Elko CAB supports amendment to Biennial Big Game Release Plan including pronghorn and bighorn translocations
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Summary
The CAB backed Amendment 1 to the Biennial Big Game Release Plan, supporting translocations including moving about 60 pronghorn from Area 4 to a release site and potential movement of up to 100 bighorn to the Colville Reservation; NDOW said some captures are underway and pathogen-screening will guide final site choice.
The Elko County Advisory Board voted to support Amendment 1 to the State Fiscal Year biennial Big Game Release Plan. NDOW explained that the amendment adds options for Desert Bighorn translocations and pronghorn augmentations, including an opportunity to move California bighorn from Oregon's Deschutes River herd to the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.
Scott Roberts (NDOW) summarized operational plans: a pronghorn movement of roughly 60 animals from Area 4 to a release site (012) was planned, captures would begin in the Winnemucca area and continue into adjacent sites, and a separate translocation would move about 100 animals to the Colville Reservation in Washington. Roberts said one of three proposed release sites would be used depending on pathogen pre-sampling results and that some depopulation efforts (Unit 164) are already underway.
CAB members asked logistical questions about timing and site selection. After public comment and brief discussion, a motion to support the biennial big game release plan amendment was made and seconded; the CAB recorded support and the motion carried.
NDOW noted that some captures were scheduled immediately and asked for volunteer assistance on field operations. The plan will proceed through the Commission process where pathogen screening and site-readiness will determine final translocation sites.
