunt was adopted in 2011 in Nevada. Black bears are legally harvested as a game species in 12 Canadian provinces and territories and 32 U.S. states. The current Nevada population estimate for black bears in their occupied range is 600-700. California Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates a total statewide black bear population of 65,405 with the Northern Sierra estimated as 15,420. Request from the State of Utah for Desert Bighorn Sheep The Utah Division of Wildlife requested desert bighorn sheep from Nevada for translocation to Utah to augment a nursery herd on a 1,100 acre fenced property on the Promontory Peninsula. Once established, these animals will be used to augment established herds in southwest Utah. NDOW initially provided 31 desert bighorn sheep to Utah in June 2022. These bighorn sheep were translocated to a similar fenced facility in northeast Utah that was historically a domestic elk facility. Within 6 days, a mountain lion had killed 6 of the bighorn sheep. Predator management efforts over the next year and a half removed 31 mountain lions from the 1,000 acre facility. The remaining 13 bighorn sheep were moved to the new 1,1100 acre facility in December 2023 where no mortalities have occurred to date with 9 ewes that gave birth in 2024. There were varying positions from CABs and public comment, but ultimately the motion was passed unanimously. The bighorn sheep will likely be translocated from the Muddy Mountains, and the timing will depend on capture crew availability. While the mortalities were unfortunate, Nevada has been a recipient of several transplants from Utah including a future mountain goat transplant that will likely be occurring in 2024. Shed Hunting and Big Game Skull Collecting NDOW is proposing changes to Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 503.172 that better identifies unlawful activity for shed hunting and provides provisions for big game mammal skull collection. Chief Game Warden Kristy Knight presented on the proposed regulation language change. Existing regulation sets forth closures in certain counties for shed collection and stipulations on what is required to collect during May 1-June 20 open season. The amendment to this regulation would further define what constitutes shed collection during closed season, and changes to the requirements for the instruction on the responsible collection of shed antlers. The certificate from the instruction would be broken out into resident and nonresident. Residents would be required to take a class one time in their lifetime to collect during a limited shed collection season and the nonresident would be required to take the class annually. There would be an addition to getting a big game skull tag or permit to be able to collect a big game skull. There would also be requirements for prior to, during and after collecting of a big game skull. Public comment included the suggestion of a resident only collection period beginning April 1 and a nonresident period beginning May 1. Other comments suggested requiring a hunting license to provide a pathway for penalty using the current demerit system to regulation offenders. The Commission gave suggestions and asked Chief Game Warden Kristy Knight to incorporate changes and bring a draft to the next meeting.

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Waiting Periods for Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat The Commission reviewed proposed draft language that would amend Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) chapters 502.345 and 502.364 to extend the waiting period of a bighorn sheep ram and mountain goat to once in a person’s lifetime. The Tag Allocation and Application Hunt Committee discussed this at two committee meetings in 2024. NDOW pulled 18 years (2005-2023) of data to understand the number of people who have drawn multiples of the proposed species. Zero people drew mountain goats twice, zero drew a Rocky Mountain bighorn ram twice, one drew a California bighorn ram twice, and 16 people drew a Desert bighorn ram twice. As of 2023, there are 3,170 people in a ram waiting period (46 Rocky, 505 California and 2,619 Desert). Public comment and CAB comment were mostly opposed to the proposed language with some recommending adopting the change only for mountain goat, California bighorn and Rocky Mountain bighorn. NBU is opposed to the language as written and provided public comment at the Tag Allocation and Application Hunt Committee and at the Commission meeting. We value the concept of looking at the issue with draw odds for these big game species, but we are concerned the proposed language would have a direct impact on youth and conservation engagement. Rather than taking a Commission vote, it was agreed upon to go back to committee to look at other options. Saturday, May 4, 2024 The second day of the May Commission meeting was dedicated to big game quotas. The Commission discussed 2024 proposed hunting season quotas and harvest limits for black bear as well as regulations for the numbers of tags to be issued for mule deer, antelope, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats for the 2024-2025 season. The black bear quota discussion typically draws a variety of opinions, but ultimately the quotas were passed. There was comment that the sow quota should be removed; however, the Commission felt this was a conservative approach and will stay for the time being. The three-hour mule deer quota discussion began with a presentation from various NDOW biologists highlighting harvest trends, fawn ratios, buck to doe ratios, population estimate and management options. The discussion focused on age classes and which quotas needed to be changed due to buck to doe ratios. Each CAB provided recommendations specific to their area, most suggesting holding the quotas the same as 2023/2024 season in addition to performing more arial surveys in Washoe County. After several iterations of adjusting quotas, unit by unit, a final mule deer quota was approved with some units being significantly reduced from the original proposed numbers. A status update on elk stated that most herds are within +/- 10% of population objectives. The exceptions are 078, 105-107, 109 where numbers are high because of private land elk can seek refuge on as well as high calf ratios; 231 is also possibly an exception based on different short term and long term objectives. Antlerless quota recommendations are increasing in response to elevated calf production. Harvest metrics for antlered elk continue to indicate an exceptional hunting experience. Some CABs recommended minor decreases to a few hunts, but ultimately the Commission approved the original proposed quota with no change. NDOW recommended a total of 3,860 antelope tags for the 2024 season compared to 3,266 in 2023. For horns-longer-than ears, they recommended 2,931 tags which represents a 33 percent increase from 2023. Deviating somewhat from that, NDOW recommended a 13 percent decrease in horns shorter-than-ear tags from 1,066 tags issued in 2023 to 929 for the 2024 season. There were a few minor CAB recommendations, but the quotas were accepted as presented.

Although there has been a continued decline of sheep populations, there is positive lamb recruitment. A presentation was provided on harvested ram stats and current populations estimates. CABs provided comment with a few minor recommendations in a few units and preferred to translocate ewes rather than having a ewe hunt. The few changes were accepted by the Commission. Mountain goat quotas were accepted as proposed.

This year is the first time in Nevada’s history that a moose hunt is available. NDOW recommended 2 antlered moose tags for resident hunters. This represents approximately 4 percent of the available bull moose estimated in Nevada out of a population of 105 moose. This was accepted by the Commission.

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VICTOR TRUJILLO

NEVADA BIG GAME STATUS BOOK

Every year, the Nevada Department of Wildlife issues the Nevada Big Game Status Book. which provides a summary of big game populations and harvest statistics. Ground and aerial survey data provides an insight to how population estimates are established for the various units. If you are looking for harvest history and statistics to geek out on, this is your place! Check out www.ndow.org to read more on the Nevada Big Game Status Book.

MULE DEER The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) issued approximately 11,000 mule tags for the 2023 deer hunting season including landowner compensation tags, PIW, junior, nonresident guided mule deer, and other tags. This was a substantial drop compared to previous years and was the lowest number of tags issued for mule deer since 1974. The overall success rate for Any Legal Weapon seasons was 33% statewide, which is well below the previous 3-year average of 38%. Muzzleloader and archery success rates were 30% and 13% respectively, which were both below the previous 3-year averages of 35% and 16% for those weapon categories. Junior hunters realized a success rate of 47%, which was well below the previous 3-year average success rate of 56%. Overall, about 3,255 bucks and 195 does were harvested in 2023 and 42% of the bucks harvested were 4-points or greater, which is significantly higher than the previous year’s average of 37%.

5 predator removal projects have been approved by the oversite committee. However, not all these projects have been fully funded or implemented due to limited capacity and funding by the NDOW. Many of the habitat improvement projects approved between 2021 and 2023 and totaling over $3 million dollars may not realize the full potential in population level responses by mule deer for several years. In addition to the habitat improvement projects implemented through the MDEP process, the NDOW actively restores and rehabilitates habitats and develops and maintains guzzlers for the benefits of all wildlife, including mule deer. During the 2017-2023 fire seasons, the NDOW implemented 644,543 acres of wildfire rehabilitation efforts at a cost of approximately $14 million dollars. Much of these fire rehabilitation efforts are expected to benefit mule deer among other wildlife species.

CHRIS LACEY

SCOTT STOUT

ANTELOPE The 2023 antelope season continued to provide excellent hunting opportunities for Nevada hunters. The NDOW issued 3,364 antelope tags for the 2023 hunting season including landowner compensation tags, Partners In Wildlife, Heritage, and other specialty tags. Antelope hunters averaged about 3.2 days in the field during 2023, which was slightly higher than the average of 3.1 days reported by hunters during the 2022 season. About 2,184 antelope of both sexes were harvested during 2023 for all seasons and weapon types. Statewide hunt success for the Horns Longer than Ears (buck) seasons was 74% for 2023, which was equal to the previous 3-year average. The percentage of bucks with 15-inch or greater horn length was 20% statewide for 2023, which was below the 5-year average of 24%.

During 2023, biologists classified 16,683 mule deer during the fall survey. Statewide fawn production was 60 fawns:100 does during post-season surveys, compared to 54 fawns:100 does during fall 2022. The observed post season buck ratio was 30 bucks:100 does for 2023 which is equal to the previous 3-year average. The observed spring fawn ratio of 37 fawns:100 adults was well above the 5-year average of 31 fawns:100 adults. The moisture received during the previous winter and timely moisture throughout the year likely contributed to the above average fawn recruitment for 2024 and should yield a positive outlook for mule deer populations into the 2024-2025 hunting season. The Mule Deer Enhancement Program (MDEP) was initiated in 2020 and since that time over 25 mule deer specific habitat projects, 10 investigation projects, and

In 2023, biologists classified about 16,000 antelope

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