Powder River Examiner -

On Tuesday, October 22nd at 7 PM, Montana FWP will hold an open house at the Sagebrush Inn, in Broadus, to discuss a pronghorn study, as well as to answer questions about the CWD Management zone.

Biologist Ryan DeVore will be on hand to discuss the CWD Management Zone south of Hwy 212 and west of the Powder River, and its impact on local hunts and the economy.

A six year long pronghorn study in Region 7 will be conducted to research how antelope numbers are recovering better in some regions than others, following decimation of herds over a series of long winters. The Region 7 study is part of a statewide study that will radio collar antelope does and track their movements.

According to FWP officials, the purpose of the statewide pronghorn study will be to learn more about factors influencing survival, seasonal habitat use, movements and migration routes. In Region 7, research will focus on two study areas: Garfield and Rosebud counties, and Carter and Powder River counties.

Pronghorn in Southeastern Montana experienced population declines following widespread Bluetongue Virus outbreaks in 2007-’08 and back-to-back severe winters in 2009-’10 and 2010-’11. Since then, some populations like those in the extreme southeast corner have rebounded (around Alzada), while others (Rosebud and Garfield counties) have not.

In each study area, 60 pronghorn does will be captured this winter by helicopter and fitted with GPS collars. These animals will be tested for pregnancy and disease. Over the next five years, area biologists will follow their movements and identify where they spend each season and the migration routes they follow between these critical habitats. The collars also will help biologists determine why pronghorn die, such as from severe weather, disease, predation, or other factors (Ed: Too much hunting pressure, perhaps?).

FWP will be contacting landowners in these areas to seek permission to access their properties for pronghorn captures, and as needed for mortality investigations. This study’s intent is not to impact ongoing activities or uses of any lands.