Contact: Dan Thiele, Buffalo Wildlife Biologist 684-2801, or

              Bud Stewart, Public Information Specialist 672-7418

 

Moose Winter Survey Completed for Hunt Area 34

Buffalo¾The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently conducted a winter moose survey in Hunt Area 34, west of Buffalo. The survey objective was to gather information on current moose numbers in the area as well as herd composition. Herd composition or classification surveys provide information on calf production and survival as well as the proportion of bulls in the herd. During the survey, moose are classified as adult bulls, yearling bulls, cows and calves.

The survey is timed to correspond to the period when moose are using willow habitats making them more visible. Conditions for this year’s survey were generally favorable. A Bell Jet Ranger helicopter was used to locate and count moose.

A total of 33 moose were counted and classified during the survey including 17 bulls, 10 cows and 6 calves. The total compared to 32 moose in 2013 and 49 moose in 2012. The lower counts could be due to a combination of lower moose numbers and a lower detection rate. Warm temperatures the day of the survey could have caused moose to move to timbered cover making them less visible.

Survey results will be used when developing the 2015 fall hunting season regulations. Management direction has strived to decrease moose numbers to a level compatible with available habitat.   Willow habitat within moose Hunt Area 34 is generally in poor condition therefore fewer moose can be supported in this hunt area.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will present 2015 draft hunting season recommendations March 24^th during an open house at the Johnson County Library beginning at 4:00 PM.

~WGFD~