MEMORANDUM. Date: November 4, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners. Bob D. Broscheid, Director

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1 1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 Denver, CO MEMORANDUM Date: November 4, 2016 To: From: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners Bob D. Broscheid, Director RE: Animal Capture and Movement - Summary of proposals and completed translocations Colorado Parks and Wildlife professionals capture and move animals for a variety of reasons to fulfill the agency s mission. Many different programs and branches of the agency work together on an annual basis to implement this extensive and fundamental aspect of management. The information presented in this memo and the attached spreadsheets summarizes our proposals and completed translocations and appraises the Commission of other ongoing capture operations. All the proposals for animal capture and movement planned for the upcoming year have been thoroughly vetted by staff, regulation review managers and the Leadership Team. Several of this year s proposed projects augment or extend the distribution of existing populations. Other projects are designed to collect data for research and/or management purposes. However, none of the Animal Capture and Movement Proposals rises to the level that requires Commission approval. CPW s Administrative Directive W-23 maintains approval for capture and transplant of animals at operational levels within the agency while ensuring Director s staff and Commission involvement where appropriate or required. The directive establishes a tiered approval process, with Director s Staff and Commission approval required for animal capture and movement operations that involve introductions, reintroductions, or movements of state and federal endangered and threatened species, federal candidate species or exotic species. Commission approval is also required for interstate movement of big game, state and federal endangered species, and federal candidate species. The directive specifically details the roles, responsibilities, capture guidelines, and the approval process the agency uses to ensure the welfare of individual animals, animal populations, and human safety. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been granted the legal authority to capture and move animals as part of fulfilling its mission. Additional legal and policy direction is contained in Commission Policy: Management of Wildlife Populations. The approval authority for all other Bob D. Broscheid, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Parks and Wildlife Commission: Robert W. Bray, Chair Chris Castilian, Vice Chair Jeanne Horne, Secretary John Howard, Jr. Bill Kane Dale Pizel James Pribyl James Vigil Dean Wingfield Michelle Zimmerman Alex Zipp

2 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioners November 4, 2016 Page 2 animal capture and movement is designated to the Director through the Management of Wildlife Populations Policy, Administrative Directive W-23, and statute. I am pleased to provide this information to update the Commission on the significant amount of animal capture and movement this agency conducts. This trap and transplant work provides scientific information and data that support CPW s programs to perpetuate the resources of this state. I am very proud of this work and want to acknowledge the dedication and effort our biologists provide every year to conduct these operations, ensuring animal welfare and human safety. I will be pleased to address any questions or concerns you have, or to provide additional information for any of these capture operations. Thank You.

3 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - BIG GAME SPECIES PRONGHORN TIER SOURCE ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP MOOSE RELEASE SITE AREA(s) REGION Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval No animals translocated during reporting period No animals translocated during reporting period No animals translocated during reporting period Translocation Progress-draft_Statewide final 1

4 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL SPECIES TIER SOURCE MIRRIAMS WILD TURKEY (MWT) RELEASE SITE AREA REGION GMU 681 in San Luis Valley GMU 791 in San Luis Valley GMU 81 in San Luis Valley Escalante SWA GMU SW RIO GRANDE WILD TURKEY (RGWT) RGWT 1 SCALED QUAIL Lone Dome SWA GMU 711 Area 12 - Queens and Two Buttes SWA 17 SW Canon City/25-40 birds 17 SW Area 15/25-40 birds 17 SW Area 15/25-40 birds 15 SW Gateway(nuisance on private lands)/25-40 birds Montezuma or La Plata Cnty, Area SE Area 14 - Hugo 100% disease testing because of proximity to Poncha Pass GUSGR population, though release site is ~15 miles south of occupied habitat. Several transplants have occurred to Kerber and Peterson Creeks with only a small remaining population. No birds were moved in Augment an existing but small population along the Rio Grande River on State Wildlife Areas. Previous transplants of RGWT and MWT have occurred with limited success. No birds were moved in Augment an existing but small population. Previous transplants of MWT have occurred with limited success. No birds were moved in Follow up on 2 previous transplants in an attempt to establish a resident non-migratory population along the Gunnison River. No birds were moved in Augment a very low local population. No birds were moved in Released a total of 56 turkeys captured in Hugo. Of the birds captured, 30 were released on Queens SWA and 26 were released on Two Buttes SWA. SQUL 2 CHUKAR Utah 11 SE Area 11/200 birds Captured an transferred 200 scaled quail to Utah in October CHUK 1 Lower Poudre Canyon/Cherokee SWA 4 NE Utah chukar Released 207 chukar to complete the approved translocation operation of chukar to provide a new small game hunting opportunity on the front range, on public land, in the areas at the mouth of Poudre Canyon that have recently burned and which will provide chukar habitat for years to come. The goal is to initiate a self sustaining population by quantifying the available habitat and evaluating the transplant success in relationship to population performance and hunter numbers/success. COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE CSTGR 1, GOCO Supplemental release into Middle Park in with an additional site(wolcott/state Bridge, Carbondale, Blue Mountain, Meeker, Uncompahgre Plateau) to be selected for transplants in fall and 10-- source; 9-- recipient NW Western Routt County/Eastern Moffat County for Middle Park / Forty male sharptailed grouse were transplanted to the Williams Fork site in Middle Park in September fall 2014 (40+ males), 2014, with 45 females transplanted in April An additional 11 birds were released at the site in the spring 2015 (40-50 females spring of 2016 to complete this transplant project. and 5-10 males. Additional birds in spring 2016.

5 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL SPECIES TIER CSTGR 1 RUFFED GROUSE RUGR 2 SOURCE RELEASE SITE AREA REGION Wolcott/State Bridge transplant--fall, 2015 and spring, 2016 transplants. Additional spring transplants (primarily of females) to occur in the spring of 2017 and and 10-- source; 8-- recipient Grand Mesa 7 NW Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval Rangewide and Colorado specific CSTGR transplant guidelines were completed in the summer of 2013 Western Routt and 2014 respectively. A Colorado CSTGR trap and transplant committee, formed per the Colorado County/Eastern Moffat guidelines, evaluated all proposed sites in A transplant site in the Wolcott/State Bridge area was County. Approximately 40 selected to follow the completion of the Middle Park transplant. The initial trapping season for this males in fall 2015, Spring transplant site was conducted in September, 2015, with 37 males and 4 females captured in Routt and 2016, females and 5- Moffat counties and transplanted on the new site. Males had formed an active lek site by the spring of 10 males. 2016, when 53 additional sharp-tailed grouse (mostly females) were transplanted to the site. Additional spring releases will occur in 2017 and Southeastern Idaho--initial contact has been made, but Idaho has yet to definitively offer to provide RUGR to Colorado. Utah DWR offered up to 100 birds (50 each in 2016 and 2017) in exchange for a similar number of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. The desired number of RUGR to be transplanted is up to 300 birds, with birds captured and transplanted each year. 25 birds captured Colorado contains significant areas of apparently suitable RUGR habitat (aspen/mountain shrub types). Distribution of RUGR is currently limited to a small area in the northwest corner of the state, but historic records suggest that broader distribution existed historically. RUGR have been proposed for transplant on two previous occasions, and the then Wildlife Commission passed a resolution in 1992 in support of pursuing RUGR transplants. CPW staff trapped an initial 25 RUGR in central Utah and transplanted them on the Garfield SWA between September 5 and September 16, UDWR will trap additional RUGR in 2017 for transplant to the site. Idaho is still of interest as a source site for additional birds if the state will commit to allowing their capture for transplant in future years Translocation Progress-draft_Statewide final 2

6 TRANSLOCATION PROGRESS - CONSERVATION SPECIES SPECIES TIER BLACKFOOTED FERRET BFF 3 BFF 3 BFF 3 SOURCE RELEASE SITE AREA REGION Pueblo County, Baca County, Prowers County Pueblo County, Baca County, Prowers County Soapstone Natural Area Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval 12 SE 11, 12 SE 4 NE Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center/38 ferrets National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center/21 ferrets National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center/15 ferrets Blackfooted ferrets were released in two locations in fall of 2015 in accordance with the Black-footed Recovery Plan and the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement. The total released were as follows: Baca and Prowers county sites 38. Blackfooted ferrets will be released in up to three locations in fall of 2016 in accordance with the Blackfooted Recovery Plan and the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement. The proposed allocation of ferrets is as follows: Baca county site (6 adults); Prowers county site (15; 12 kits, 3 adults), and Soapstone (15; 12 kits, 3 adults).

7 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - CONSERVATION SPECIES SPECIES TIER LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN SOURCE RELEASE SITE AREA REGION LPC 2 BLACKFOOTED FERRET BFF 3 GOCO, Wildlife Cash Baca County, USFS Comanche National Grasslands 12 SE Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval 20 males Fall 2016, 40 females and 20 males Spring 2017, 40 females and 20 males Spring 2018, 40 females and 20 males Spring 2019 National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center/150 ferrets LPC have an extensive history of distribution on the USFS Comanche National Grasslands in Baca County. In the late 1980 s high counts of LPC in Baca County were 350 LPC. In 1998 we had a high count of 183 LPC. Since that time, we have seen a consistent downward trend in the LPC population. The blizzard event in December 2006 reduced LPC numbers in Baca County by 50%. Since 2006, southeast CO has experinced several successive years of drought and we continued to see reduced LPC numbers. In May 2016, we had a high count of 2 LPC in Baca County. In an effort to prevent complete extirpation from Baca County, we propose to trap LPC in Kansas and release them on the Comanche National Grasslands, which is owned and managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS). Our proposal is a cooperative project with Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism and the USFS. The LPC Interstate Working Group and WAFWA are supportive of the proposal. Blackfooted ferrets will be released in accordance with the Black-footed Recovery Plan and the Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement in up to 3 locations in the fall of The proposed allocation of ferrets is as follows: Pueblo county site (50), Baca and Pioneers county sites (30 each), and Soapstone (40) Animal Capture and Movement Proposals - Conservation Species 1

8 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY S - BIG GAME SPECIES TIER SOURCE ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP RBS 1 RBS 1 RBS 1, Auction & Raffle, Auction & Raffle YEAR START & END AREA(s) REGION NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE 2012-ongoing 14 SE 15 Pikes Peak-S6 and S ongoing 14 SE 5 Rampart Range-S ongoing 13 SE 2-4 ewes Badger Creek-S47 RBS 1 PVT, OTR CORP 2011-ongoing 13 SE several ewes RBS 1 RBS 1 RBS 1, Auction & Raffle Auction & Raffle, RMBS Auction & Raffle, USFS, RMBS Arkansas River-Over The River (OTR) 2011-ongoing 13 SE 15 ewes Granite-S12 Capture of sheep for population monitoring 2011-ongoing 16 SW 1 Lake City-S SW 10 (approx 5 rams, 5 ewes) RBS 1 Auction & Raffle, RMBS /17 SW 20 RBS 1 RBS 1 DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, Auction & Raffle, Auction & Raffle 2005-ongoing Various NW TBD Vallecito S28 initially S22, S36, S53 Central San Juans RBS 22 Zirkel-S73, Glenwood Canyon- S74, Peru Creek-S41, Main Canyon-S75, South Fork-S64, Blair Mountain, Gore Canyon- S NW 10 Battlement Mesa-S24 Capture of approximately 15 sheep to evaluate efficacy of Dome Rock habitat treatments & ongoing survival and mark-resight study. Capture of approximately 5-10 sheep for movement and distribution monitoring following the Waldo Canyon Fire. Capture 2-4 ewes to replace radio collars from mortalities. Collared animals are used to derive minimum population estimates and determine gross movements and survival information. Capture several ewes to replace radio collars from mortalities. Collard animals are used for monitoring and distribution information. Capture and attach GPS radio collars on 1 additional adult BHS sheep for monitoring, movement, and distribution information in relationship to an active domestic sheep allotment in the West San Juan (RBS-21) sheep unit. Evaluate S28 sheep spatial movements within S28 and neighboring units, establish a pathogen profile for S28 sheep, familiarize the agencies and the public with the potential risks regarding transmission between bighorn and domestic sheep 1. Compare post-outbreak disease effects among sub-herds in RBS Determine current level of disease risk through documenting interchange between RBS-22 sub-herds and bighorn proximity to active grazing allotments. 3. Investigate actions to restore population dynamics and prevent future disease outbreaks. Occasional capture as needed to maintain a limited number of collars on sheep in these units. Capture when a collar is recovered and needs to be re-deployed. Initiate limited radio-telemetry study to collect seasonal habitat usage information on this sheep population. DBS ongoing 7 NW TBD Black Ridge-S56 Occasional capture as needed to maintain a limited number of collars on sheep in this unit. Capture when a collar is recovered and needs to be re-deployed. DBS 1 BLM SW 10 rams, 10 ewes Dominguez/Escalante NCA The objective of this project is to determine the homerange sizes, foray distances, and map seasonal use areas for desert bighorn sheep within S-62 in relation to domestic sheep allotments and use areas. This bighorn and domestic sheep use data to help develop strategies to prohibit interaction between bighorns and domestic sheep and goats. The project will also evaluate how recreation within the GMU affects bighorn habitat selection. The goal would be to develop recreation guidelines to minimize stress induced on bighorns during critical times of the year. The data will also be used to identify areas for habitat improvement to improve habitat quality and abundance. these actions may lessen the effects of human disturbance, domestic sheep and goat interaction, drought conditions, and predation; while improving the overall health of the desert bighorn herd within S-62. MULE DEER Williams energy 2007-ongoing 7 NW 2-6 does Parachute area-d41 Maintain deer movement, distribution and disturbance study in regard to Williams energy development and mitigation. Capture and radio collars 2-6 does ongoing 6 NW 30 does, 60 fawns Bears Ears-D ongoing 6 NW 20 does, 50 fawns Rangley-D6 Radio-collar survival study on deer (does/fawns) in Bears Ears herd (D2) to assess potential differential mule deer survival. Maintain sample size in by redeploying returned collars and collaring additional fawns. Radio collar survival study on deer (does/fawns) in Rangely herd (D6) to assess reason for serious mule deer decline. Maintain sample size in by redeploying returned collars and collaring additional fawns.

9 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY S - BIG GAME SPECIES TIER SOURCE YEAR START & END AREA(s) REGION D ongoing D ongoing 6 and 9 NW NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE D7 =30 does, 120 fawns, 50 bucks Maintain long term survival studies in the Piceance-D7 and D9= 21 does, 62 Piceance herd (D7): 40 does, 110 bucks, 120 fawns and Middle Park-D9 fawns, 30 mixed, Middle Park herd (D9): 90 does, 100 bucks, 60 fawns. 44 bucks, HPP 2014-ongoing 6 NW TBD NW Colorado Habitat Use Study (D2 & D7 deer herds). CPW initiated a landscape-scale mule deer and elk habitat use study in the Bears Ears and White River drainages to gather seasonal habitat use information and evaluate effects of habitat enhancement projects conducted in the area. A portion of the mule deer radios in the D2, D6 and D7 projects listed above were replaced with satellite transmitters and will be monitored over the next several years. Capture as needed to redeploy returned collars. Survival projects in the NW will continue during this habitat use study, as described above., Private, NGO 2015-ongoing 7 NW 20 D-41 Logan Mountain (Debeque vicinity) This project is partially funded with Mule Deer Strategy funds and assesses seasonal habitat use and movements and to evaluate reasons for long-term decline of deer in the Winter Flats area north of Debeque. Fifteen satellite transmitters were deployed by aerial capture in 2015, with two of the remaining 5 collars deployed by darting. Deploy additional collars by darting in and redeploy returned collars as they become available. MD NW neonate mule deer during late-may-june Neonate survival relative to predation - GMU 22 & 23 summer range Begin evaluation of large carnivore predation influence on neonate mule deer survival. This project will require Commission approval in December ongoing 13 SE 15 does, 45 fawns Cripple Creek-D16 Maintain long term survival study in the Cripple Creek mule deer herd (D16): 60 fawns 30 does SE 90 does, 60 fawns Wet Mountains-D34 If the predator management plan is approved by the commission in December of 2016, we will be capturing 150 mule deer for a research project on examining the effects of mountain lion predation on mule deer demographic parameters. D ongoing Gunnison Basin ongoing 16 and 18 SW D19 = 50 mixed Uncompaghre-D19 and Gunnison Basin - 15 Gunnison Basin-D20 & D21 does, 60 fawns Maintain long term survival studies in the Uncompaghre herd (D19): 60 does, 30 fawns and Gunnison Basin herds (D20 and D21): 60 does, 60 fawns, potential for 60 buck. PVT Co ongoing 15 SW 15 does BP Wildlife Mitigation Plan project-d30 Maintain deer movement, distribution and disturbance study in regard to BP energy development. Capture and radio collar 15 does between the Animas and Pine Rivers. ELK E 1, Energy Co grants, HPP NW 2014-ongoing 6 NW fawns, 120 does Dec and Continue ongoing research efforts addressing mule deer/energy development interactions in the Piceance deer/energy research recapture 40 Piceance Basin. Capture and radiocollar fawns (VHF) and (GPS) during December 2014 and - GMU 22 fawns, 120 does recapture does during March 2015 for late winter body condition assessment. March 2014 NW Colorado Habitat Use Study (E2 and E6 elk herds). CPW initiated a landscape-scale mule deer and elk habitat use study in the Bears Ears and White River drainages to gather seasonal habitat use information and evaluate effects of habitat enhancement projects conducted in the area. One hundred thirty five elk were collared with satellite transmitters in 2014 and 2015 and will be monitored over the next several years. Capture as needed to redeploy returned collars. E 1 Wildlife, Auction & Raffle, RMEF, Estes Foundation 2016-ongoing 9 NW 42 cow elk This project was initiated to look at herd movements and habitat use in DAU E-8, including DAU E-8, both outside and movements into and out of Rocky Mountain National Park. Most capture occurred on winter ranges inside Rocky Mountain National in E-8 in the winter of , with a subset of capture and collaring occurring in August, 2016 Park within RMNP. Capture as needed in to redeploy returned collars ANIMAL CAPTURE ONL S - BIG GAME 2

10 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY S - BIG GAME SPECIES TIER SOURCE YEAR START & END AREA(s) REGION NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE E 1 HPP, RMEF 2014-ongoing 16 SW 25 in GMU 66 and 67 Gunnison-E25 Movement study of GMU , as part of Gunnison Basin-wide elk monitoring/movement study of GMU 54 in relation to surrounding GMU's. Evaluate use of "refuge" areas as hunting pressure and timing is manipulated. E 1, Outside gran ,18 SE, SW 120 Uncompaghre-E20, Trinidad- E33 This study is a pilot study to begin determining the cause of low calf recruitment across the southern part of the state. We will collar 20 cow elk and 40 calf elk in each study area. Nutrition and the effects on pregancy rates, as well as cause specific survival will be examined. E 1 NPS, Boulder County 2011-ongoing 2 NE and NW up to 25 St Vrain-E9 This collaborative project involves CPW, Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder County Parks and Open Space. Capture and radio collar up to 25 elk to monitor movements and demographics of the E9 elk populations. These elk will be in addition to the 26 radio collared west of Loveland in spring 2012 and 4 in 2015 on Rabbit Mountain Open Space by CPW. The NPS has collared over 100 elk on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This project will increase our understanding of survival rates, population performance, and seasonal movements. Information will be used to inform population model estimates and population management strategies. MOOSE M ongoing 1,5 and 9 NE & NW up to 5 GMUs 37,39, 46, 500, and/or 501 M 1, GMUs 6, 16, 17, 18, 28, 37, Auction &Raffle 2013-ongoing 9 and 10 NW , and 181 M ongoing 4 NE 25 GMUs 7, 8, 19, and 191 M ongoing 16 and 17 SW 20 GMUs 55, 66, 67, 68, 76, and 79 MOUNTAN GOAT MG 1 Auction & Raffle 2014-ongoing 1 NE up to 5 Mt Evans GMU G4 BLACK BEAR BB NE 10, City of Boulder Summer: BB ongoing 6 and 18 SW Winter: MOUNTAIN LION City of Boulder and surrounding area - B3 Durango bear-human interaction research - GMUs 74, 75, 741 Capture and radio collar up to 5 additional moose with VHR/GPS collars in GMUs 37, 39, 46, 500, and/or 501 as part of a movement and distribution study. This study will also provide data to index where the population stands related to ecological carrying capacity via twinning rates, browse utilization, and body fat metrics. Capture and radio collar 25 moose in each area (15 with GPS collars, 10 with VHF collars) as part of a survival, movement, habitat use, and body condition research project. Includes up to 5 redeployments by Area 4 biologist in GMU 19. This goals of this project are 1) determine movements and seasonal use patterns of mountain goats; 2) compare current seasonal use and movements to those documented in the 1980s; and 3) monitor mountain goats for a disease similar to clinical symptoms observed in fall Collars have been deployed, but up to 5 more may be deployed to maintain sample size if needed. Placeholder: Capture and radio collar up to 10 black bears in cooperation with the City of Boulder during spring-summer-fall of Movement and distribution information will be used to study and address black bear/human interactions in and around Boulder. Study plan available on request. Conduct ~70 black bear captures (~30 sows, ~20 yearlings, ~20 cubs) during winter den visits to collect GPS collar data and assess reproduction. Data collected from these captures are being used to address drivers of black bear/human interactions near Durango. ML ,13 SE up to 25 Salida to Walsenburg L11 and L16 This study is part of the SE predator study. Lion populations will be manipulated to determine the effect of predation on deer demographics. As part of this we will monitor the lion population to determine the effects of lion hunting on lion demographic parameters. PRONGHORN PH 1 Auction & Raffle 2015-ongoing 14 SE 5 to 7 PH-8, PH-6, and PH-35 Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval Capture to examine pronghorn movements in several pronghorn DAUs in the SE and NE region. Capture to replace collars that came from mortalities over the past year ANIMAL CAPTURE ONL S - BIG GAME 3

11 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY S - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL SPECIES TIER MOURNING DOVE SOURCE YEAR START & END AREA REGION NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE MDOV 1 July through August 2016 various All 1,000 Statewide Capture and banding of approximately 1,000 mourning doves in collaboration with the USFWS adaptive management program. GREATER SAGE GROUSE GRSG 1 GRSG 1 Energy donations, BLM Energy donations NW ongoing 7 NW 30 Colowyo mine mitigation Piceance-Parachute- Roan population Mark male and female GRSG with VHF transmitters to evaluate response to mine mitigation. Mark up to 30 GRSG per year (10-20 male, female) with GPS and/or VHF transmitters for continued research on response to habitat treatments (to offset anticipated habitat loss from energy development). GRSGR 1 SWG NW 40 Routt County Capture and banding of approximately 40 female greater sage-grouse in the Northern Eagle/Southern Routt population to evaluate movement and survival of native birds to compare with movement and survival of transplanted sagegrouse from North Park. Capture will begin in the spring of Maintain at least 40 radio-marked hens annually during the period of the study. GRSGR 1 GRSGR 1 (SWG) (SWG) 2012-ongoing 6 NW TBD 2014-ongoing 6 NW TBD Craig area-ne Moffat County Blue Mountain-Moffat County Radio transmitters were placed in several areas north and northeast of Craig from to evaluate sage-grouse use in developing oil and gas areas. Capture in as needed to redeploy returned transmitters. Joint project with Dinosaur National Monument to collect local habitat use information. GRSG marked in 2014 and Capture in as needed to redeploy returned transmitters. GRSGR 1 (SWG) COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE 2015-ongoing 6 NW TBD Elk Springs-Moffat County Joint project with BLM-White River Field Office to collect local habitat use information. Initial GRSG marked in Capture in to deploy an additional 5 transmitters (as BLM GRSG funding permits) as well as capture as needed to redeploy returned transmitters. CSTG 1 SCTF 2014-ongoing 10 NW 700 Routt County Mark 180 adult and 600 young CSTG with VHF transmitters as part of an ongoing researh project to evaluate CSTG demographic response to habitat treatments in CRP fields. PHEASANT PHEASANT 1 BOBWHITE QUAIL Wildlife GOCO NE 50 private land sites Radio-mark 50 hen phaesants per year as part of a research project to evaluate response of pheasants and grassland songbirds to mid-contract management practices in CRP fields BWQUL ongoing 3 NE 100 Tamarack SWA Band 100 bobwhite quail and radio-mark 50 (females) as part of a research project to measure demographic response to grazing management.

12 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY S - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL SPECIES TIER WATERFOWL WFOWL 1 SNOWSHOE HARE SOURCE YEAR START & END AREA REGION NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE 2012-ongoing 17 SW 100 San Luis valley SSH 1 SCTF ,17,18 SW 150 Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval 15 sites throughout San Juans Ongoing limited duck banding for educational purposes and to support a USFWS duck banding program in the San Luis Valley. Trap & collar hares across a gradient of beetle kill areas to determine impacts to density and surival ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY S - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL 2

13 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL SPECIES TIER MERRIAMS WILD TURKEY (MWT) RELEASE SITE AREA REGION Cherokee State Wildlife Area and Four Mile State Wildlife Area GMU 681 in San Luis Valley GMU 791 in San Luis Valley GMU 81 in San Luis Valley Escalante SWA GMU SW 4 and 5 NE Conflict birds if needed. 17 SW Canon City/25-40 birds 17 SW Area 15/25-40 birds 17 SW Area 15/25-40 birds Gateway(nuisance on private lands)/25-40 birds Placeholder for conflict turkeys to be moved to SWAs with spring and fall hunting as needed. 100% disease testing because of proximity to Poncha Pass GUSGR population, though release site is ~15 miles south of occupied habitat. Several transplants have occurred to Kerber and Peterson Creeks with only a small remaining population Augment an existing but small population along the Rio Grande River on State Wildlife Areas. Previous transplants of RGWT and MWT have occurred with limited success. Augment an existing but small population. Previous transplants of MWT have occurred with limited success Follow up on 2 previous transplants in an attempt to establish a resident non-migratory population along the Gunnison River Lone Dome SWA GMU SW Montezuma or La Plata Cnty, Area 15 Augment a very low local population Browns Park 6 NW GMU 21/~30 birds Aspen Ridge 13 SE Beaver Creek SWA 13 SE from conflict birds in Canon City #TBD upon the need to move birds from conflict situations Transplant turkeys from areas of agricultural conflict in GMU 21 to establish a new population in Browns Park. Turkey source issues prevented this transplant from occurring in , so it appears again in the list. Capture and transplant of turkeys captured within the area to Aspen Ridge. Conflict turkey site. Limited hunting spring and fall. Picketwire Canyon USFS 12 SE #TBD upon the need to move birds from conflict situations Conflict turkey site. Limited hunting spring and fall. Sand Canyon USFS 12 SE #TBD upon the need to move birds from conflict situations Conflict turkey site. Limited hunting spring and fall.

14 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL SPECIES TIER RIO GRANDE WILD TURKEY (RGWT) RGWT 1 RELEASE SITE AREA REGION SWAs along the South Platte River 3 and 4 NE Conflict birds if needed. Placeholder for conflict turkeys to be moved to SWAs with spring and fall hunting as needed. RGWT 1 Timpas Creek, Rocky Ford, McClelland, and Melon Valley SWA s 12 SE Conflict turkey release site, priority 2 for Area 12. Includes GMUs 124, 125, and 129. Limited spring and fall hunting. John Martin and Ft. Lyon SWA s Conflict turkey release site, priority 3 for Area 12. GMUs 126 and 146. OTC hunting spring and limited fall. RGWT 1 12 SE Various sites along or near RGWT 1 Two Buttes SWA 12 SE Conflict turkey release site, priority 4 for Area 12. GMUs 127 and 132. Limited hunting spring and fall. the Big Sandy drainage RGWT 1 Purgatoire SWA 12 SE including the towns of Conflict turkey site, priority 5 for Area 12. GMUs 138 and 139. Limited hunting spring and fall. Queens SWA, Nee Limon, Hugo, Seibert, and Noshe reservoir, Ramah/#TBD RGWT 1 Granada SWA, Peterson/Broyles 12 SE Conflict turkey site, priority 5 for Area 12. GMUs 138 and 139. Limited hunting spring and fall. easement and Holly SWA RGWT 1 South Republican SWA 14 SE Conflict turkey site, priority 1 for Area 14. GMUs 103 and 109. Limited hunting spring and fall. BOBWHITE QUAIL BQUL 1 SWAs on S. Platte and Frenchman Rivers in the NE Region; TBD in SE 3 NE & SE SWAs on S. Platte River with recovered bobwhite poplulations Placeholder: The 2013 and 2015 floods on the South Platte River reduced bobwhite populations due to inundation of habitat. However, the floods also increased habitat disturbance that may favor bobwhite quail population recovery with time and indeed populations on some SWAs have recovered while others have not. In addition, select areas of the Frenchman River in Colorado have adequate habitat, but no bobwhite. The SE region also has a release location for bobwhite. Bobwhite quail do not disperse as well as other small game species so transplanting will speed population recovery in distant suitable habitat. COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE CSTGR 1, GOCO Supplemental release to the Wolcott/State Bridge site in the spring of 2017, with a final release for this transplant site anticipated in the spring of and 10-- source; 8- -recipient NW Western Routt County/Eastern Moffat County for Wolcott/State Bridge, spring 2017 (40-50 females and 5-10 males). Rangewide and Colorado specific CSTGR transplant guidelines were completed in the summer of 2013 and 2014 respectively. Transplant to the Wolcott/State Bridge site was initiated in the fall of 2015 with a transplant of males, followed by the first of three spring transplants consisting primarily of females in the spring of Subsequent spring releases of females (along with a few additional males) will occur in 2017 and 2018 to complete this transplant. CSTGR 2 Initial trapping of CSTGR in Colorado for transplant to Utah (exchange for RUGR--, GOCO see below) 6 and 10-- source NW Western Routt County/Eastern Moffat County for north central UDWR expects to have baseline work completed by the fall of 2017 to accept CSTGR from Colorado (in Utah site TBD by UDWR (40-exchange for RUGR provided by Utah--see below). Transplant would follow the National Transplant 50 males in fall, 2017, Guidelines, stipulating a fall transplant of males followed by spring transplant(s) of females in followed by one or more subsequent years. transplants of females in subsequent springs) Animal Capture and Movement Proposals - Small Game and Waterfowl 2

15 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - SMALL GAME AND WATERFOWL SPECIES TIER RUFFED GROUSE RELEASE SITE AREA REGION RUGR 2 Grand Mesa 7 NW Utah DWR offered up to 100 birds (50 each in 2016 and 2017) in exchange for a similar number of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. The desired number of RUGR to be transplanted is up to 300 birds, with birds captured and transplanted each year. Southeastern Idaho--initial contact has been made, but Idaho has yet to definitively offer to provide RUGR to Colorado. Wyoming has also been approached to determine their interest in providing RUGR. Colorado contains significant areas of apparently suitable RUGR habitat (aspen/mountain shrub types). Distribution of RUGR is currently limited to a small area in the northwest corner of the state, but historic records suggest that broader distribution existed historically. RUGR have been proposed for transplant on two previous occasions, and the then Wildlife Commission passed a resolution in 1992 in support of pursuing RUGR transplants. CPW staff trapped an initial 25 RUGR in central Utah and transplanted them on the Garfield SWA between September 5 and September 16, UDWR will trap additional RUGR in 2017 for transplant to the site. Idaho is still of interest as a source site for additional birds in 2017, if the state will commit to allowing their capture for transplant in future years. GREATER SAGE GROUSE GRSG 1 GUNNISON PRAIRIE DOGS GUPD 1 SCTF, South Routt County 10 NW James Mark Jones and/or Tomahawk State Wildlife Areas Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval NE North Park--up to 80 grouse over two years (approximately 20 males and 60 females) GRSG lek counts in the Northern Eagle/Southern Routt population have been holding relatively constant in recent years near 100 counted males, which is at the low end of desired count for the population. GRSG lek counts appear to be stabilizing in North Park (source population) as well. We would like to augment the Northern Eagle/Southern Routt population while there are sufficient GRSG in the release area to allow transplanted birds to associate with local birds and before the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes a listing determination on GRSG. This project was deferred until due to a biologist vacancy in the area. Spring transplants have been selected as the preferred method. Transplant is expected to begin in the spring of Gunnison prairie dog populations were nearly extirpated by plague in the 1940's in Park County and are currently < 1% of their original occupancy in South Park. Currently, CPW manages plague through Up to 100 animals from dusting on about 310 acres of Gunnison's prairie dog colonies on state-owned land in Park County within Eleven-mile and Spinney the South Park Individual Population Area (IPA). These small populations have persisted, but have failed Mountain State Parks to expand into adjacent habitat. The US Fish and Wildlife Service's 2013 decision to refrain from listing and/or Charlie Meyer State Gunnison's prairie dogs was influenced by CPWs proactive plague management and other Wildlife Area in summer research/management activities. The goals of this translocation are to reestablish Gunnison's prairie 2017 dog colonies within prairie dog conservation areas in historic range on James Mark Jones and/or Tomahawk SWAs and to adapt proven techniques for reestablishing Gunnison's prairie dog colonies to elevations >=9,000 feet Animal Capture and Movement Proposals - Small Game and Waterfowl 3

16 ANIMAL CAPTURE AND MOVEMENT PROPOSALS - BIG GAME SPECIES TIER SOURCE ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP RELEASE SITE AREA(s) REGION RMBS 1 NA Beaver Creek Canyon (Browns Park) 6 NW TBD Placeholder--CPW is evaluating the potential to reintroduce bighorn sheep to Beaver Creek Canyon in Browns Park. Bighorn sheep were originally transplanted into the area in the early 1980s and occupied the site until removed in the mid-1990s due to disease concerns. Evaluation of this project, including suitable source herd(s) and status of disease outbreaks in neighboring herds in Utah is continuing. This project is listed as a placeholder for a potential transplant to occur in RMBS 1 NA S-5 Beaver Creek SWA 13 SE S-34 Rampart RMBS 1 NA River Canyon 11 SE S-61 Purgatoire RMBS 1 NA Bader Ranch 12 SE S-61 Purgatoire PRONGHORN PH 1 NA MOOSE M 1 San Luis valley-dau A16 (GMU 80/81) 17 SW GMU SW Tier 1 = Senior Biologist and AWM approval Tier 2 = Regional Manager and Terrestrial Section Manager approval Tier 3 = Director and Commission approval SE Region (east of I-25) 60 animals "Dispersal moose" from CWD-NEG area, as available The history of bighorn sheep in Beaver Creek is extensive with reports of substantial populations going back into settlement times. Hunting seasons were held for rams in the late 1950's and from Hunting seasons were terminated because a decline in the population. Since that time, we have received periodic reports of sheep in S-5. Recently, we have observed a few sheep on aerial counts and also had movements of radio collared rams from an adjacent unit (S-60) move into S-5. Current and historical presence of sheep in this unit suggest there is suitable habitat and we would like to use a sheep transplant to see if we can increase the number and sustainability of bighorn in S-5. Placeholder--In October of 2015, the River Canyon Ranch in GMU S-61 enrolled their ranch in the newly created BSAP program. In evaluating their sheep habitat on the ranch, they identified habitat that appeared to be suitable for bighorn sheep, but had not consistently, or historically observed sheep. In July of 2016, they notified CPW staff in writing of their interest in enrolling the area on their ranch that had not consistently, or historically observed sheep into option C of the BSAP program. CPW staff conducted a GIS analysis, followed by a field visit and concluded that the habitat appeared to be suitable for bighorn sheep, but was directly adjacent to established sheep which could impact the success of the transplant and the transplanted sheep staying where they are released. With multiple proposals expected under the BSAP list C option, CPW would like to evaluate all potential projects before assigning a priority for this transplant. Placeholder--In the Summer of 2016, the Bader Ranch in GMU S-61 approached CPW staff with their verbal interest in enrolling their ranch in Option C of the BSAP program. In 2011, a 17,000 acre burn on their property enhanced and made available bighorn sheep habitat on their ranch. Their ranch is currently 11 miles from occupied bighorn sheep habitat and they have not seen movements of bighorn into the burned area to date. If approved for entry into the program, this transplant could provide for an expansion of bighorn sheep into this portion of S-61. With multiple proposals expected under the BSAP list C option, CPW would like to evaluate all potential projects before assigning a priority for this transplant. Placeholder for the potential augmentation of an existing population that was severely impacted by drought in the early 2000 s. Hunting is currently allowed and will be continued. Monitoring by use of ear tags and summer fixed wing flights. Drought conditions and significant animal distribution changes are effecting the source populations of pronghorn in the SE Region. Low priority, but an opportunity to utilize moose from CWD-NEG areas. Purpose is to augment an existing but small population spreading out from Upper Rio Grande through the Upper Animas. Dolores River is good habitat in appearance, though the southern periphery of moose Animal Capture and Movement Proposals Summary- BIG GAME 1

17 ANIMAL CAPTURE ONLY S - CONSERVATION SPECIES SPECIES TIER SOURCE BATS YEAR START & END AREA REGION NUMBER LOCATION/SOURCE Bats 1 SCTF, 2011-ongoing various All TBD Statewide Capture and release adhering to standard inventory protocols including mist netting and harp trapping may be conducted. Most efforts would be related to the Bats in Inactive Mines Project (BIMP), white-nosed syndrome detection, and baseline data collection on selected State Wildlife Areas, State Parks and CPW conservation easements. SMALL MAMMALS various ongoing TBD NE, NW and SE TBD SWA'S Small mammals will be captured and released as part of standard survey protocols on selected State Wildlife Areas and conservation easements to establish baseline species occurrence and relative abundance. Prairie Dogs 1 SCTF, 2011-ongoing various Statewide 500 Blacktailed 300 Gunnison's white-tailed Statewide Plague vaccine evaluation: involves approximately 500 black-tailed prairie dogs, 300 Gunnison's prairie dogs, white-tailed prairie dogs, and potentially 1,000 other small rodents associated with study sites. New Mexico Jumping Mouse BIRDS 1 SCTF 2013-ongoing 15 and 17 SW TBD SWA's Mice will be captured and released as part of standard survey protocols on selected State Wildlife Areas and conservation easements to establish baseline species occurrence and relative abundance. BE - Bald Eagle 1 BP America Wildlife Mitigation Fund SW 10 Durango Project is to evaluate the relationship between nesting summer residents and winter residents use of roost sites. Both nest sites and winter roosts are protected in HB1298 Regulations. GUSG 1 NFWF, BLM Assistance Agreement 2013-ongoing 7,15, 16, 18 NW, SW 25 Pinyon Mesa, Dove Creek, San Miguel Basin and Gunnison populations Trap and radiomark resident birds to collect data on habitat use and seasonal habitats. Some evaluation of survival and nest attempts/fate will occur. Animal Capture Only Projects - Conservation Species