Bambistew
Well-known member
As I alluded to earlier this year... In addition parts of the Alaska Range (South of Fairbanks) and the Brooks Range showed lower than expected populations; some units had the lowest numbers recorded in the last 15-20 years.
Good luck if you're going, I think we might need it! Flying in tomorrow AM. Going to be a soggy week I think.
Aerial sheep surveys reflect hard winter in some areas
During the winter of 2019/2020, some portions of Alaska’s Dall Sheep range experienced deep, unstable, and persistent snowpack after an unusually hot, dry summer. A combination of factors such as these can result in higher than average winter mortality in sheep and may also contribute to lower than average lamb production the following spring.
ADF&G biologists monitor Dall sheep populations by conducting aerial surveys to determine minimum counts of sheep in established count areas in late June and July. These surveys are a snapshot in time and compared to years of previous data for the same count area provide a glimpse into population trends. This July, surveys are suggesting that the winter took a toll on some sheep populations. Sheep counts in portions of Unit 13 have dropped 25% to 35% when compared to previous surveys. Similar declines have been observed in the past, following severe winter conditions or persistent snowpack through the spring. In other areas where winter conditions were less severe sheep counts this July have not shown the same decline.
Radio collar data in the eastern Talkeetna Range in Unit 13A support the presumption that this year’s lower counts in that area reflect a hard winter. Collared ewes displayed roughly 50% mortality, with most mortalities attributed to avalanches and predation. Ram mortality was much lower in the same area, at roughly 5%. Managers in Palmer noted fewer ewes and lambs in the Unit 14A portion of the Western Talkeetna Mountains, however the ram segment of the population was largely unaffected. Ewe mortality in the Chugach range of 14C, however, was only about 7%, providing evidence that some areas were not as affected by winter mortality.
Lower counts often reflect natural fluctuations in sheep populations and legal rams are still available for harvest in most cases. However, it is important to note we are beginning to see the results of the hard winters and poor lamb crops of 2012/ 2013 working their way through the population which could also have an effect on ram availability. Due to these combination of factors, this fall hunters might expect to see fewer overall sheep in areas such as the eastern Talkeetna Range or portions of the Chugach range. For the latest information specific to your potential hunt area, contact your local ADF&G office.
Todd A. Rinaldi
Regional Management Coordinator
Alaska Dept of Fish and Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
1801 South Margaret Way, Suite 4
Palmer, AK 99645
Good luck if you're going, I think we might need it! Flying in tomorrow AM. Going to be a soggy week I think.
Aerial sheep surveys reflect hard winter in some areas
During the winter of 2019/2020, some portions of Alaska’s Dall Sheep range experienced deep, unstable, and persistent snowpack after an unusually hot, dry summer. A combination of factors such as these can result in higher than average winter mortality in sheep and may also contribute to lower than average lamb production the following spring.
ADF&G biologists monitor Dall sheep populations by conducting aerial surveys to determine minimum counts of sheep in established count areas in late June and July. These surveys are a snapshot in time and compared to years of previous data for the same count area provide a glimpse into population trends. This July, surveys are suggesting that the winter took a toll on some sheep populations. Sheep counts in portions of Unit 13 have dropped 25% to 35% when compared to previous surveys. Similar declines have been observed in the past, following severe winter conditions or persistent snowpack through the spring. In other areas where winter conditions were less severe sheep counts this July have not shown the same decline.
Radio collar data in the eastern Talkeetna Range in Unit 13A support the presumption that this year’s lower counts in that area reflect a hard winter. Collared ewes displayed roughly 50% mortality, with most mortalities attributed to avalanches and predation. Ram mortality was much lower in the same area, at roughly 5%. Managers in Palmer noted fewer ewes and lambs in the Unit 14A portion of the Western Talkeetna Mountains, however the ram segment of the population was largely unaffected. Ewe mortality in the Chugach range of 14C, however, was only about 7%, providing evidence that some areas were not as affected by winter mortality.
Lower counts often reflect natural fluctuations in sheep populations and legal rams are still available for harvest in most cases. However, it is important to note we are beginning to see the results of the hard winters and poor lamb crops of 2012/ 2013 working their way through the population which could also have an effect on ram availability. Due to these combination of factors, this fall hunters might expect to see fewer overall sheep in areas such as the eastern Talkeetna Range or portions of the Chugach range. For the latest information specific to your potential hunt area, contact your local ADF&G office.
Todd A. Rinaldi
Regional Management Coordinator
Alaska Dept of Fish and Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
1801 South Margaret Way, Suite 4
Palmer, AK 99645
