Danny O`Connell - California Wild Sheep Foundation

California
Wild Sheep
Spring 2007
IN THIS ISSUE
Danny O’Connell
President’s Message . . . . . . . 5
White Mountains, CA
Desert Bighorn
August 2005
2 Bucks Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Measure Up, Part Two . . . . . . 7
Unit 14C Chugach Dall . . . . 14
My California Desert
Bighorn — Finally Drawn,
Dream Fulfilled . . . . . . . . . 16
Oh, Wow! Honey, I Won
the Hunt!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Management of
Mountain Lions . . . . . . . . . 18
California Desert Bighorn . . 20
A Publication of the California Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep
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CA FNAWS
2
Spring 2007
CA FNAWS
3
Spring 2007
Board of Directors
Events
April 4
Deadline for CO Big Game Draw
Applications
Apriil 8
Deadline for NM Elk, Deer, Sheep,
Antelope & Ibex Hunt Applications
April 17
Deadline for NV Controlled Hunt
Applications
April 27
AZ Drawing for Elk & Antelope Tags
April 28
UT Drawing for Hunt Tags
April 30
Vice President, Operations
Kyle Meintzer
Deadline ID Sheep, Moose & Goat
Hunts
May 1
Deadline for MT Sheep, Moose &
Goat Hunt Applications
Secretary
Paul Brisso
May 5
CA FNAWS Banquet and Fundraiser
May 8
WY Drawing for Moose, Sheep &
Goat Tags
May 15
MT Drawing for General Deer &
Elk Tags
May 15
Deadline for OR Hunt Applications
May 17
CO Drawing for Sheep & Goat Tags
Officers
President
Mike Borel
Northern California Vice President
Debi Ramsey-Casey
Southern California Vice President
Ken Fish
Treasurer
Steve Boitano
Board of Directors
Steve Boitano
Jason Hairston
Mike Borel
Kyle Meintzer
May 31
Deadline for KS Hunt Applications
Paul Brisso
Chip Mooneyham
June 1
Matt Burke
Rich Pierce
Deadline for MT Special Deer,
Antelope & Elk Applications
Debi Ramsey-Casey
Brenton Scott
June 2
Deadline for CA Hunts
David Combs
Dennis Swanson
June 5
Deadline for ID Elk, Deer &
Antelope Hunts
Ken Fish
Graham Weiss
Jim Fitzgerald
Charlene Winkler
June 13
Deadline for AZ Deer, Sheep &
Buffalo Hunts
June 16
NV Drawing for Hunt Tags
California Wild Sheep is published quarterly. Please submit all
articles and photos to the following address:
June 20
Ballots Due for Directors
June 20
OR Drawing for Hunt Tags
Mike Borel
CA FNAWS
272 Castle Crest Road
Alamo, CA 94507
June 21
NM Drawing for Elk, Deer, Sheep,
Antelope & Ibex Tags
June 24
CA Drawing for Hunt Tags
June 24
CO Drawing for Deer, Elk &
Antelope Tags
June 30
MT Drawing for Sheep, Moose &
Goat Tags
Photos should be good-quality color or black & white prints
(not slides). Photo credits and captions should be written on
sticky notes and attached to the back of the print. If you want
diskettes/photos returned, include SASE. E-mail stories and
pictures to [email protected].
CA FNAWS
4
Spring 2007
President’s Message
My focus for this letter is the upcoming CA FNAWS “Sheep
Camp” Annual Fundraiser on May 5, 2007 and our upcoming
Election for Seven Directors.
It’s time to reserve your tickets and begin the anticipation!
We also have a block of rooms at a discounted rate. This is the
largest gathering in the state of Wild Sheep Hunters, Biologists,
Guides and Enthusiasts. It is also the primary source of the
funds that have helped put and keep sheep in our CA mountains — AND ADDED EIGHT HUNTING TAGS PER YEAR. We
need you there and we promise you a great time! Get to know
the DFG biologists who know the sheep herds. Meet and seek
advice from the many holders of Grand Slams, World Slams and
Triple Slams who will be there. Commiserate with persons who
have ¾ or ½ Slams and are hoping for a good draw or raffle
win. Anticipate with those who are dreaming of going on their
first sheep hunt.
We have Sheep Hunt Raffles for the first time — three of
them! We have more sheep tags, sheep hunts and sheep stuff
for sale than ever before — including two Premium Desert
Bighorn tags! Check out the rest of the newsletter for more information and the ticket order form. Note that
“early bird” registrants will go into a free raffle for “your choice of general raffle firearms or merchandise”! We’ll
also have quality guns, great hunts, super trips, informational seminars, great company and more …
Bring your spouse/significant other and as many friends who care about wild sheep as possible. As a statewide
organization many of us will be driving long distance. Please invite others to ride with you, it makes the trip more
fun and brings more members/prospective members to the event. Call me for suggestions. Remember, this is our
one big fundraiser per year! Come, Enjoy, Invest! I promise it will be a good time! If for some reason you cannot
come, please send a donation.
Each year approximately half of our directors complete their two-year terms of service. We are now seeking
members interested in serving on the Board. The election occurs in May/June. The terms of Seven Board members
will expire. Two, who have been directors for three terms — Dennis Swanson and Charlene Winkler will retire
from the Board. The other five — Paul Brisso, Matt Burke, David Combs, Jim Fitzgerald and Kyle Meintzer — have
agreed to run for another term. If you are interested in running, please give me a call and share your interest. I
can also answer your questions about the time commitment, responsibilities and satisfaction that goes with the
role. Each candidate must supply a short biography (150 words maximum) and a picture for the ballot.
Help make CA FNAWS extraordinary — Participate, Recruit a new member, Volunteer, Donate, and Help other
Hunters. My door, phone line, email and ears are open to receiving your ideas, feedback, suggestions and offers to
get involved!
Putting & Keeping Sheep on the Mountains,
Mike J. Borel
President, CA FNAWS
CA FNAWS
5
Spring 2007
2 BUCKS WORTH
By Charlene Winkler
I just returned home from a great 2½ weeks in
Alberta, Canada. At last years FNAWS Convention
there was a Whitetail hunt donated by Rick Guinn of
Guinn Outfitters Ltd. I had already booked a Mule Deer
hunt with Skip Selk of Selks Alberta Bighorns who I
had gotten my big horn with (won from the drawing at
FNAWS) for this year. Some of my friends at the convention told me I needed to do this hunt if I could
work it out to do one hunt and then the other since I
would already have my plane ticket to get there. So I
talked with Rick Guinn and the hunt sounded promising and fun so I bought the hunt and had a conference
with Skip and Rick there and the dates were set. I
would go to Skips first on the mule deer hunt and then
I would go to Ricks trying to take the most advantage
of the rut.
So on November 13 I headed for Canada. Skip had
to guide a sheep hunter so I went with his guide, Tony
Mihaly. Tony was the cook in my sheep camp so I
knew Tony somewhat and Tony knew I wanted a good
mule deer. This country was gentle rolling with lots of
coulees and stubble fields and bucks. Yes bucks, I figure
I saw between 50 and 60 bucks in three days prior to
shooting mine. My buck was with two does at breaking
daylight. With one look I knew I didn’t want to pass
him up. When he spotted us, he left the does and went
into this really tall grassy area to hide. I thought he
was going to the creek and willows, but I couldn’t
locate him. Finally Tony spotted his head above the
grass about 100 yards away. Tony stayed there to keep
track of him and I worked my way up a tree line
behind stacked tumbleweeds to get more of a body
shot on him. My one shot dropped him in his tracks.
We were both excited to see how good he was, 28 in.
wide and 27½ in main beams. We waited for the sun
to come up (-12 C) and took lots of pictures.
Tony was great, funny and very accommodating. I
had a great time also with Skip’s wife, Lenora, son, Ty
CA FNAWS
and daughter, Jolene. The mule deer there seem to
have huge bases and lots of mass and are exceptionally
tall. I would definitely recommend this hunt to anybody as it wasn’t very physical.
Then I was on to Rick Guinn’s area west of Calgary.
Rick’s area is more mountainous, forested, meadows
and stubble fields. This was now Thanksgiving Week
and a whole lot colder (-24 to –28 most days). There
was a sheet of ice and about 6 inches of snow on top
which made it unbearable for a California girl to stay
out in for very long. We saw a lot of mule deer and
whitetail. The whitetail don’t give you much time to
study them as they are always on the move. On the
fifth day of my hunt I took this nice 8 point. We had
left early afternoon to go to this very large opening
with plans to stay till dark. Right when we got there we
found this buck with a doe along the edge of the forest. My guide this afternoon, Dennis, said he was a
good buck and I should shoot him. My Remington
7mm Ulta Mag Short that I purchased at the ladies luncheon in San Antonio knocked him down in one shot
at 275 yards. I really like my gun.
The bodies on these deer are huge. We had tried to
get on several bucks but they were able to give us the
slip. Ricks accommodations were a very comfortable
and warm farmhouse. Connie, the cook, served excellent meals that included Thanksgiving Dinner. Everyone was a lot of fun and helpful. I would also recommend this hunt without reservation. The country is
beautiful and you see a lot of game including a herd of
at least 45 elk and a cow and calf moose. We saw wolf
tracks and mountain lion tracks.
I want to thank FNAWS for this opportunity and a
BIG thank you to Rick Guinn and Skip Selk for their
generous support of FNAWS. I had more fun and
laughs in the 2½ weeks I was in Alberta than on most
of my hunts. Rick still has a couple openings for this
Fall. so give him a call … you will have a good time.
6
Spring 2007
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES WANTED
Have You Considered Serving CA FNAWS as a Director?
7. Determine and Monitor the Organization's
Programs and Services
CA FNAWS is seeking Director Candidates. Elections occur in May/June and terms are two years and
begin on July 1. We have 15 Directors and terms are
staggered so no more than half are re-opened each
year.
We meet by conference call 4-6 times per year and
in person 2-3 times per year (after the Fundraiser, at
FNAWS Convention, and either at a summer meeting
or project).
If you are interested, please send me a short biography (max 150 words) and a picture we can use for the
ballot by April 15. Following are the responsiblities and
principles we’ve adopted. Call if you wish to discuss
any aspects.
8. Enhance the Organization's Public Image,
Advocate for the Organization
9. Serve as a Court of Appeal
10. Assess Its Own (the Board’s) Performance
In addition to the above, we’ve adopted the following
Principles:
A. Debate of issues and exploring various perspectives on an issue is healthy and positive inside
the Board. Taking that outside the Board should
only occur if a Board decision to do so is made.
Major Responsibilities
of the Board of Directors
B. Once a decision is reached all Board members
share accountability for supporting and implementing that decision (regardless of position or
vote).
1. Determine, and refresh as needed, the
Organization's Mission and Purpose
2. Select the Officers — President, Vice Presidents,
Treasurer, Secretary
C. All facts and perceptions will be considered
"friendly" if shared directly and respectfully.
3. Support the President and Review His or Her
Performance
D. If an individual has an issue with another individual, they should first approach the other with
it. If resolution is not happening directly, then
the Chapter President should be brought into
the mix to facilitate resolution.
4. Ensure Effective Organizational Planning
5. Ensure Adequate Resources
6. Manage Resources Effectively
Mike Borel, President
925-937-4180
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS EXPIRE JULY 31!
If you renew anytime in 2007, including at the Fundraiser, you will be covered until July 31, 2008.
Membership Options are: Annual - $40; 3-year - $100; and LIFE - $500.
Renewal Method options include: with your fundraiser registration, by mail,
on the website at www.cafnaws.org! Please renew early — you’ll save us sending an invoice
and every savings yields more $ for sheep conservation!
Please keep your membership current — and please consider upgrading to Life Member Status.
CA FNAWS
7
Spring 2007
MEASURING UP
PART TWO OF A TWO-PART SERIES
Lance Gatlin – B&C, P&Y Official Measurer
Tammy Scott - SCI Master Measurer
In the last newsletter we covered the scoring systems
of wild sheep. We also covered a lot of history about each
of the scoring systems as well as the similarities and differences of each. In lieu of rewriting/reprinting all of that
information, you may need to refer to part one of the
series if a particular question arises. In this article we are
covering the scoring systems of goats, ibex, markhor and
feral goats. How “big” does a mountain goat have to be to
make book? Can a nanny score higher than a billy? Keep
reading and you’ll learn how these animals get their score.
There are three scoring systems that are the most popular/common, the Safari Club International (SCI) measuring system, Boone and Crockett (B&C) scoring system and
for the archers, there is also the Pope and Young (P&Y)
scoring system.
With that, let’s go scoring, again… At the end we’ll
give you some real numbers to better emphasize the correlation of one animal to all three scoring systems.
2. Circumference of Horn
Measure the circumference of each horn at its base, or
as close to the base (or hairline) as possible while holding
the tape tightly in a continuous loop and keeping it above
any scallops or malformations. Keep the tape on horn
material at all times-not on bone, hair or air space. The
measurement should be at the same angle as the base of
the horn; it need not be at a right angle. Do not press the
tape down into depressions. Do not “walk” the tape
around the edge of an irregularly shaped base.
When measuring the circumference of ibex, the knobs
that grow on the frontal surface of the horn may or may
not be present at the base. Our intention is to measure the
circumference around the first knob that is present,
whether it is at the base or has grown up just past the base.
You are permitted to take this circumference by moving
away from the hairline and up toward the horn tip until
you encounter the first knob. Take the circumference
around this knob. If the knob is above the base, it should
be noted on the score sheet.
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL (SCI) MEASURING
SYSTEM
Goats and Ibex (Simple Horns. Method 1)
3. Total Score
1. Length of Horn
Add all measurements together, recording fractions in
1/8ths of an inch. No deductions are taken.
The length of each horn is measured on its front
surface. Follow the center of the front surface from the
base of the horn to the tip, and keep it parallel to the
hairlike grain of the horn material. The front surface will
always begin in front on the forehead, but in some horns
its orientation will change as the horn twists and turns.
The direction of the grain must be followed carefully for
the full length of the measurement. In most species, the
horns have rings, cross ridges or knobs on the front surface. Keep the cable or tape tight; do not press it down
into depressions.
Begin the measurement at the lowest place on the
front surface of the horn, which will normally be in the
center. If the lowest place is not in the center, it should be
carded off. End the measurement at the horn tip. If the tip
is broken so that its far end is not on the line of measurement, card it off in the same manner; do not measure
across the flattened end of a broken horn tip.
With bezoar ibex, the measurement follows the sharp
frontal keel of the horn, with the cable or tape pulled
tightly across the high points, not pressed down into the
depressions.
CA FNAWS
Markhor and Feral Goat (Spiral Horns. Method 2)
1. Length of Horn
Measure the length of each horn around its spiral
twist, from the base to the tip. The spiral twist is always
parallel to the hairlike grain of horn material. This measurement should be taken with a cable.
The horns of most species have one or more distinct
spiral ridges or keels. The ridge that begins on the forehead
is usually the strongest and will be the obvious line of
measurement. Begin at the base of the ridge and measure
along its top until it flattens out near the tip of the horn.
When the ridge is no longer visible, the spiral twisting will
have ceased, and the measurement will then follow the
grain of the horn directly to the tip.
In some species, the spiral ridge that begins on the
forehead is rounded and less distinct, making it more difficult to follow. With these horns, the measurer should
begin at the lowest point of the horn base on the forehead
8
Spring 2007
and carefully follow the grain of the horn around the spiral
twist to the tip. The grain may be indistinct in places
where the horn has been rubbed, but with care it can
always be followed.
With Markhor, the measurement should follow the top
of the spiral ridge that begins at the rear of the horn. This
will be the strongest ridge and will give the longest measurement. If, by chance, the front ridge happens to give a
greater length, this measurement will be accepted. The
scorer needs to make a notation on the official entry form
to note that the longer measurement was taken on the
front ridge.
If a horn tip is broken so that its far end is not on the
line of measurement, it should be carded off; do not measure across the flattened end of a broken tip.
THE BOONE AND CROCKETT SCORING SYSTEM and
THE POPE AND YOUNG SCORING SYSTEM
FOR ARCHERY KILLS
Rocky Mountain Goat
A. The Greatest Spread is measured between perpendiculars at a right angle to the centerline of the skull.
B. Tip to Tip Spread is measured between the tips of
the horns.
C. Length of Horn is measured from the lowest point
in front over outer curve to a point in line with tip.
D-1. Circumference of Base is measured at a right angle
to axis of horn. The irregular edge of the horn is not followed, the line of measurement must be entirely on horn
material.
2. Circumference of Horn
Measure the circumference of each horn at its base, or
as close to the base (or hairline) as possible, while holding
the tape tightly in a continuous loop. Keep the tape above
(toward the horn tip) any scallops or natural irregularities
in the edge of the base so that the tape is on horn material-not bone, hair, or taxidermy material-at all times. This
measurement should be at the same angle as the base of
the horn; therefore, it probably will not be at a right angle.
Keep the tape tight; do not press it down into the depressions or valleys. Do not “walk” the tape around the edge of
an irregularly shaped base.
D-2-3-4. Divide measurement C of longer horn by four.
Starting at base, both horns are marked at these quarters
(even though the other horn is shorter) and measurer circumferences at these marks, with measurements taken at
right angles to horn axis.
The spread measurements are only taken for supplemental data and do not contribute to the score of the trophy. The right and left horn measurements are added
together for a subtotal. Then the difference between the
right and left horns is subtracted from the subtotal for the
final Boone and Crockett score.
3. Total Score
Add all measurements together, recording fractions in
1/8ths of an inch.
No deductions are taken.
If you’ll remember, we started this article by asking
how “big” does a mountain goat have to be to make book?
Can a nanny score higher than a billy? Now that you can
see how and where the measurements are taken, let’s consider the numbers below for two rocky mountain goats:
Billy
Length
Base
1st ¼
2nd ¼
3rd ¼
Total
Right Horn
Left Horn
Difference
9 3/8
6 0/8
5 0/8
3 0/8
1 6/8
25 1/8
9 6/8
5 7/8
5 0/8
3 0/8
1 7/8
25 4/8
3/8
1/8
0
0
1/8
5/8
Right Horn
Left Horn
Difference
11 2/8
5 0/8
4 2/8
2 6/8
1 6/8
25 0/8
11 2/8
5 0/8
4 3/8
2 6/8
1 7/8
25 2/8
0
0
1/8
0
1/8
2/8
Nanny
Length
Base
1st ¼
2nd ¼
3rd ¼
Total
CA FNAWS
9
Spring 2007
Under SCI’s scoring system, the above billy would
score 31 0/8 and the nanny would score 32 4/8 officially.
Both meeting the mimimum score of 27.
Under B&C’s scoring system, the above billy would
“gross” 50 5/8 and officially “net” score 50 0/8 after deductions, meeting the all-time minimum score of 50. The
nanny would “gross” 50 2/8 and officially “net” score 50
0/8 after deductions, also meeting the all-time minimum.
Under P&Y’s scoring system, and if taken with archery
equipment, the above billy and nanny would officially
“net” score 50 0/8 after deductions, meeting the all-time
minimum score of 40.
There are other measuring/scoring systems for the
other huntable species around the world, please check with
the organizations that you are interested in. Also, occasionally measuring/scoring systems are modified or updated.
Check with those organizations for the most current data.
If you have an animal you’d like scored contact the
following organizations to find a measurer in your area:
Safari Club International
4800 West Gates Pass Road, Tucson, Arizona 85745
Telephone: (520) 620-1220
Website: www.safariclub.org
Boone and Crockett Club
250 Station Drive, Missoula, Montana 59801
Telephone: (406) 542-1888
Website: www.boone-crockett.org
Pope and Young
Box 548, Chatfield, Minnesota 55923
Telephone: (507) 867-4144
Website: www.pope-young.org
ANNA BENSON:
Hot Pro Hunting Spokesperson Lashes Out at PETA!
Anna Benson: Georgia native, ex-stripper, model, mother of 3, baseball’s hottest wife according to FHM magazine (she’s married to Orioles pitcher Kris Benson) and the ZONE’s latest hottie. The girl’s out there, but she’s
got spunk, eats meat, owns guns, speaks her mind and hates PETA. We ZONERS love that.
Here are some excerpts from a letter Anna wrote to PETA:
• Shall we dance PETA? I wear fur. I wear dead rabbits and dead minks and dead anything that will keep
me warm.
• I love a really big, really rare steak that's still mooing on my plate. Moooo - yum. I like fish too. I especially like to catch fish, cut off their little heads, and eat them.
• I am shocked that PETA compares animal abuse to child abuse and murder.
• If animals were not killed some, they would take over the earth, multiplying exponentially, and our
resources would be jeopardized. Your idiot-based campaigns make me want to go kill some deer, and I
have never been hunting in my life.
• I have, however, been fishing, and I will probably fish again. And I dare you to give my kid some radical
literature if I decide to take him/her fishing in New York; I'll kick your ass on the spot. In fact, if any of
your idiot members ever come anywhere near my kids, I will skin them and eat them for dinner.
• What is aggravating are PETA's hypocritical maneuvers, like using Martha Stewart as a spokesperson. Seriously? The bitch cooks fish, chicken and pork. She kills and eats them real good while clomping around
the kitchen in her leather clogs.
• The only people whom I hate more than hypocrites are idiots, and PETA is at the top of my idiot list.
Told you the girl’s got spunk. To read more of her rants at PETA and also at the gun haters/grabbers, go to
annabenson.net.
CA FNAWS
10
Spring 2007
WEBSITE INSIGHT
How You Can Use the CAFNAWS.org Donor/Donations Section
of the Website to Reach Out to Possible Donors
By CA FNAWS Webmaster, Kip M. Meintzer
Step 1: Go to CAFNAWS.org and select the
donations link from the navigation bar you will taken
to a page that speaks about donations section. On the
left navigation bar you will find links to Art and Outfitters. These respective links will take you to downloadable forms that can be printed. These are the forms
that contributors fill out in making their tax deductible
contributions.
The CAFNAWS Banquet is just a couple of months
away and if you are wondering how you might be able
to contribute to its success just checkout the donor/
donations section of CAFNAWS.org. I am sure you have
seen or heard about the variety of items and trips that
have been raffled or auctioned at past banquets and you
can be sure this one will be no different. With your
help this and future banquets will be no exception.
Each and every one of the items raffled or auctioned
off are items that have been donated by individuals or
businesses that have become aware of our goal to “Put
Sheep on the Mountain.” The process that allows individuals to become aware of our goal is word of mouth.
Simply, someone asked the question “Would you like to
help us put sheep on the mountain?” And with that
simple question and a answer of yes a donation was
made.
Each and every one of you utilize business services
daily whether it is a car detailer, gun/archery shop,
hunting/fishing guides or instructor of some type and
you most likely have developed a relationship with
these providers and you may have even had conversations about CAFNAWS and our goals? These are ideal
opportunities to ask the question “Would you like to
help us put sheep on the mountain?” And you may
have already done so but were not aware of the next
steps to make that donation a reality. However, now we
have the answer and it’s just a mouse click away.
Step 2: Provide the donation form to the potential
donor. “Art” donation form for items and the “Outfitters” donation form for services.
Step 3: Make sure the potential donor is aware the
donation is tax deductible and the donation will go
towards “putting sheep on the mountain”.
Step 4: Let the potential donor know a link to their
website and company information will be placed in
CAFNAWS donor directory on our website and depending on the size of the donation may receive complimentary banner advertising on the website.
If you need further information regarding donations
please contact Matt Burke [email protected] for
Art/Merchandise Donations and Jim Fitzgerald
[email protected] for Outfitter Donations.
THIRD SHEEP RAFFLE ADDED —
THIS ONE FOR FIRST TIME SHEEP HUNTERS
Free-Ranging Aoudad on the Central Coast of California
CA FNAWS is proud to offer a THIRD Sheep Raffle to be drawn at our May 5, 2007 Sheep Camp Event! This
one is for a free ranging Aoudad Sheep on the Central Coast of California with Don Anderson. This raffle is
unique in that only a first-time sheep hunter can win. We want to help members who are still looking forward to their first sheep hunt (40%!).
Tickets are sold for $25 each, and in the same package prices as our Stone and Dall Raffles. In Fact they can be
combined with a Stone and Dall order (see order form). Anyone can purchase these tickets, but we want the
recipient to be a first-time sheep hunter — that can be a son, daughter, grandchild, friend, etc.
Please order tickets for yourself or someone you know. The odds are outstanding!
CA FNAWS
11
Spring 2007
SELECTED LIST OF AUCTION ITEMS FOR SHEEP CAMP
By Jim Fitzgerald
1. ALASKAN DALL SHEEP HUNT for YOUTH and
NON-HUNTING COMPANION
Ultima Thule Outfitters presents this fantastic
opportunity for a youth 17 years and under, plus a
non-hunting companion to hunt Dall sheep in Alaska's
beautiful Wrangell Mountains. This 7-day hunt is to be
taken between August 20 and September 20, 2007 but
can be delayed until 2008 or 2009. Ultima Thule has
exclusive guide areas in the Wrangell St. Elias National
Park. The world record comes from this part of sheep
country.
They offer a world class lodge and service and is a
great place to bring other members of the family who
can adventure while the hunt is going on.
They have received the following awards over the
last few years:
• Harper Travel - "One of the best 150 places on
earth.”
• Outside Magazine - "One of the Top 10 hideaways
in the world.”
• Men's Journal - "One of the best 100 things in the
world.”
• Tatle Awards - "Best of the world and more.”
Family owned since 1960 and they have lived in
the guide area since 1982, so they know what is going
on year around. The average size ram over the last 24
years is 38"+ and most years they have 170" sheep.
Contact Ultima Thule Outfitters at
[email protected]. 907/688-1200.
Value $19,500.
3. STATE OF ALASKA DELTA BISON HARVEST
PERMIT for HUNT NUMBER DI403-404 in
GMU 20D
Once again the State of Alaska has allowed us the
opportunity to auction their Delta Bison tag. This season runs from October 1, 2007 until March 31, 2008
and allows a hunter one bull every five regulatory years
by permit. Let's show Alaska that we appreciate their
conservation efforts of these magnificent animals.
4. 2008 NE WYOMING ARCHERY WHITETAIL
OR MULE DEER
BareTracks Trophies have made available to us a
September 2008 archery hunt for your choice of either
whitetail or mule deer. This tag is by draw in Region A
and can be delayed until 2009 if winner is not drawn
in 2008. This is a six-day hunt for one person, but
Major Miller has also stated that a youth can hunt
for half price when accompanied by a parent or
grandparent.
Contact [email protected] or
307/896-39145.
This is a 100% donation and is valued at $1800.
5. ST. SIMON ISLAND, GA. CONDO GETAWAY
FOR 2 COUPLES
A great getaway for 2 couples for 1 week on
St. Simon Island, GA.
Three minutes to the beach, village, pier and lighthouse. Stay in a luxuriously furnished condo with two
bedrooms. Fly or drive into Savanna, GA., or a private
jet strip is on the island if you prefer. Absolutely beautiful sunsets, great fresh seafood and shopping on the
island. Charter fishing can also be arranged.
Contact www.TrophysUnlimited.com or
478/256-3422.
Value $2500.
2. 4+ DAY HIGH SIERRA HORSE PACKING/FISHING TRIP 2007
Take the whole family or friends on this exciting
and beautiful pack trip into the breathtaking Sierra
Nevada Mountains. Located at the southern end of the
Kings Canyon National Park at 9,000 feet elevation,
you will camp at an alpine mountain lake and enjoy
high country fishing at its finest. Fully donated by
Charlie and Judy Mills of Horse Corral Pack Station,
this trip includes ride-in and pick-up for 4 people and
gear up to 140 pounds each. This trip cannot be
delayed, but additional people and days can be added.
You must supply your own food and camping gear.
Contact Horse Corral Pack Station for more
information at www.horsecorralpackers.com or
559/565-3404.
Value $2020.
CA FNAWS
6. WYOMING YOUTH MANAGEMENT MULE
DEER AND TROPHY ANTELOPE 2007 OR
2008.
Cole and Elaine Benton of Grizzly Outfitters have
once again seen to it that our youth are inspired to
carry on the tradition of hunting.
This 4-day hunt for one youth in Buffalo, WY needs
to be taken from October 1 to October 14. Accommodations and transportation from Sheridan, WY to the
lodge and back to the airport will be provided.
Wyoming licenses are the buyer’s responsibility.
Contact them at www.grizzlyoutfitters.net or
307/736-2277.
This is a full donation.Value $3050.
12
Spring 2007
soda and lunch provided both days. Then caravan to
view other Bighorn sheep herds, a silent auction, a live
auction, camraderie and discussion about the future of
Bighorn sheep in Hell's Canyon.
Contact [email protected] or 208/459-7188.
Value $Priceless!!!
7. WYOMING YOUTH COW ELK HUNT - AREA
129 and NON-HUNTING COMPANION
This hunt is for a youth aged 12-18 years and is
fully donated by Cole and Elaine Benton of Grizzly
Outfitters. Accommodations and transportation from
Sheridan, WY to the lodge and back to the airport will
be provided. Cow/Calf Youth license ($112) is not
included. This is a 3-day hunt and is for 2007 and cannot be delayed. Hunt dates to be decided.
Contact Cole at www.grizzlyoutfitters.net or
307/736-2277.
Value $1500.
8. "HELL'S CANYON BIGHORN DAYS" JET BOAT
TRIP
This trip, donated by the Idaho/Washington chapter of FNAWS, runs June 23 and 24, 2007. It can be
treated as 1 trip for four or 2 trips for two. Buyers
choice. It includes a jet boat trip from Heller Bar up
Hell's Canyon and back. Two delicious meals, snacks,
9. NEBRASKA EARLY SEASON WHITETAIL BOW
HUNT
Paul Payton and Nebraska Trophy Whitetails have
some great bucks for you to chase around in September
2007. Numerous record book bow bucks are taken each
year on their properties. This is a 51⁄2 dayhunt for one
with the choice of three weeks: September 15-20; September 22-27; September 29-October 4, 2007. Accommodations are provided, but licenses must be purchased by the winning bidder. These can be purchased
over the internet.
Contact Paul at [email protected] or
402/688-4596.
NEW ALLIANCE
IN CONSERVATION
LEAD TAKES CENTER STAGE
IN CALIFORNIA
“In a first-of-its-kind alliance that could fundamentally reshape the environmental movement,
20 labor unions with nearly 5 million members
are joining forces with a Republican-leaning
umbrella group of conservationists — the
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership —
to put pressure on Congress and the Bush administration.
The Union Sportsman's Alliance, to be rolled
out in Washington, after nearly three years of
quiet negotiations, is to be a dues-based organization ($25 a year). Its primary goal is to increase
federal funding for protecting wildlife habitat
while guaranteeing access for hunters and anglers.
The unlikely marriage of union and conservation interests comes at a time when the Bush
administration, with its push for oil and gas
drilling in the Rocky Mountain West, has limited
public access to prime hunting and fishing areas
on federal land. This has triggered a bipartisan
backlash from sportsmen and conservation
groups, as well as from Western politicians in both
parties.”
(Source: Washington Post)
California Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa
Barbara) has introduced legislation to ban all lead
ammunition from the condor range. Assembly Bill
821, the Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act
would “require the use of nonlead centerfire rifle
and pistol ammunition when taking big game and
coyote within specified areas” and would go into
effect by January 1, 2008.
The act does call for the Fish and Game Commission “to provide hunters in these areas with
nonlead ammunition at no or reduced charge
through a coupon program. Under the act, a person who violates those requirements would be
guilty of an infraction punishable by a $500 fine
for the first offense.”
Independent of the proposed legislation, the
California Fish & Game Commission is set to meet
on March 2 in Arcata, CA to discuss again a regulatory ban on lead ammunition for big game and
nongame hunting in the condor range, among
other items. The deer zones in which the ban
would apply under the proposal the Commission
is considering are less extensive than the zones
included in the proposed legislation.
CA FNAWS
13
Spring 2007
UNIT 14C CHUGACH DALL — AND MY 40” GRAND SLAM
By Butch Kuflak
the mountains are steep. Generally speaking, as rough
as it gets. I remember having made a mental note to
avoid this area at all costs. “Isn’t there another area
that has good sheep?” I pleadingly asked. “I’ve seen
some good rams up that way that I think we need to
go after. We could be on them in a couple of days. If
the weather cooperates — meaning no fog, rain, wind
or snow — I think we could have a chance.”
Well, if it isn’t the heat and the bugs of the early
hunts, it’s the elements. I reminded him that I was
from the beach and only put on these long pants
because of the weather. “Not to worry,” he said.
“We will have weather.” Fine … My thoughts drifted
to those Desert Sheep hunts where it was warm and
sunny.
Interrupted by my luggage passing in front of me
on the carousel, we grabbed it and off we went.
Dan had three other hunters besides me — from
New York, Hawaii and northern California. We got
them going the next day and Dan and I were off the
following morning. It was a beautiful drive up to the
Visitor’s Center where we donned our packs and commenced our walk. We followed the river for about five
miles to a cut in the mountain known as Icicle, with a
glacier far up the canyon. We spent the night just up
from the river, and the following day we set up camp
near the glacier. Tomorrow would be the first day of
our hunt period.
We were up early to a misty drizzle and a hot
breakfast. There was only one way to go from here. So,
we grabbed our packs and started to climb. It was steep,
but if you took your time, you could do it. We made
our way almost to the top and with Dan in the lead. I
somewhat enjoyed the awesome view. You could see
for miles … We stopped for a quick snack and some
water, then off again. Dan knew exactly where he
wanted to be. Finally Dan turned to me and said, “I
think we’re close.” We dropped our packs and began to
glass. Within 10 minutes, Dan had spotted rams. A few
minutes later, he said, “There’s our Ram!” We watched
him until he bedded under a rock pile out of our view.
Playing a guessing game with the wind, we started our
stalk. He was at 600 yards, where he laid down out of
our view.
Dan set a course through the boulders and chutes.
We neared the rocks that we had visually marked. Dan
said, “He’s about 200 yards in front of us.” I started to
set up, knowing that if he fed left or right, I was in a
good position. But no, Dan wanted to get closer; so I
gathered my toys and followed in hot pursuit. We got
about 100 yards closer. “Dan, this is good,” I said. “Follow me,” he said. We were now directly above the ram,
Alaska is a vast untamed wilderness. As a sheep
hunter, we all hope to draw a tag in one of the best
units in the state – 14C, in the Chugach Mountain
Range. High scoring rams reaching into the B&C
Record Book encourage us. Towering peaks, glaciers
and silt-filled milky rivers which are ice cold may give
us pause, but we do it anyway. From Hunter Creek to
Eagle River, Boulders to shale slides … We’ll cross these
bridges when we come to them. Ooops, there are no
stinking bridges … It’s as rough as it gets, and totally
beautiful. It can be hot, cold, wet, dry and everything
in between.
Dan Montgomery of Alaska Trophy Adventures put
me into the draw. When the results were posted, I was
drawn for the last hunt of the season. I grumbled a bit
about how all the good rams would be taken. He told
me lots of mature rams always make it through the season. Well, I knew he was right — and any chance to go
sheep hunting was just fine with me.
The flight from Los Angeles, the land of fruits and
nuts, to Anchorage is one of my favorites. Flying over
untouched landscapes, towering peaks, and blue green
lakes hidden amongst glacial bowls … It truly is a land
for the Adventurer.
Dan greeted me at the newer Anchorage airport.
I’ve known him since the early ’90s. We’ve hunted and
fished together and even got a walrus a few years back.
With this late season tag, I could hunt most areas
in the Park. “So where are we going?” I asked. He said
“Eagle River area.” Now I’ve heard that Eagle River was
one of the tougher areas to hunt. It’s a long way in and
CA FNAWS
14
Spring 2007
but he was still out of sight. As we peered around the
lip of the ledge, there he was. I quickly shouldered my
270, while Dan ranged him for some odd reason. “I’ve
got him at 27 yards.” “No s_ _ _, I could have told you
that.” Dan caught me just before I squeezed the trigger.
It seemed that my barrel didn’t quite clear the ledge!
After a quick adjustment, I squeezed the trigger —
click! Our eyes were as big as saucers. I quickly ejected
the shell and slid a new one into the chamber.
The ram remained calm as we did all of this. So, we
tried it again. This time with great success — he simply
collapsed. We shook hands and Dan said, “There you
go.” “Yup, that does it.” Dan said, “Congratulations on
your 40” Slam!” He totally caught me off guard. He
had been following my good fortune. I could see that it
meant a lot to him, and I was proud to have this happen with one of the best that Alaska has to offer.
After lots of pictures and a long way back to camp
with heavy packs, we cooked up some damn fine back
strap and called it a day! This was my 4th ram from
Alaska and my 11th of the white variety.
Go while you can!
HIGHLIGHTED HUNTS/TRIPS/TAGS
IN 2007 SHEEP CAMP FUNDRAISER
We have outstanding tags, hunts, trips and merchandise for our auction on May 5! This is just a sampling.
We’ll get a complete listing with descriptions out to registrants prior to the event.
SUPER PREMIUM TAGS
California Desert Bighorn Sheep Tag
Tiburon Island Desert Sheep Tag
Grizzly Island Tule Elk Tag for a Bull!
Bison in GMU 20D
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
State of California F&G
FNAWS
State of California F&G
State of Alaska F&G
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Donor:
Ultima Thule Outfitters
Cottonwood Ranch Outfitters/Blaine Jackson
Timberline Outfitters/Perry Hunsaker
Washington FNAWS
Blackrock Outfitters
Bill Johnson Co.
Trophys Unlimited
Horse Corral Pack Station
Nebraska Trophy Whitetails
David Combs
Trophies Unlimited
Don and Rosemary Anderson
Zulu Nyala
HUNTS/TRIPS
Dall Sheep Hunt for a Youth in Alaska
Nevada Summer Pack School
Monster Elk Hunt (free ranging) in AZ/NM Gila
Hells Canyon Float Trip – 4 people or 2 trips for 2 people
“Cast-N-Blast” for 2 people in Nevada
Antelope Hunt for 2 People in Wyoming
Whitetail deer hunt in Kentucky
High Sierra Pack/Fishing Trip
Archery whitetail deer in Nebraska
Kennedy Ranch Hunt for Exotics in Texas for 4 days
St. Simons Island for 2 couples for a week
Aoudad Hunt in Texas
Zulu Nyala Photographic Safari for 2 for a week
Grizzly Outfitters Management Mule Deer and
Trophy Antelope
Donor: Cole Benton, Wyoming
BEAUTIFUL WILDLIFE ART FROM FAMED ARTISTS
Stone Sheep Original on faux stone
Stone Sheep Giclee
Mountain Goat Giclee
Donor: Blaine Dabb
Donor: Joshua Spies
Donor: Joshua Spies
USEFUL & COOL STUFF
Front Sight First Family Life Membership –
All Courses Free for Life!
Premium Wines
Sheep Themed Belt Buckles by Gist
Set of Sitka Mountain Gear Clothing
Donor: Ken Fish
Donor: David Combs
Donor CA FNAWS
Donor: Sitka Mountain Gear, Jason Hairston
And don’t forget the RAFFLES for THREE (3) SHEEP HUNTS!!!!!!
CA FNAWS
15
Spring 2007
MY CALIFORNIA DESERT BIGHORN —
FINALLY DRAWN, DREAM FULFILLED
By Dick Butler
putting me on my sheep. Terry has a passion for desert
sheep. Not just hunting them, but for the sheep in
general. For someone who draws a desert tag in the
future, I think you would be hard pressed to pick a better or more professional outfitter! Terry lined up some
sub guides to help with the hunt Andrew Pontious
Colin Jewett,and Nathan Wass. They were all great
guys. They were very knowledgeable about the sheep
and their area. This proved to be extremely valuable
during the course of my hunt. I also got to take my
son,Pat along, to share in this great experience.
On the 4th day of the hunt,in spite of my poor
shooting, we managed to take the ram they call, Lefty.
I am now a 3/4 slammer! Hopefully I will get the
opportunity to take my Rocky, before I get too old.
Something I would like to mention in closing, is
the great job Ca. Fish and Game, Ca. FNAWS, and
SCBS, is doing to put sheep, and sheep hunters on the
mountain.
I enjoyed the orintation emensly. I met a lot of
good people that have spent a lot time and effort so
that people like myself can enjoy this great experience.
I am looking forward to seeing you all at the dinner in May.
Until then, take care.
I had a great hunt this past January with Terry
Anderson, of San Gorgonio Wilderness Outfitters. My
adventure started back in June of 2006, when I opened
an unassuming letter from California Fish and Game. I
didn't have my glasses on when I opened it, but when I
saw, congratulations, in bold print I thought I better
put them on. Needless to say, I about went into shock.
The only way you can experience the feeling is to actually draw one of these tags. I have put in for 15 years,
but really never expected to draw. Evidently someone
was looking out for me. Well, enough about the luck
part of the story.
The very evening I found out I had drawn the tag, I
got ahold of Terry Anderson, of San Gorgonio Outfitters. We had a great conversation. I had him send me
the papers to book a hunt with him. He told me of a
couple of sheep he had in mind that we would certainly try to harvest. One of which they called Lefty. He
was broomed off on his left horn hence the name
Lefty. Believe me I spent a lot of time last summer and
fall thinking about this sheep.
We are experiencing severe drought conditions in
the southern desert region of California. These conditions made hunting more difficult than they might
otherwise be. But Terry Anderson did a great job
CA FNAWS
16
Spring 2007
OH, WOW! HONEY, I WON THE HUNT!!!
(Considerations on Donated Hunts)
By Bob Keagy
interest with regard to some of our international
donations:
Some of the areas from which the chapter receives
donations require fairly extensive air travel arrangements,
which should be booked fairly early. As a rule-of-thumb,
I'd recommend booking your flights no later than 5-6
months in advance of the hunt, particularly to far-distant
locations (e.g., Kamchatka or parts of Africa or Mongolia). Obviously, you should coordinate these arrangements with the guide, as he will need to make any pickup arrangements, transfers, charter flights, etc., etc.
(Note: We play the "Frequent Flyer" game whenever possible. This means charging items preferentially to a United, American or Delta credit-card. Most of our recent
trips to Africa have been paid for with frequent flyer
miles. Note also that "frequent flyer" seat availability has,
however, been getting a bit tighter of late, requiring
more intensive follow-up.)
Additionally, although everyone checks carefully (as
well they should) on firearms import rules and regulations (particularly important now in South Africa, New
Zealand and Australia), they tend to overlook the documents to bring firearms BACK into the USA. You will
need to go to US Customs prior to your departure (with
your rifle- a hard case is best) and obtain Form 4457 "Certificate of Registration for Personal Items Taken Abroad,"
listing the rifle or shotgun's make, caliber and serial number, in order to ensure that you can bring your firearms
back into the US without controversy or problem.
Finally, you may need to have your taxidermy
arrangements well in hand before departure. If (as in
many Asian hunts) you bring the trophy back with you,
you'll need to be met by a Customs Broker, to facilitate
clearing customs, importation and subsequent forwarding, all of which should be in place/arranged before your
departure.
A hunting trip is a wonderful way to experience the
beauty of another state or foreign country. We always
try to spend a few days prior to the hunt sight-seeing to
get a better perspective on the country, and to get over
the time-zone adjustments. To me it seems quite inadvisable to fly to West Blogostan, and try to hunt the first
day or so — your body will be trying to adjust. If,
instead, you take a day or two seeing the interesting
sights, you'll go on your hunt more rested and ready to
make the most of your hunting days, and enjoy it more,
as well as having seen sights that you may never have
the opportunity to see again.
I surely hope that the foregoing thoughts were not
too boring, and that you obtain the hunt of your dreams
at our Cal FNAWS Fundraiser!
As we go into the Fundraiser season, it is perhaps
timely to review a few considerations about donated
hunts. Winning any hunt at a fundraiser is just one, and
not necessarily the first, step to a great hunting experience, but the prospective hunter should be aware of a
few basics. Before you hit the ol' stairmaster, here are
some very general considerations, and by no means are
they a comprehensive listing:
Firstly, no chapter hunt guarantees that you'll be
successful. Our chapter has exercised reasonable care that
the guide is felt reputable, and that he has a good trackrecord — but, beyond this, the success or failure of your
hunt is up to you. For these reasons, it is wise to do your
research before the Fundraiser, to ensure you are fully
acquainted with the guide's reputation, area, species,
steepness/ruggedness of terrain, and other important
aspects. That is, be an informed consumer. (I hope you
took the opportunity at the FNAWS convention to meet
with potential donors: it is an excellent opportunity to
meet with the guide/donors on a face-to-face basis.)
Secondly, read carefully the donated hunt description
in the auction brochure — it is important! If it says that
the hunt is for 2007 only, it means just that — any extension that may or may not be negotiated is entirely
between you and the outfitter, as is any upgraded game
availability/species. Be sure also to note any disclaimers in
the front of the auction brochure. Thirdly, the chapter is
not a "booking agent". That is, the chapter sells the hunt,
but it is up to the bidder to contact the guide in an expeditious manner, and firm up hunt dates, species desired,
any accompanying non-hunters, licenses, airline arrangements, visas, firearm import permits, etc. All of these
should be discussed as early as possible with the donor.
Do not overlook any visa or health requirements!
Fourthly, remember to pick up your "winner's packet"
before departing the fundraiser. It contains important
information that should become the basis of your "trip
file". (Personally, when I come home from a fundraiser, I
immediately put the hunt documents, donation forms,
etc. in a see-through one-gallon "zip-lock" bag, with
"Mongolia 2004," "Kazakhstan 2005" or "Alaska 2007,"
etc. written on the bag in permanent marker — this complete file then ultimately goes with me in my carry-on
when the the hunt occurs.)
Fifthly, and finally, please bear in mind that the
donor has made a contribution to your chapter's wellbeing. Whether a donation of time, vehicles, lodging, or
trophy fees, a simple "thank you" goes a long way to
ensure a better and continuing relationship.
While not limited to donated hunts alone, the
following (admittedly very basic) points may be of
CA FNAWS
17
Spring 2007
MANAGEMENT OF MOUNTAIN LIONS IN CALIFORNIA:
History, Basic Biology, and Citizen Initiatives
By Vernon C. Bleich and Becky M. Pierce
(Reprinted With Permission from Records of North American Big Game, 12th Edition www.booneandcrockettclub.com)
Few animals stir as much emotion as cougars,
catamounts, or pumas; these are large felines that most
commonly are referred to as mountain lions. In California, the birth place of many politically correct
trends, mountain lions are of special interest and have
a long and varied management history. That history
includes the entire spectrum of management strategies,
ranging from year-round open-seasons with no limit
on take, to that of persecuted predator, nonprotected
predator, carefully regulated game animal and, eventually, to California’s only “specially protected mammal.”
The diverse management history of mountain lions
in the Golden State is rivaled only by the variety of
landscapes that occur there. During the early part of
California’s history, mountain lions were fair game,
with no legal status. From 1907 to 1963, records indicated that more than 12,000 bounties were paid. Following cessation of the bounty period in 1963, mountain lions were managed as nonprotected, nongame
animals, and no records of take were maintained: anyone with a hunting license could pursue these large
carnivores in unlimited numbers, and on a year-round
basis.
Mountain lions first received protection under
modern wildlife management regulations in 1969,
when they were classified as game animals by the California Fish and Game Commission; that status was
retained until 1972, when a moratorium on take was
enacted. During 1969-1972, 4,953 tags were issued, and
118 individuals were harvested. After the moratorium
was in place, the California Department of Fish and
Game established a system whereby incidents livestock
or pets and mountain lions have been kept with
painstaking consistency. As a result, depredation permits are issued to affected property owners and allow
them to “take” the offending mountain lion.
Following extensive investigations, mountain lions
were again classified as a game mammal in 1986, but
recommendations for limited harvests were challenged
in court. As a result, no hunting season ever occurred
and, in 1990, the voters of California passed a ballot
initiative, Proposition 117, which afforded mountain
lions the status of specially protected mammal. A subsequent ballot measure, Proposition 197, which would
have modified the specially protected status, was
defeated in 1996 and reaffirmed total protection as the
CA FNAWS
management strategy for mountain lions in California.
There has been much speculation about whether
cessation of sport hunting of lions has had a negative
effect on large mammal populations in California. Further, some have argued that cessation of sport hunting
has resulted in mountain lions becoming emboldened
around humans, thereby creating situations in which
citizens are exposed to greater danger of being attacked
than had been the norm when lions were hunted.
Regardless of whether sport harvest of mountain lions
has resulted in lower numbers or reduced populations
of large game mammals, or if it has increased risks to
humans because those carnivores no longer equate the
presence of humans with danger, the management of
lions in California remains a contentious issue. Certainly, far fewer management options currently exist
than in other states that support healthy populations
of those carnivores. The initiative process has altered
the ability of professional wildlife biologists to use traditional techniques to manage lion populations, or to
provide recreational opportunities to those seeking to
harvest a trophy animal. Current law even prohibits
the use of hounds to pursue lions for the purposes of
photography, an interest held by many citizens that
have little chance of photographing one of those elusive carnivores in the absence of assistance from professional houndsmen.
To better describe interactions between mountain
lions and their prey, we define several basic terms.
Among these are nutritional carrying capacity, densitydependent processes, density-independent processes,
compensatory mortality, and additive mortality. Nutritional carrying capacity (K) refers to the number of animals of a particular species that a given environment
will support, based on the nutrient requirements of the
population involved. Density-dependent processes are
those that are a function of the current population
density relative to K that influence the demographic
characteristics of a population; there is a feedback
between population density and the recruitment rate
(young added to the population per adult female) of
the population. Density-independent factors also influence demography, but there is no feedback between
those factors and the response of a population to those
factors; examples of density-independent factors
include severe weather and accidents. Compensatory
18
Spring 2007
mortality refers to causes of death that are compensated for by increased survival or reproductive output by
animals remaining in a population following the
removal of some individuals, and one source of mortality compensates for another. For instance, young deer
in poor condition and that were killed by a predator
likely would have died anyway from malnutrition during winter. Additive mortality refers to deaths that are
not compensated for by enhanced survivorship or
reproductive output among animals remaining in a
population, and that occur in addition to other causes
of death. In this example, winter deaths from malnutrition would be added to losses from predation. All of
these terms are applicable both to predators and prey.
Prey species of mountain lions (in particular large
ungulates) respond to the removal of individuals in a
density-dependent manner. That is, when prey populations are limited by the food supply, reproduction and
recruitment are low, and body condition generally is
poor. Individuals in such populations die of numerous
causes, including predation. Losses to predators under
such circumstances are often compensatory mortality,
because those losses are compensated for by enhanced
survival (or, perhaps, reproductive success) among surviving prey. When a population of animals is in poor
body condition, mountain lion control likely has little
effect on the number of animals in the population: forage is limiting the number of animals in the population, and lion removal does nothing to enhance the
availability of resources to individual prey. In such scenarios, control of mountain lions cannot be expected
to result in an increase in the prey population.
When members of an ungulate population are well
below K and not affected by nutritional constraints,
individual prey are likely to be in excellent body condition, and reproduction and recruitment are expected to
be high. In such populations, any animal removed by
predation likely would not have died of nutrition-related factors, and the resulting decrease in competition
provides little benefit in reproduction for remaining
individuals. Therefore, deaths resulting from predation
likely are additive, because they occurred in addition to
losses from other causes.
FIREARM-RELATED FATALITIES
AT RECORD LOWS
HUNTING LICENSE SALES
GENERATE RECORD
CONSERVATION FUNDING
###
In the next issue of Wild Sheep, Drs. Bleich and
Pierce will describe in greater detail the ecological relationships between mountain lions and large mammals,
when intervention might be productive, and when it
likely won't be. Dr. Bleich is a Senior Environmental
Scientist with the California Department of Fish and
Game (CDFG) and is the project leader for the Sierra
Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program. He has been
active in the management of large mammals for more
than 30 years, and has a special interest in the conservation of bighorn sheep. Dr. Pierce is an Associate
Wildlife Biologist with the California Department of
Fish and Game. Becky has been studying cougars in the
eastern Sierra Nevada since 1991 and currently is the
predator specialist for the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
Recovery Program.
THE CDC REPORTS … The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention reports accidental firearms-related fatalities in the U.S. declined significantly between 1994 and
2005.
A new report shows hunting license sales — the
main funding mechanism for state conservation
agencies — set a new record in 2005, topping $723
million.
THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL REPORTS … A new
report from the National Safety Council shows that accidental firearm-related fatalities remain at record lows,
and accidents involving youths continue to decline significantly. The downward trends are occurring even as
firearm ownership rises in the U.S. Statistics in the council's 2007 "Injury Facts" report show a 40 percent
decrease in accidental firearm-related fatalities over a 10year period ending in 2005. The report also shows
firearm-related accidents involving children ages 14 and
under declined 69 percent between 1995 and 2003.
Downward trends also are being reported by other
sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
CA FNAWS
The 2005 figures, just released by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, show total sales rose 2.8 percent
from the previous year, although the number of
customers slipped 1.4 percent, from 14.7 million to
14.5 million.
Arizona led all states with an 8.3 percent increase
in license sales, while Tennessee added 45,000
more hunters, the most of any state.
19
Spring 2007
CALIFORNIA DESERT BIGHORN
By Reid Hendrix
I was excited when I learned that I had drawn the
California San Gorgonio Wilderness Sheep Tag. This
would be my first sheep hunt. I immediately called the
only person I knew that had hunted there. Tarren
Corder drew the same tag several years ago and harvested a nice ram on a “do it yourself” hunt. He said
that with all the time and expense he put into outfitting himself, it would have been well worth the cost to
hire an outfitter. He recommended Terry Anderson of
San Gorgonio Wilderness Outfitters. Terry has a long
history of outfitting and guiding sheep hunts and San
Gorgonio just happened to be in his back yard. I scheduled a hunt with Terry for the first part of February.
In July, wildfires swept through most of the sheep’s
winter range. This cleared thousands of acres of brush
and thus opened up a lot of new country to the sheep.
Terry and I wondered if they would stick to traditional
migration patterns or spread out through the burned
areas browsing the new growth. At the time, we didn’t
consider that there might not be any new growth.
Through the Fall and Winter, Terry and I prayed
for rains that never came. The feed in winter range was
poor indeed. Nothing sprouted up in the burned area
and areas that didn’t burn stayed dry and brown. No
snow accumulated in the higher elevations. Terry spent
sixty-three days scouting the area, to see only three
mature rams. Two were living with ewes and lambs on
a sheer cliff that we would not be able to hunt and one
came out of the high country into the burned area,
turned around and went back. Terry concluded that
the sheep weren’t going to migrate this year. They
must be staying in the high timber. Terry assured me
that hunting sheep in the timber was almost impossible. He thought our best chance would be to wait for
the two rams living on the cliff to move to an accessible area.
Terry finished all his other hunts in early February,
so I made the trip to his house from my home in Redding, California. I arrived to find pleasant weather with
highs in the 70s. We spent the next several days glassing different areas to find only a few wandering sheep
and no mature rams. In the evenings we’d check the
sheep living on the cliff, but they seemed content to
stay in their safe haven. However, the wind came up
on the fifth evening, and the sheep moved to the top
of the cliff and out of site. We planned our next day
on the premise that the sheep went over the top to get
out of the wind.
The next morning Terry, guide Colin Jewett, and I
crested the main ridge about an hour after daylight.
We worked our way along the backside of the ridge
careful not to skylight ourselves. We’d stopped at sever-
CA FNAWS
al intervals to try to locate the sheep, with no success.
Our hopes sank as we moved beyond the area where
we expected to see them. We pressed on anyway.
We came to the end of one drainage and entered
into another. We paused to glass the new drainage, and
when we assured ourselves no sheep were in sight we
moved on. We had only gone about ten yards when
Terry kicked loose a small rock that starting rolling
down the hill, something that is inevitable in this terrain. Usually the rocks roll a short distance and come
to a stop, but this one persisted. I could hear its click,
click, click traveling down the slope. Suddenly, Terry
said “Stop.” At first I thought he was speaking to the
rolling rock in hopes it would somehow obey his command and quit making noise. An instant later he said,
“Rams!” I looked down the hill to see a group of seven
rams come out of a pocket and into view. They huddled together on a point below us about 150 yards.
Apparently, they heard the noise and moved up to see
what caused it. I dropped to a sitting position, loaded
my rifle, and took a rest over my knee. Terry said, “The
second one from the left is the best. It’s a good ram.
Take it if you want, but wait for it to clear.” A small
ram stood in front of it, blocking my shot. The rams
milled around as though unsure of what to do. The
small ram finally stepped forward enough to clear the
front shoulder of the one I was aiming for. Terry said,
“Ok, now!” As I put the crosshairs on its heart, another
small ram stepped in behind it. I could only see the
movement of its horns above the back of the ram I
intended to shoot. Terry said, “Wait. Don’t shoot. Do
you see the one behind it?” ”Just barely,” I replied.
“Wait for it to clear,” he said. I held my sight picture
while watching the horns of the smaller ram in the
background.
After several seconds all seven rams suddenly
turned their heads to the direction from where they
came. Terry asked, “What are they looking at?” Next I
heard Colin excitedly say, “That’s a big one!” Then
Terry said, “Reid, do you see the lone ram to the left?”
I lifted my eye from the scope and sure enough an
eighth ram had come into view about 30 yards left of
the group. Only its head and front shoulders were visible. “Yeah,” I said. Terry said, “Shoot it.” I didn’t even
take the time to look at the horns. I could tell by the
guides’ reaction that it was more than good enough. I
settled my crosshairs on its front shoulders and fired.
After the recoil, I saw a plume of dust where the ram
once stood. Colin proclaimed, “You got it!”
We watched the group of seven rams run to the
bottom of the drainage and out of sight. I was amazed
at the speed and agility of these animals. If they had
20
Spring 2007
run like this to start with, I wouldn’t have had a
chance. Colin explained why the group didn’t run
immediately. They were waiting for their leader, the
big ram, to decide which way.
We walked over to the point we last saw the big
ram. From there we could see the motionless ram
about 40 yards below us. It was then that I really
looked at the horns and was pleasantly surprised by the
mass. The next morning the Fish & Game biologist
scored the ram at 173 3/8 gross.
I have to thank luck on this hunt, not only in
drawing the tag, but in the series of events that led me
to this trophy. For all the scouting, Terry hadn’t seen
these rams before. If he hadn’t kicked loose the rock,
we may not have seen them that day. And, if it wasn’t
for the group huddle preventing a clear shot, I would
have taken the lesser ram.
Reid’s Equipment
Rifle:
Mountain Rifles Inc. 30-378
Weatherby
Ammo:
Swift 165gr Scirocco handloads
Scope:
Leupold 8.5-25 Mark 4
Boots:
La Sportivia Makalu
Backpack: Kifaru Navagator
CA FNAWS ROLLS OUT NEW CLOTHING LINE
By Kyle Meintzer, V.P. Operations
• Canvas shirts: Personally, these are my favorite. I
got my first Cabelas canvas shirt five years ago. I
wear it all the time and it looks great, even five
years later. These suckers are indestructible and
seem to last forever. Multiple color choices are
available, and they come in tall as well. Awesome
shirts!
We are happy to announce that after five years of
“the same old stuff,” we have a brand new line of CA
FNAWS merchandise available for our members. Better
yet, this new line offers you far more items, more
options, and more customization.
In order to offer you the best in quality and availability, while at the same time eliminating our need to
spend money on inventory, we’ve chosen Cabelas as
our new provider of choice.
As you all know, Cabelas markets only the highest
quality of merchandise and their customer service is
second to none. In addition to that, Cabelas is offering
us “just in time” manufacturing and delivery on all of
our selected items. Their Corporate Outfitters division
will process and embroider your order, then send it out
directly to you within 72 hours of order receipt! That’s
an advantage for you, as you will have a much wider
range of colors, styles, and items than we otherwise
could provide. It’s an advantage for us because it
means no more inventory. Other than a few samples,
we don’t need to spend a dime to build an inventory,
hoping that you’ll like our choices, and guessing at the
color choices and sizes you might want. The net result,
of course, is no wasted money and so more sheep on
the mountain!
• Polar-Tec Fleece Jackets: These are the warmest
and sharpest looking fleece jackets I’ve seen, and
I’ve got several. Multiple color choices are available here as well.
• T-Shirts: Eight colors available in both long-sleeve
and short-sleeve. Our standard has a small logo
on the front, but at no extra charge, you can
have it on the back of the shirt as well! A very
high-quality t-shirt!
Note that we have two color choices for our logo as
well. So you can order light-on-dark, or dark-on-light
logos, so as to best contrast with the color of the items
you order!
To place your order, just go to our website at
http://www.cafnaws.org, then click on the “Store” link
at the top of the page. We’ll also have samples and
order forms at our banquet on May 5.
Another great feature of our partnership with
Cabelas is that we will be able to add and subtract
items based on demand and availability. So you’ll continually be seeing the latest in styles and color choices.
Wearing CA FNAWS clothing and hats is a great
way to show your pride in our mission, as well as letting the public know about what we do. Buy your stuff
now!
Here’s what we’re offering, all, of course, embroidered with the CA FNAWS logo:
• Hats: Several choices of styles, all with multiple
color options.
• Shooting shirts: Four color choices, and sizes that
include tall and left-handed.
• Polo shirts: Several color choices
CA FNAWS
21
Spring 2007
2007 TO BRING RECORD TAG NUMBERS!
By Kyle M. Meintzer, V.P., Operations
the Marble’s, two in the Sheep Holes, and one in the
San Gorgonios. (Note that due to a very recent and disappointing survey in the San Gorgonios, this recommended tag may be withdrawn.)
In addition, we sponsored a survey last October in
the Turtle, Whipple, and Chemehuevi ranges, privately
funded by two of your Directors, that shows promise
as well. If a follow-up survey validates that data,
another tag or two is a distinct possibility, possibly
as early as 2008.
There are two more ranges that also look promising. Good recent survey numbers in the South Bristols
were very encouraging, and DFG is also excited about
the sheep that are being reported in the Cady Mountains. CA FNAWS has approved funding for an extensive survey in these units for later this year. If things go
well, we may see still another unit opened and more
tags yet made available!
None of this, of course, is possible without the
financial support of you, our members. Because of your
attendance at our annual fundraising banquets, we’ve
been able to raise the money it takes to do the surveys
that result in more tags. Your support of our May 5
event in Sacramento will only help us in our quest. We
hope to see you there!
We’ve got great news for California’s desert
bighorn sheep hunters! Based on the recommendations
made to the Fish and Game Commission by the DFG
sheep professionals, the 2007/2008 desert bighorn
sheep draw will offer a record 19 tags!
When we started the California FNAWS chapter,
there were just eleven tags available in the draw. In just
a few short years, that number has grown by 73%.
Most of this increase is due to CA FNAWS and the
financial support we’ve received from you, our members. While we haven’t been around long enough to
grow these sheep, we’ve been instrumental in helping
California Fish and Game find and document them.
Our leading example, of course, is the White Mountains. It was our idea to survey this area in 2004 and
our money that paid for the surveys that followed. As a
result, the White Mountain unit opened for the first
time ever for the 2005 season, with three tags available.
Three tags were also available in 2006. Thanks to a very
successful CA FNAWS funded survey last March, the
estimate of rams in the Whites was raised enough that
for this coming season, the DFG has recommended
that there will be five desert bighorn sheep tags available in this unit!
In addition, next season will see five tags in the
Old Dad Peak unit, two in the Clark-Kingstons, four in
CA FNAWS “Sheep Camp”
Banquet-Fundraiser
May 5, 2007
Radisson Hotel
500 Leisure Lane • Sacramento
Get Your Tickets! See Page 25
CA FNAWS
22
Spring 2007
CA FNAWS MEMBERS WITH A GRAND, SUPER OR
WORLD SLAM, CAPRA SLAM OR TRIPLE SLAM
Grand Slammers
Adams, Ralph E.
Alegre, Dan
Altimus, Larry
Altimus, Stephanie
Anderson, Dennis
Atwood, Pamela S.
Atwood, Stanford H.
Avedissian, Armen
Bacon, Steve
Baldwin, Alfred E.
Barnett, Margaret (Peggy)
Barr, Kenneth
Boddington, Craig
Bollinger, Peter F.
Borel, Mike J.
Brelsford, John B.
Brisso, Paul
Butler, Leonard
Callahan, Don K.
Chew, Kern
Clements, Tom
Combs, David E.
Cox, Frank
Etchison, Norman
Figge, William (Bill)
Fitzpatrick, David
Garzoli, Rick Jr.
Gebbia, John
Giottonini, Don Jr.
Graf, Lester (Jack) [deceased]
Gregg, Roger L.
Hanna, David W.
Heathman, Michael
Highfill, Robert
Holworthy, J. Craig
Jacobson, Carl
Jardstrom, Arnold
Kuflak, Butch
Low, Jimmie
Mancuso, Victor Jr.
McCosker, Roger L.
Misterly, Lou Jr.
Mooneyham, Chip
Nachant, Fritz
Napierskie, Glen [deceased]
Orr, Damon
Palmer, Ann
Paulin, Willam A.
Peters, Ted
Petersen, Robert E.
Poole, W.E. (Bill)
Pope, Gregory L.
Prickett, David
Pritchard, William R.
Probst, Van
Puette, Robert L.
Ramsey-Casey, Debi
Ritchey, Lonnie
Sanders, Gail
Sanderson, James
Schauer, Ron
Scherrer, Bruno
Scott, Brenton
Sites, Dennis
Small, Kevin
Snider, Renee
Sonnenburg, Dean A.
Spiess, Arlo J. (Arnie)
Stallone, Robert J.
Tonkin, H. James Jr.
Walker, Stephen
Weiss, Graham
Wilson, George L.
Wilson, J. G. “Jerry”
Wilson, William C. [deceased]
Yeager, Steve
World or
Super Slammers
Barr, Kenneth
Boddington, Craig
Combs, David E.
Gregg, Roger L.
Jardstrom, Arnold
Kuflak, Butch
Mooneyham, Chip
Paulin, William A.
Pierce, Rich
Poole, W.E. (Bill)
Puette, Robert L.
Righetti, Ernie
Scherrer, Bruno
Snider, Renee
Capra Slammers
Avedissian, Armen
Boddington, Craig
Gregg, Roger L.
Paulin, William A.
Poole, W.E. (Bill)
Snider, Renee
Triple Slammers (Grand
Slam, Super or World
Slam & Capra Slam)
Boddington, Craig
Gregg, Roger L.
Paulin, William A.
Poole, W.E. (Bill)
Snider, Renee
Editor’s Note – Help us assure completeness and accuracy,
please advise if we have missed or mis-recorded you in any category.
CA FNAWS
23
Spring 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL ALBERTA CHAPTER (ABSCI)
AND PUBLIC ACTION FOR WILDLIFE SOCIETY (PAWS)
SET RECORD STRAIGHT ON
KELLEY APPEAL AND MÉTIS HUNTING RIGHTS
Calgary, AB – February 10, 2007 – (PR Newswire).
Tired of reading claims that a recent Court of Queen's
Bench decision grants extensive hunting and fishing
rights to all Métis people, two Alberta wildlife groups are
trying to set the record straight.
On January 23, 2007, Mr. Justice Verville of the Court
of Queen's Bench gave his decision in an appeal by Mr.
Kipp Kelley from Kelley's March 10, 2006 conviction
under the Wildlife Act for trapping without a license. Mr.
Justice Verville overturned Mr. Kelley's conviction, leading Mr. Kelley's counsel and other Métis representatives to
claim victory for Métis people generally.
However, the interveners in the case, Safari Club
International Alberta Chapter (ABSCI) and Public Action
for Wildlife Society (PAWS)say that this ignores the
Court's key finding. Mr. Justice Verville agreed with the
trial judge, and with the submissions of ABSCI and PAWS,
that the Interim Métis Harvesting Agreement (IMHA) is
not a legal agreement. In spite of this finding, Mr. Justice
Verville elected to overturn Mr. Kelley's conviction
because he found that the ordinary person would interpret the IMHA as permitting a person in Mr. Kelley’s circumstances to trap without a license and as binding the
Government not to prosecute. He concluded that it
would not be fair for Mr. Kelley personally to bear the
burden of the IMHA being declared unenforceable.
“This is a victory for ABSCI and PAWS and the
responsible hunting and fishing community, because Justice Verville upheld the finding of the trial judge, and the
submissions of ABSCI and PAWS, that the IMHA is not
legally enforceable,” states Archie Nesbitt, President of
Safari Club International – Alberta Chapter, “Contrary to
some of the media claims made by members of the Métis
community, Justice Verville's ruling does not stand for
the proposition that all Métis people can rely on the
IMHA as a legal defence to charges brought under the
Wildlife Act. Quite the opposite, the IMHA is of no legal
effect.”
ABSCI and PAWS were the only parties before the
Court arguing to uphold the trial finding that the IMHA
was unenforceable. They argued that the Government
was not entitled to enter an agreement exempting certain
people, in this case Métis people, from the general law of
the land, unless it was constitutionally obliged to do so. It
was not so obliged in this case.
According to Nesbitt, Alberta sportsmen now know
CA FNAWS
that the IMHA cannot stand as is. It will have to be revisited by political representatives. ABSCI and PAWS now
encourage all sportsmen in Alberta to communicate with
their MLAs and the Minister of Sustainable Resources, the
Honourable Ted Morton, to terminate the IMHA. Not
only is it putting our wildlife resources at risk but it is giving the Métis people a false sense of security about their
status under the Wildlife Act.
“Based on this decision and the publicity surrounding
it, Métis people should understand that the IMHA is not
legally enforceable and will not be available to them as a
defense,” states Archie Nesbitt. “They would not be in the
same innocent position as Mr. Kelley – falsely thinking
that the IMHA will protect otherwise illegal hunting or
fishing.”
ABSCI and PAWS will continue to fight for the proper
management of Alberta’s wildlife resources. It has taken
decades of responsible management to develop a world
class wildlife resource and if agreements such as the
IMHA are left in force, these resources will soon be gone.
ABOUT PAWS
The Public Action for Wildlife Society is a federally
registered not-for-profit organization based in Calgary,
Alberta. Key industry players from wildlife, fishing and
hunting organizations have joined forces to form the
Public Action for Wildlife Society (PAWS). PAWS spearheads the necessary political action that is required to
ensure both the government and public are supporting
the right measures to properly manage Alberta's wildlife
resources.
ABOUT ABSCI
The Alberta chapter of Safari Club International is
focused on wildlife education and conservation, humanitarian efforts & advocacy of the hunter and hunting.
Safari Club International is a nonprofit organization that
was founded in 1971, Safari Club has grown to a membership of more than 37,000 with 200 chapters in 37 countries, working to realize our mission throughout the
globe.
CONTACT:
Archie Nesbitt
President, ABSCI
403-288-5085
24
Spring 2007
CA FNAWS
25
Spring 2007
CA FNAWS
26
Spring 2007
Nor-Ca l’ s Big Game Spe ci a lis t
6-Mon t h C omple t ion on Mo un ts
St ate-of-t h e-Art Al ar m Sys tem
to Pro te c t Yo u r Trophie s!
Fre e Shi ppi ng Tag s
Ask about our trophy hunts and videography!
Eric G o u ld, Ow n er
18631 Lloyd L ane, Sui te D, Ande rs on, CA 96007
Sh op: 530-229-0775 • Ce l l: 530-510-9441
w w w. art is t ic w i ldli fe t a x ide r my.c om • E-M ai l: e r icgo uld@je t t.ne t
A r tistic Wi ldl i fe Ta x ide r my
Nor-Cal’ s Wild Sheep Specialist!
GET YOUR MESSAGE TO CALIFORNIA SHEEP HUNTERS
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or on Our Website www.cafnaws.org
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CAFNAWS
423 Broadway #617
Millbrae, CA 94030-1905
(650) 697-6561
[email protected]
CA FNAWS
27
Spring 2007
For more information about the 2007 Drawing, see page 3.
CA FNAWS
423 Broadway #617
Millbrae, CA 94030
www.cafnaws.org