2010 Spring Nevada Wildlife Newsletter

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Nevada Wildlife FederationP.O. Box 71238Reno, NV 89570

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Nevada WildlifeNevada Wildlife is the ofcial voice of the Nevada Wildlife Federation, Inc.

We are an afliate of National Wildlife Federation and the oldest statewide conservation organization

dedicated to sustaining Nevada’s natural resources for wildlife through conservation and education.

Volume 14, Issue 2 Spring, 2010

label here

Sage-grousecandidatefor federal

protectionU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS) announced in earlyMarch that the Bi-State popula-

tion of greater sage-grouse meets thenecessary criteria for recognition as aDistinct Population Segment (DPS) un-der the Endangered Species Act, andthat adding this population to the fed-eral list of threatened and endangeredspecies is warranted. However, listingthe Bi-State DPS of the greater sage-grouse at this time is precluded by the

need for listing actions on other speciesthat have a higher priority need for pro-tection under the Act.

As a result, the greater sage-grouseBi-State DPS will be placed on the list of species that are candidates for EndangeredSpecies Act protection. USFWS will re-view the status of the Bi-State DPS annu-ally, as it does with all candidates for list-ing, and will propose it for listing whenfunding and workload permit.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar an-nounced in early March that the federalgovernment will expand its efforts to

protect open lands that are importantto the survival of the Bi-State popula-tion and the greater sage-grouse range-wide. In collaboration with local, stateand tribal partners, Interior will usenew science and mapping technologiesto improve land-use planning and to en-sure that energy production, recreation-al access and other uses of federal landswill continue where appropriate, whileadditional measures are taken to protectthe Bi-State population and the greater sage-grouse across its range.

The Bi-State area population of greater sage-grouse, previously re-ferred to as the Mono Basin populationof sage-grouse, occurs in portions of Carson City, Lyon, Mineral, Esmeraldaand Douglas counties in Nevada, andof Alpine, Inyo, and Mono counties inCalifornia. The state wildlife agencies

in Nevada and California have jointly

Dave Menke/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Bi-State population of greater sage-grouse was recognized in early-March asa candidate for Endangered Species Act protection.

Reid secures$16 million for imperiled birdSen. Reid news release

Washington, D.C. – Nevada SeHarry Reid, D-Nev., announced Mar11 that the Department of Agriculture w

provide $16 million to farmers and rancers in Nevada and other states for proects this year that will help improve saggrouse habitat and bolster sage-grou

populations. The funds will be maavailable through the Wildlife HabitIncentive Program and the EnvironmentQuality Incentives Program, both admiistered by the Department of AgriculturLast week, Reid wrote a letter Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack rquesting that new monies be made avaable for sage-grouse work in an effort

protect key Nevada industries, includinrenewable energy development, ranchinand mining.

The Department of Interior anounced on March 5 that the sage-grouis “warranted but precluded” from lising under the Endangered Species Acmeaning other species are currently higher priority for being listed. If habitconditions and population numbers r

bound sufficiently in the time since tlast review, it is possible for the specito return to normal status.

The new funding made availab by the Department of Agriculture w provide grants to Nevada’s farmers anranchers on a voluntary basis. That monwill be used for projects like new fencinfor grazing rotation, reflectors that keethe sage-grouse from flying into fenceand predator control. Nevada producemust apply to receive the funding. Wocompleted through these programs whelp improve sage-grouse habitat an

protect existing leks.“This funding will go a long way t

wards voluntary programs that can heus keep the sage-grouse off of the endagered species list,” Reid said. “Protectinthis bird species is the right thing to dBy working together we can improvsage-grouse numbers while also prtecting Nevada’s renewable energy anelectricity transmission projects, as weas grazing, ranching, and mining in rur

areas of our state.”

identified six Bi-State area PopulationManagement Units (PMUs): Pine Nut,Desert Creek-Fales, Mount Grant, Bodie,South Mono and White Mountains. Thecurrent analysis of available informationsuggests only Bodie and South MonoPMUs are likely to persist over the next30 years, and may also contract in sizewithout increased conservation effortsor implementation of recovery actions.

Threats to the species include de-struction, modification and fragmen-tation of habitats in the Bi-State areacaused by urbanization, infrastructuredevelopment (e.g. powerlines and roads),mining, energy development, grazing,invasive and exotic species, pinyon-ju-niper encroachment, wildfire, and thelikely effects of climate change. Currentregulatory mechanisms are not adequateto address these habitat-based threats or other threats such as disease and preda-tion, or impacts from recreational activ-ities. In addition, the relatively few local

populations of the Bi-State DPS, as wellas their small size and relative isolation,contribute to the risk of extinction.

USFWS based its final determina-tion on the accumulated scientific data

provided by state and federal agenciesand tribes, as well as data and informa-tion provided through non-governmen-

tal, commercial and public comments.

The review of relevant materials includ-ed 25 chapters of new information and or analyses contained in the peer-reviewedmonograph entitled: Ecology and Conservation of Greater Sage-Grouse:

A Landscape Species and Its Habitats which was edited by the U.S. GeologicalSurvey for publication in the near futu re

by the Cooper Ornithological Society intheir Studies in Avian Biology Series.Thirty-eight scientists from federal,state and nongovernmental organiza-tions collaborated to produce the analy-ses, synthesis and findings presented inthe chapters of this monograph.

USFWS assigns a listing prioritynumber to each candidate species basedon the magnitude and immediacy of thethreats they face. This ranking system isused to determine which candidate spe-

cies should be more immediately pro- posed for addition to the list of threat-ened and endangered species. Becauseit faces more immediate and severethreats, the Bi-State DPS of the greater sage-grouse has been assigned a listing

priority number higher than that for therange-wide greater sage-grouse, whichwill also be added to the candidate list.

The Service received two petitionsto list the Bi-State population, one fromthe Institute for Wildlife Protection(Dec. 28, 2001), and the other from theStanford Law School EnvironmentalLaw Clinic (Nov. 10, 2005) on be-half of the Sagebrush Sea Campaign,Western Watersheds Project, Center

See Sage-grouse on Page 2

See Nevada Department of Wildlife Director’s reaction tosage-grouse listing on Page 3.



Hi friends and readers. Yes that’sme you see in the new photo. I hadeye surgery in March and now cansee 20/20 without glasses.

Kids’ free fishing eventsA free fishing derby for kids

will be held June 5 and 6 during theday. It’s free for kids ages 3 to 12at Lampe Park, Gardnerville. For

information call Chris Smithen at (775) 450-3373 or Brian Wood at (775) 265-7063.

Free fishing events for kids sponsored by NevadaDepartment of Wildlife will be held at the following lo-cations.

May 1: Mason Valley Wildlife Management AreaJune 12: Carson City, Nev., Fuji Park June 12: Sparks, Nev., Sparks Marina.

Urban ponds fish limit reduced to three in WashoeA new regulation for Washoe County urban ponds

reducing the limit of fish caught from five to three hasgone unnoticed by many local anglers report NevadaDepartment of Wildlife (NDOW) game wardens that arerunning into several unaware fishermen at the local waters.“Our local urban ponds receive a lot of fishing pressure,”said Kim Tisdale, Western Region supervising fisheries

biologist. “It is difficult for our hatchery to stock fre-quently enough to maintain acceptable catch rates. Thereduced harvest limits will allow fish to persist in the

ponds for a longer period of time, making them moreavailable to additional anglers.”

Washoe County urban ponds are stocked weeklystarting April through July. July through mid-September,stocking slows to once per month until it picks up againto weekly stocking from mid-September through the endof October. Scheduled stocking is always dependent onthe weather and may sometimes be delayed. -- source

Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Fishing license sales up in nation, down in NevadaA report commissioned by the Outdoor Foundation

found in a decade during which the number of anglersgenerally dropped, 2009 bucked the trend and saw anincrease of 1.6 percent. A separate study found one of

the largest bumps since the 1970s in fishing licensesales, based on a 12-state index.

In Nevada, the numbers of fishing licenses wedown from 2007-2008 to 2008-2009, but the decline wsmall (45,534 to 43,759) according to numbers releas

by Nevada Department of Wildlife. Already this yemore than 10,000 trout have been stocked in the TruckRiver and comparable numbers in the Sparks Marina.

Don’t forget free fishing day in Nevada is June 1You can fish free in California July 4 and Sept. 6, 201

No fishing license is required to fish on these days.

2010 State of the Birds report now availableThe 2010 State of the Birds report has been pu

lished under the sponsorship of National AuduboAmerican Bird Conservancy and the NatuConservancy among others. Overview information,summary, a full download of the report and a link the 2009 State of the Birds and other items are accesible at the Web site www.stateofthebirds.org. Birreflect the overall health of our environment. You m

find this site of interest.

Nevada’s County High PointsI imagine most readers do not know the highe

point in their home county let alone the highest poiin Nevada. So I have taken this information from a ne

book by Bob Sumner – Hiking Nevada’s County Hig Points.

Nevada Wildlife Federation members can get t book upon joining or renewing their membership athigher rate of $45.

The following is a list by county, highest point witin the county and the elevation in feet.

Carson City: Snow Valley Peak, 9,214Churchill: Desatoya Peak, 9,973Clark: Charleston Peak, 11,918Douglas: East Peak, 9,581Elko: Ruby Dome, 11,387

See Nature Notes on Page

2 Nevada Wildlife – Spring, 2010

Nevada Wildlife Published quarterly

by Nevada Wildlife Federation, Inc.

Editor: Gale DupreeCopy Editor: Lorna Weaver

In this issue:

Sage-grouse federal protection findings 1

Sen. Reid secures funds for sage-grouse 1

Nature Notes 2

State agency responds to sage-grouse listing 3Nevada birding 4

Range camp 5

Bighorn sheep die from pneumonia 5

President’s Post: Game Laws 6

Top calibers for game trophies 6

Walker Lake Education Day 7

Nevada Wildlife Federation Annual Meeting 7

Bodie Historic State Park 8

Rattlesnake avoidance Training for Dogs 8

Nevada Wildlife Federation, Inc.P.O. Box 71238, Reno, NV 89570

phone (775) 677-0927Web site: www.nvwf.org

President: Robert GaudetDistrict 1 (Reno) Vice Pres.: Sherm SwansonDistrict 2 (Elko) Vice Pres.: Jack Prier District 3 (Las Vegas) Vice Pres.: Kevin CabbleSecretary: Vikki RiddleTreasurer: Anita Wagner National Wildlife Federation (NWF)Representative:Anita Wagner Alternate NWF Rep: Robert Gaudet

Corporate SponsorsArt Source – RenoPatagonia – RenoSierra Trading Post – Reno, Cheyenne, WYHidden Valley Ranch – RenoMorris & Brown Architects, LTD – RenoPerry and Spann – Reno

Sportman’s Warehouse – Reno NV Energy – RenoWal-Mart Stores – RenoSafari Club International – Northern Nevada Chapter Mickey Daniels Big Mac Charters – Carnelian Bay,

Calif.Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters – South Lake Tahoe,

Calif.Peppermill Resort Spa Casino – RenoAtlantis Casino Resort Spa – RenoGrand Sierra Resort – RenoHarvey’s/Harrah’s Casino Hotels – Stateline

Affiliates National Wildlife Federation – NationAnimal Ark – RenoCanvasback Gun Club – RenoCarson Valley Chukar Club – Gardnerville

Carson Fly Fishing Club – Carson CityElko County Conservation Association – ElkoFriends of Nevada Wilderness – RenoGreat Basin Chapter Trout Unlimited – Baker Las Vegas Archers – Las VegasMotorcycle Racing Assoc. of Nevada – Las Vegas

Natural Resource Education Council – Carson City Nevada Bighorns Unlimited – Reno Nevada Bowhunters Association – Elko Nevada Section Society for Range Management Northern Nevada Outdoors – WinnemuccaOrmsby Sportman’s Association – Carson CityReno Tur-Toise Club – RenoSilver Arrow Bowman – RenoSpring Mt. Volunteer Association – Las VegasTruckee River Flyfishers – RenoTruckee River Yacht Club – Reno

Walker Lake Working Group – Hawthorne

nature notes

Gale Dupree

Nevada Wildlife Federation thanks thefollowing for renewing memberships athigher rates:

$50 to $99 – Beverly Rapp$300 – Harry Eliades

Join Nevada Wildlife Federation today!Your membership dues fund wildlife

conservation and education programs in Nevada.

Membership Categories per yearCorporate: $250, $500, $1,000 and upBenefactor: $100 and upSustaining: $40 to $99Life: $400Family: $35, for families at same addressAssociate or Affiliate: $25Student: $12

Name: _____________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City: _______________________________________________

State, Zip: __________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________

E-mail: _____________________________________________

Mail this coupon with your check or money order to Nevada

Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 71238, Reno, NV 89570

Gifts for higher renewal rates *

Members who join or renew ata rate of $45 or higher can chooseamong several gifts. Those giftsinclude one of four campaignlogo T-shirts. The slogans are:“Water for Wildlife,” “ShareYour Backyard with Wildlife,”“Save Our Sagebrush Family” and“Support Elk on Public Lands.” A T-shirt

with the NvWF logo is also available. Please circle your choiceof T-shirt. Please indicate size: Adult: Small, Medium, Large,XL, XXL, XXXL. Youth: Medium, Large.

Other gifts are a baseball hat with the federation’s logo andseveral books to choose from. New books are: Hiking Grand Canyon National Park , Living with Wildlife, Basic Essentials Fly Fishing , Death Valley National Park , Pocket Guide – Nevada Birds and Pocket Guide – Nevada Trees and Wildflowers.

Other books include This Land – A Guide to Western National Forests; Birds of Prey; Where Wild things Live;Mystery Tracks in the Snow; and Rocks and Minerals of California Nevada Wildlife Viewing Guide; Black Rock Desert ; Hiking Nevada; Rockhounding Nevada; Hiking Great Basin National Park ; Easy Day Hikes Lake Tahoe; Easy Day Hikes Death Valley; The Tahoe Rim Trail ; Sierra Nevada Wildlife

Region; Tahoe Wildflowers; Elk Hunting Q & A; The Backyard Bird Feeder’s 4-Pack of Booklets; Lefty Krech’s Longer FlyCasting; Fishing Fanatic; and Beyond Fair Chase and Inherit the Hunt, which contain stories on the tradition of hunting byJim Posewitz. Please circle your choice of book.

Your generous donation of $60 or more will be rewardedwith a choice of any two items listed above (books and clothingonly). Please circle your two gift choices.

For $100 or more donation you can receive a limited-edi-tion 2 oz. silver coin with a Nevada critter on

one side. A Prospector is on the other sidewith an ore cart. Two coins available are

mule deer and elk. Other coins areavailable by special order. Clothing

and book gifts are not included.Additional coins are $75 eachat time of order. Please circle

your choice.

* Life memberships are not arenewal and are not entitled to gifts

after initial donation.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER:Hand-painted, artist-signed

duck decoys (4- to 5-inch) for $15each or one free with a $45 renewal

or membership or two for $55. Selectionto be made by NvWF until supply is sold out

(mallard, canvasback, teal, Canada goose,shoveler, pintail and wood duck). Half

life-sized artist-signed decoys$25 until sold out.



Chris HealyNevada Department of Wildlife

The United States Fish and WildlifeService (USFWS) announced in mid-March its decision on the petition for list-ing greater sage-grouse. The decision was“warranted but precluded” which would

place greater sage-grouse on the list of

“candidate species” across its range inthe 11 western states and two Canadian

provinces. In addition, the USFWS an-nounced that the Bi-State population of greater sage–grouse meets the criteriafor designation as a Distinct PopulationSegment, with a listing priority number of 3, which means that the species could

be listed within three to five years. Nevada Department of Wildlife

Director Ken Mayer said he was disappointed in the decisions. “The westernstates fish and wildlife agencies, individ-ual volunteers and planning groups haveworked hard to identify the problems andfind solutions to improve conditions for the bird, but it is hard to ignore the fact

that 55 percent of greater sage-grouseexist on federal lands. It’s unfortunate, but this may be the wake-up call that isneeded to put the measures in place thatare needed to keep the bird from beinglisted.

“This outcome shows that basedon science, the bird is in trouble acrossits range. It also states that cooperativeconservation is the recommended action.That means we need all of the conser-vation partners in the state to step up to

protect and restore the sagebrush ecosys-tem. The sagebrush ecosystem has beenidentified as an imperiled ecosystem. Itis going to take a huge effort to improveand restore habitat, and protect the bird

to stave off a threatened listing.“But there is also ample opportunityhere. If nothing is done, we can count ongreater sage-grouse being listed; if weget busy, we can still save the bird.”

The announcement noted a list-ing priority number of 8 for the greater sage-grouse in 11 western states, and alevel priority number of 3 for the distinct

population segment of the greater sage-grouse population in the Bi-State area of

Nevada and California, which includes portions of Carson City, Lyon, Mineral,Esmeralda, and Douglas counties in

Nevada, as well as portions of Alpine,

Inyo, and Mono counties in California.Listing priority numbers are ordered 1-12, with 1 as the highest priority, and 12as the lowest.

The decision to list a species as “war-ranted but precluded” means data supportslisting under the Endangered Species Act

but that listing the species at this time is precluded by the need to address higher priority species first. Currently 150 spe-cies have a higher priority than greater sage-grouse on the rangewide decision,and 60 species have a higher priority than

the Distinct Population Segment sage-grouse population.Warranted but precluded proposals

require subsequent one-year findings oneach succeeding anniversary of the peti-tion until either a proposal to list the spe-cies is undertaken or a “not warranted”

petition finding is made. Species must be re-evaluated annually by experts toidentify whether conditions for the spe-cies are better or are worse; that reviewcan drive a change in the listing prioritynumber.

To date, the Nevada Department of Wildlife has lead a sustained effort tosupport greater sage-grouse, first throughdevelopment of the Greater Sage-grouseConservation Plan for Nevada andEastern California, which was completedin June 2004, then through implementa-tion of the projects identified in the plan.The Governor’s Sage Grouse-Team, madeup of state and federal resource partners,ranchers, farmers, tribal members andlocal governments, has played an inte-gral role in sage-grouse conservation inthe state since the group’s inception in1999. The group continues to meet on a

bi-monthly basis, and recently completedthe document “Energy and InfrastructureDevelopment Standards to ConserveGreater Sage-grouse,” which will assist

energy developers in understanding thehabitat needs of sage-grouse, and identifiesdistances from disturbance that are neces-sary to preclude impacts to sage-grousenesting and lek sites, as well as other sen-sitive greater sage-grouse habitats.

NDOW Director Ken Mayer’scomments on the listing priority of 3for the Bi-State Distinct PopulationSegment of Greater Sage-Grouse pop-ulation: (Portions of Carson City, Lyon,Mineral, Esmeralda, and Douglas coun-ties in Nevada, and in portions of Alpine,

Inyo, and Mono counties in California.)“This level of listing priority showsa strong concern about the ability of thelocal population of birds to continue toexist,” said Mayer. “We are aware thatthis is a distinct population segment,with a different genetic make-up. We doquestion whether a subspecies should besubjected to this high of a priority. Thislevel of federal scrutiny could alter our ability to manage the species, and weare concerned that a listing could impactother activities in the area, such as min-ing or ranching. Nevertheless, if we work together as partners, I’m hopeful we canturn the tide away from listing.”

Sage-grouse hunting in the Bi-StateDistinct Population Segment was closedin 1999. These populations have experi-enced a downward trend since 2005 sim-ilar to hunted populations, even thoughhuman harvest has not been a factor. Inaddition, Lincoln County and PershingCounty as well as portions of Humboldt,White Pine, Lander and Elko counties innorthern Nevada have recently closed togreater sage-grouse hunting.Threats

The range-wide listing states thathabitat loss and/or degradation due towildfire, invasive species, energy devel-opment, agriculture and urbanization,

as well as the lack of regulatory mechnisms are the primary threats to greatsage-grouse. In Nevada, the GreatSage-grouse Conservation Plan idenfied wildfire, degraded sagebrush habtat, pinyon-juniper encroachment, anhistoric overuse by horses and livestocas core threats.

NDOW RecommendationsThe Nevada Department of Wildli

is recommending the following consevation actions to support greater SagGrouse populations statewide:

• Continue aggressive initial fire atack in crucial sage-grouse habitat.

• Be more aggressive with combatininvasive species, especially cheatgraswithin existing sagebrush habitats;

• Continue to reduce pinyon and jniper woodland encroachment into sag

brush habitats where appropriate;• Improve the condition of degrade

wet meadows and springs within greatsage-grouse habitats;

• Enhance interagency and local par

nerships and planning efforts year rounconduct landscape-scale, aggressive firestoration and rehabilitation activities

• Encourage land management agecies to include adequate buffer zones fwildlife around all types of developmeto reduce disturbance from energy, infrstructure and mining developments o

public lands;• Develop a consistent source

funding for the necessary planning anrestoration efforts needed.

“The Nevada Department of Wildliwill continue to seek funding and advcate for healthy sagebrush ecosystemwhile at the same time working with lcal, federal and private partners to dvelop and implement projects to reduthreats and enhance habitat for the spcies,” said Mayer.

From Page 2 Nature Notes

Esmeralda: Boundary, 13,140 – thehighest point in Nevada

Eureka: Diamond Peak, 10,614Humboldt: Granite Peak, 7,199Lander: Bunker Hill, 11,474Lincoln: South Ridge of Mt.

Grafton (the summit is in White PineCounty) 10,990

Lyon: Northeast ridge of MiddleSister, 10,859

Mineral: Corey Peak, 10,529 (northof Lucky Boy Pass)

Nye: Mt. Jefferson, 11,814Pershing: Star Peak, 9,834Story: Mt. Davidson, 7,864Washoe: Mt. Rose, 10,726

White Pine: Wheeler Peak, 13,083

Nevada Wildlife – Spring, 2010

Boundary Peak is at the northern end

of the White Mountains and wouldnot be climbed much except for the fact itis the highest point in Nevada, althoughit is not the highest peak in the area. Itis part of a twin peak with MontgomeryPeak. Montgomery Peak is 200 feethigher but is located in California.Boundary Peak derives its name fromthe proximity to the boundary betweenthe two states that runs down the saddle

between the two peaks and was likelynamed by surveyors who were workingin the West in the mid-1800s.

The actual boundary between the twostates was finally legally settled in 1980.The controversy stemmed from a surveydone in 1873 by Alexey VonSchmidt.

His survey placed the border from Lake

Tahoe to the Colorado River askew with

that established by the U.S. Coast andGeodetic Survey between 1893 and 1899,

putting Boundary Peak in California.If the U.S. Geological Survey had

not changed the border, Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park, would be

Nevada’s high point. Many still consider Wheeler a more spectacular peak, I’llleave that to you.

Most people who climb this peak are doing so trying to gain another intheir quest to gain the high point in asmany states as possible.

The most climbed route, TrailCanyon, is a strenuous walk up througha tremendous amount of scree withsome minor scrambling near the sum-

mit. – source SummitPost.org

Sage-grouse from Page 1for Biological Diversity and ChristiaCaring for Creation. A series of actio

by USFWS was taken in response to th petitions, which included publicat(in 2006) of a 90-day finding that the

petitions did not present substantial scentific or commercial information indcating that the petitioned actions wewarranted. In response to legal chalenges, USFWS agreed to reconsidthis decision.

USFWS also announced a findin

March 5 regarding a petition to list thwestern subspecies of the greater saggrouse under the Endangered SpeciAct. A western and an eastern subspcies of the greater sage-grouse wedescribed in the 1940s based on com

parisons of a limited number of specmens, and many scientists subsequentquestioned the validity of these subspcies designations. Based on a thorougevaluation of the best scientific infomation available, including new genetanalyses, USFWS found no evidence support recognition of either subspcies. As a result, USFWS announcedhas made a f inding that listing the wesern subspecies is not warranted, as it not a valid taxonomic entity eligible flisting under the Act.

Wildlife chief disappointed in sage-grouse listing decision

Sage-grouse facts at a glanceThe greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a large, ground-dwelling bird, measuring up to 30 inches in length, is two feet tall andweighs between two to seven pounds. It has a long, pointed tail with legsfeathered to the base of the toes and fleshy yellow combs over the eyes.In addition to the mottled brown, black and white plumage typical of thespecies, males sport a white ruff around their necks. The sage-grouse is

found from 4,000 to more than 9,000 feet in elevation. It is an omnivore,eating soft plants (primarily sagebrush) and insects.

– source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service




by Linda Hiller

Hi Birders! Can you hear it? Theincrease in volume out there, the birdschanging from their winter songs (or lack thereof in some species) to the melodicspring selections which cue us all thatspring is finally on its way. Gotta love robins. We had a big

influx of American robins last week,filling our Russian olive and juniper trees, and then splashing in our waterfallthroughout the day as robins are wont todo … they’re hydrophilic, they LOVEwater.

If I had to pick, the American robin would be my favorite species for a vari-ety of reasons, not the least of which isthe flutey spring song they sing from be-fore dawn to after dark some days. And Iswear my yard robins know enough to begat my kitchen window for dried fruit andgrape jelly … is it coincidence that everytime we’re out of those things, a coupleof robins stare in the window from thetree closest to the house and make thatloud, chirp alarm call? I think not!

Here’s a pic of an original robin quiltI made for my mother after she’d sur-vived breast cancer in her late 80s. Allwinter long, a lone robin stood vigil (itseemed to us, anyway) in the apple treeoutside her window that had been plant-ed 40 years prior by my now-deceaseddad. And when she was better, it wentaway. Guess what my dad’s favorite birdwas? Yup. Mom’s 96 today, and she hasthis robin “standing vigil” in her livingroom.

Robins are in the thrush family andeat the ubiquitous worms we associatethem with, plus other insects, and theyalso love fruit. So what to feed them inyour yard? First of all, nothing beats

planting for them, something with ber-ries, and having a water feature (at least a

birdbath) is also crucial.We’ve had robins snack from our

suet feeders for the protein that’s hard tofind when the ground is still frozen, andthey also like the peanut butter mix (p.b.and cornmeal) pushed onto tree bark or cones. I’ve found they eat golden raisinsand dried cranberries, which I just scatter on the deck railing.

I also put out my oriole feeder whenthey show up (long before the Bullock’s

Orioles, right, who won’t be here untilMay or June), and I forego the nectar and

just fill the grape jelly holes. If you’renew to this birding report, I LOVE theOriole fest feeder and buy them online(local stores sometimes carry them, butinconsistently). If you’re inclined, do alittle research on other sites … I’ve foundcheaper prices, but this site has good pics

and several options if you want to getinto feeding orioles. Robins, humming- birds, grosbeaks and finches like thesefeeders too. www.birdsforever.com/orio-lepdts.html.

NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBOR-HOODS: Gale from Nevada Wildlife

Federation said he was asked if bird-houses should be cleaned every year andthe answer is yes, and now’s the time.And I would add that making sure HouseSparrows don’t inhabit your nest boxesis a good thing since they eventuallydrive out Western Bluebirds and other species that are dependent on cavity nestswhile house sparrows are not (they can

build their own grass nests). Gale also forwarded me a letter

from Brigitte in Henderson who had just moved from North Carolina. Shesaid she missed her Eastern Bluebirds something awful and she wondered howto attract the Western Bluebirds to her

new apt. Oh, we feel her pain, but LasVegas isn’t exactly a Mecca for blue-

birds, much less getting them into theurban areas. Hard core bluebirders buymealworms by the thousands and putthem out in special feeders, but I had tosuggest to Brigitte that she move here tonorthern Nevada, or just learn to love theRoad Runners and Gambel’s Quail shemight now start to see instead. Elona from Johnson Lane and

her daughter Brittney spotted this BaldEagle (right) on the ground off Buckeyearound Christmastime. Eagles &Agriculture this year (February) reportedfewer eagles than before … a trend thatcould easily continue given the competi-

tion from ravens and the slow disappear-ance of tall trees in Carson Valley. This ismy theory, anyway. Incidentally, Elona isteaching a bird feeding seminar in Aprilat her workplace, Greenhouse GardenCenter, go Elona!

Chuck in Indian Hills calledabout seeing what he thought was a

pheasant in December and later sent this pic (below) to prove it. The Ring-neckedPheasants we have here often lose their tails in winter, so it was cool to see it for real. Weeks later, Chuck reported another

pheasant in his yard, this time with a tail,so there were at least two out there!

Pat from Silver Springs want-ed to know about something she sawat her feeders in December, a WesternMeadowlark eating a dead sparrow.Meadowlarks are grassland inhabitantsand eat seeds and insects, so for them toconsume meat in the winter isn’t such astretch since insects are in short supplythen. They’ll go for almost any proteinsupplement (so do other insect eaters likewoodpeckers who frequent our suet feed-ers in winter). Pat later asked about Brown-

headed Cowbirds, a “parasitic nesting”species that lays its eggs in other bird’snests and doesn’t raise its own young. Shewondered why these cowbirds don’t eachlearn the songs of their adoptive parentsinstead of eventually learning their ownspecies’ song?

I contacted my U.W. college profes-sor and mentor, Dr. Dennis Paulson, for

this question. He sent back a fascinatinganswer: He basically said that cowbirdsgo through a period of “identity crisis”as fledglings, flocking with unlikely

birds like shorebirds or other species, butthey eventually snap into their identity atadulthood, and their song is hard-wired,not learned. It’s an amazing adaptation!Ask me if you want Dr. Paulson’s fullreply. Jeanne from Gardnerville

Ranchos sent a photo of a winter mys-tery bird in her yard, a dark-phaseRed-tailed Hawk – a beautiful, choco-late colored specimen. Interesting factabout dark-phase red-tails is that they’remuch more numerous in southern Carson

Valley. This is where Jack Walters and Ispotted our first one off Dressler Road ona 1994 bird trip … their population hasgrown since then.Here in Jacks Valley we had a sad

sighting one winter morning … two deadSpotted Towhees, one beheaded! I put aquery on the Nevada Audubon listserveand many of the birders who respondedfelt it was likely an owl whooooo (sor-ry) did it, maybe a Saw Whet Owl or aGreat Horned Owl. Thanks to Mary Joand Carolyn for those ideas. Sure seemedlike a waste of a good bird to only eat thehead, and no one came back to get therest of it! Niki in Lemmon Valley has re-

ported a Peregrine Falcon out theremore than once, a great sighting. She

also reported a good number of Whitcrowned Sparrows this winter. We ha fun discussion about immature whitcrowns looking like females, but the sees of this species is identical, so it is jua young’un. Deb, my old co-worker at T

Gardnerville Record-Courier, sent plethora of pics from her Ranchos ya

and one of them was particularly goocapturing the frenzy that occurs whEuropean Starlings (below) come suet feeders in winter, they are nuts! I oten bring my feeder in when the starlincome to save the suet for others.

Alan, my fellow Cassin’s Fincfanatic sent me a photo of his starlinrepellant invention that works for him his Reno yard. I’m going to try it. He puduct tape over the top of the suet cagand the starlings don’t really like to handown and get the suet from the bottohalf but the woodpeckers and other sucustomers don’t mind. Is there anythinduct tape won’t fix?

Of course, Jacque from Wild BirdUnlimited, now in Moana Nursery Reno, said we should just buy a starlin

proof cage for our suet, and that is denitely Plan B, thanks Jacque! Btw, Cassin’s Finches (below) a

aplenty here in Jacks Valley these daythey are a gorgeous bird that was the aswer to one of my favorite bird calls ev... the elderly woman said “Linda, whatthat bird with the raspberry on its headGreat description!

Now … take a birding class!friend with a store in Gardnerville h

been asking me to do a bird identifiction class there. Please let me know you would like to take the class. It w

be for beginning birders, but if you’re a

intermediate I can make it worth yoSee Birding on Page

Spring brings robin memories, unique sightings and birding trips



Nevada Wildlife – Spring, 2010 5

From Birding on Page 4while. I’ll do a lecture and slide show and then a half-day field trip on a separate weekend day. The cost will

be $35 per person.Call or e-mail me if you have questions or want

to sign up, we’re looking at the end of April, I’ll havedates for you as soon as I hear from the store owner. Western Nevada College bird park. It’s been

five years since we lost Jack Walters to bladder cancer

and then built the bird park in his memory as an educa-tional tool for gardeners wanting to make their own bird-friendly “parks.” It has grown and matured and is practi-cally self-sustaining. Doing a spring and fall “spruce upday” is something we’ve done over the past four years. If you’d like to participate this spring, let me know.

We can do some birding while we’re there andeven have a potluck lunch if enough people participate.There’s not a ton needed, probably just light clean-upand pruning, maybe a little planting, too. If you have

plants you want to donate or transplant, great.Last time I checked, there was $831.42 in the bird-

seed fund, which is amazing. I recently donated the pro-ceeds from my oral history of seedsock inventor HowardGodecke to it, and want to do a plaque for Howard.Remember, any amount is welcome, tax deductible,and it ALL goes to the seed for the birds through WNC

Foundation. FYI, speaking of oral history, I finally finished

the o.h. Web site and invite you to check it out and giveme feedback! www.savingmystories.com I plan to geta birding blog up very soon and will link everythingtogether. Maybe soon I can put these birding reports onthe blog and we could have more of a forum on there,too … welcome to the future! Last mention. If you are interested in more ex-

tensive instruction than I am offering here, LahontanAudubon Society is again doing their “Birds of the

Truckee Meadows” class series in Reno that would bewell worth your time.

Classes run 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday from May 4 toJune 1. They’re $40 for five classes, or $10 for each oneif you want to pick and choose. If you want to see theline-up of classes, and get more information, go to theLAS Web site, www.nevadaaudubon.orgor contact BobGoodman at (775) 972-7848 or [email protected].

I don’t see any field trips scheduled beyond theTuesday night lectures (these are KEY to learning your

birds!), but LAS always has trips throughout the year,so check their Web site for upcoming trips. OK this really is the last word. If we don’t do a

class the end of April, I’ll be happy to lead a free CarsonValley birding trip. E-mail or call me if you’re interested… we’ll look at April 24 or 25, a morning trip.

Good birding, all … Linda Hiller, [email protected], 267-3580 home; 781-4916 mobile phone.

NEVADA YOUTH RANGE CAMPfor anyone 14-18 years of age

June 21 - 27, 2009Big Creek Campground

Austin, Nevada

Applications must be postmarked by April 27, 2009

Sponsorships to attend are available through your local conservation district.

For locations, please visit www.dcd.nv

Financial Sponsors:Nevada Bighorns Unlimited

Nevada Conservation DistrictsNV Society for Range Management

Nevada Wildlife Federation

Agencies Contributing Resources:University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

Natural Resources Conservation ServiceNevada Division of Forestry

Nevada Division of Conservation DistrictsBureau of Land Management

U.S. Forest ServiceU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Nevada Department of Wildlife

For applications, health forms and more information on the camp, please visit the Nevada Society for

Range Managements range camp website at:

http://www.ag.unr.edu/nsrm/camp.html

Nevada Department of Wildlife

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) biogists continue to find bighorn sheep that have died duto complications brought on by pneumonia in the EaHumboldt Range and in the Ruby Mountains.

“We have found 74 dead bighorn sheep in tEast Humboldt’s (hunt unit 101) and 28 in the RubMountains (hunt unit 102) for a total of 102 sheep ovthe last 4 months,” says Caleb McAdoo, NDOW bgame biologist. “Unfortunately, this disease event isnshowing any signs of abating.”

While the numbers make it appear that the EaHumboldt herd is doing much worse than the RubMountain herd, McAdoo explains that the mortality dtection rate on the winter range in hunt unit 102 is lowdue to terrain.

“It is very possiblethe die-off in unit 102 is

just as severe as the eventin the East Humboldt’s,”cautions McAdoo. “Weare concerned that as manyas 80 percent of each herd

may succumb before thewinter is over.”

NDOW biologists arealso concerned about thesurvival of any lambs born this spring. In past diseaevents, young lambs appear to have been exposed

pneumonia that is still present in the adults and then dwithin the first couple of months of life because thdon’t have any natural defense to the disease.

Because of issues like this and other concern NDOW biologists and veterinarians have put togetha plan to monitor and study the sheep for the next feyears.

They have tagged and placed radio collars onnumber of sheep as well as administering a broad spetrum antibiotic to some of the animals.

Biological samples have been taken from dead an

healthy sheep for comparison to see if minerals, foage quality or even genetics play a role in determininwhich animals may live and which may die. NDO

personnel will follow the marked animals trying to sif there is anything that separates those sheep that suvive from those that didn’t.

Soil and forage samples are also being taken explore what affect forage quality and trace minerain the forage may have on both diseased and healthanimals.

“Unfortunately, there is no known cure, or treament for pneumonia in bighorn sheep,” said McAdo“but we are going to use the data collected from thdisease event to assist in future outbreaks.”

To avoid putting more stress on the animals than necessary, work is being done from the ground as mucas possible, as helicopters cause the animals to try

evade and escape using up precious energy. The fuextent of the die-off may not be known for months d pending on the success of follow-up surveys from tground or from the air once the sheep have had time recover from the winter.

So far only one Rocky Mountain goat has beefound that has died from pneumonia. Preliminary suvey data indicates that the goats have not been as negtively impacted by the disease.

With the coming of warmer weather and snowmelt, the public is anxious to get out of the house. BMcAdoo is asking the public to please give the bighosheep space and avoid the areas they are in so as not stress them.

“We are still within a critical time for these animalssays McAdoo, “as the weather warms and forage starto green up, they have a chance to build some strengtAny extra energy demands placed on the sheep may dcrease their chances of survival.”

More bighorn sheep

die from pneumonia

“Unfortunatelythis disease evenisn’t showing ansigns of abating – Caleb McAdoo

Nevada Departmenof Wildlife Biologis




Boone and Crockett Club

Although the venerable .30-06 and .270 remain among the favorites, Booneand Crockett Club big-game records show that hunters with one of the various .300

Magnums are taking decidedly more North American trophies than any other caliber.Surprisingly, the second-most-popular trophy-taker isn’t a firearm – it’s a bow.Boone and Crockett compiled the data from its records book entries from 2007

through 2009. This three-year period of big-game trophies, fair-chase hunting and suc-cess in conservation and game management will be celebrated at the Club’s 27th trien-nial Big Game Awards, June 24-26, 2010, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev.

Here are the most commonly used calibers (Note: Records do not distinguishspecific variations, i.e. .300 Win. Mag, .300 WSM, .300 Wby. Mag., .300 Ultra Mag,etc.) across all Boone and Crockett categories over the past three years, along with

percentages of trophy entries credited to each:

Rank Caliber Percentage

1 .300 Magnum 18 %

2 Bow/Crossbow 16 %

3 .270 12 %

4 .30-06 12 %

5 7 mm Magnum 11 %

6 Muzzleloader/Shotgun 10 %

7 6 mm 3 %

8 .338 Magnum 3 %

9 .257 2 %

10 .30 30 2 %

11 .308 2 %

12 .375 Magnum 2 %

Other 8 %

The .300 Magnum appears among the top three calibers in 11 of the following 15species recognized in Boone and Crockett trophy records. A bow or crossbow appears in7 of these 15. Species are arranged by frequency of records book entries 2007-2009.

Most popular calibers by species include:

Species Top Calibers

Whitetail deer 1.) Bow/Crossbow2.) Muzzleloader/shotgun3.) .270

Black bear 1.) Bow/Crossbow2.) .300 Magnum3.) .30-06

Pronghorn 1.) .300 Magnum2.) .270

3.) 7 mm Magnum

Sheep(bighorn, Dall’s, desert, Stone’s)

1.) .300 Magnum2.) 7 mm Magnum3.) .270

Mule deer 1.) .300 Magnum2.) 7 mm Magnum3.) .270

Elk (American, Roosevelt’s, Tule)

1.) .300 Magnum2.) Bow/Crossbow3.) Tie: .30-06, 7 mm Magnum

Moose(Alaska-Yukon, Canada, Shiras)

1.) .300 Magnum2. ) Tie: 7 mm Magnum, .338Magnum

Caribou(barren ground, central Canada

barren ground, mountain,Quebec-Labrador, woodland)

1.) .300 Magnum2.) .2703.) .30-06

Blacktail deer (Columbia, Sitka)

1.) .30-062.) Tie: 7 mm Magnum, .300Magnum

Coues’ whitetail deer 1.) 7 mm Magnum2.) .2703.) .300 Magnum

Cougar 1.) Bow/Crossbow2.) .30-303.) 6 mm

Rocky Mountain goat 1.) Tie: .270, .300 Magnum3.) Tie: 7 mm Magnum, .30-06,Bow/Crossbow, muzzleloader/shotgun

Brown bear/grizzly 1.) .375 Magnum2.) .338 Magnum3.) .300 Magnum

Muskox 1.) Bow/Crossbow2.) .300 Magnum3.) Tie: 6 mm, .375 Magnum

Bison 1.) .338 Magnum2.) Tie: 7 mm Magnum, Bow/Crossbow

The Boone and Crockett Club system of scoring big-game trophies originatein 1906 as means of recording details on species thought to be disappearing due rampant habitat loss and unregulated hunting. Science-based conservation effortled and funded by license-buying hunters, brought those species from vanishing flourishing. Boone and Crockett records remain a classic gauge of habitat and maagement programs.

Organization records top calibers for big-game trophies

When many hunt-ers hear the phrase“game law,” it elic-its strong emotion

– usually not the goodkind. However, with-out game laws, our hunting heritage andopportunities would

be much differentthan they are today. In the 1800s, markethunters nearly wiped out several wild-life species in this country. The two mostnotable examples are American bison,referred to as “buffalo” and passenger

pigeon. However, something good cameout of these tragedies. The conservationmovement was born. It’s important tonote some of the earliest and strongest

proponents of game laws were hunters.Later, with the help of people like J.

N. “Ding” Darling, Aldo Leopold and of course Teddy Roosevelt, more game lawswere passed and lands were protected toensure not only the continuing of hunt-ing and wildlife, but to increase wildlife

population and hunting opportunities.Some amazing recoveries of game andother species of wildlife have been madeover the last century. The pronghorn, elk,

turkey and the most popular big gameanimal in the country, white-tailed deer have all been huge success stories due togame laws and wildlife management.

Beyond wildlife conservation suc-cess stories, other laws have had tremen-dous impact on hunting. The Pittman-Robinson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 placed an excise tax on guns andammunition (now includes bows and ar-rows) for the specific purpose of manag-ing and restoration of wildlife. Beyondhabitat management, two of the main

programs these revenues fund are hunter education and range development /main-

tenance. According to the U.S. Fish anWildlife Service, the Pittman-RobertsoAct has raised nearly $6 billion since inception for habitat management, hunteducation and shooting ranges! Withothis act, hunter education as we know would not be possible.

So explain to your kids and anone you come in contact with about thtruth of game wildlife laws. When thhear these words it should elicit stronemotions. They should be proud of whhunters have done and continue to do fwildlife in North America. Hunters are thoriginal conservationist. – source IHEA

Robert Gaudet

Sportsman proud of game laws for conservation gainsHunting



Nevada Wildlife – Spring, 2010

Walker Lake Working Group

Riding a wave of success from increased visitors in2009, Walker Lake Education Day organizers are ex-

panding the 2010 event that is designed to showcase themulti-agency/organization efforts to conserve the im-

periled lake near Hawthorne, Nev.The nearly 1,000 people who attended Education

Day in 2009 shows growing support for sustaining the

fresh-water ecosystem that supports recreational fish-ing and thousands of migratory birds.

The 2010 event includes expanded exhibits to pro-vide one-stop shopping for answers to questions abouthow to save the fishery at Walker Lake that is on the

brink of collapse due to lack of water from upstream

diversions. New this year will be a demonstration andfree lessons on stand-up paddleboarding, the fastinggrowing sport in the world.

Education Day will be held May 1 at Sportsman’sBeach, 11 miles north of Hawthorne on Hwy. 95 inwest-central Nevada.

This free family event will run from 9 a.m. to3:30 p.m. and feature boating, wildlife viewing, fish-ing demonstrations, scientific and cultural exhibits, as

well as children’s activities. Food will be available for purchase.

Walker Lake Working Group replaced its 15-year tradition of the Walker Lake Loon Festival last year with Education Day because of declining lake levelsand the absence of significant numbers of loons that

normally visit the lake during their spr ing migrationUpstream diversions on the Walker River allo

little or no water to reach the lake and dilute the disolved solids that are left behind and are toxic to nativfish that migratory birds rely on for food. HoweveLahontan cutthroat trout are still available for fishing.

The Walker Lake Working Group supports contiued efforts to find a secure, long-term source of wat

to sustain the lake’s ecosystem. Without additional wter, the lake’s freshwater ecosystem will collapse withthe next couple of years.

For information on Walker Lake Education Dacall (775) 945-2289 (775) 677-8951 or visit the workingroup’s Web site at www.walkerlake.org.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 15 at the new Clark County

Shooting Park located at 11357 N. Decatur Blvd., North Las Vegas. The banquetwill begin at 12 p.m.Along with our guest speakers, Don Turner, Clark County Shooting Park

Manager and Douglas Nielsen, Public Affairs/Education Supervisor SouthernRegion Nevada Department of Wildlife, the banquet will feature a silent auctionand raffle and will be catered by Chuck Former of the Road Kill Café. The menuwill include:

Fresh green salad and dinner rolls Barbecued chicken and spare ribs Beef brisket and grilled hot links

Green-bean casserole and baked beans Potato and macaroni salads

Peach cobbler Bottled water, soft drinks and coffee

Ticket prices for the banquet are $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

RSVP and pay for your tickets by May 8

to join the fun. No banquet tickets will be sold at the door and everyone, regardless of age, must have a reservation toattend the banquet.

Make checks payable to: Nevada Wildlife Federation, Inc. Please send your check or money order to:

Nevada Wildlife Federation, c/o Robert Gaudet, President, 6870 EastSoldela Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89156, (702) 438-2485 or (702) 271-5573

OR Nevada Wildlife Federation, c/o Anita Wagner, treasure, 2280

Armstrong Ln., Reno, NV 89509, (775) 384-8946The Annual Meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Any By-Law changes must be on

the meeting agenda.The board will elect Federation officers at this time.

By Mike WolterbeekUniversity of Nevada, Reno

Rowing around in the Siberian arctic to get water and sediment samples, setting tracking devices for inva-sive large-mouth bass in Lake Tahoe or digging quag-ga mussels out of Lake Mead is all part of the job for Sudeep Chandra, assistant professor of limnology andconservation ecology at University of Nevada, Reno.

For his outstanding work in Nevada lakes, includinghis prolific record of publication and leadership on im-

portant fisheries and aquatic ecosystem management is-sues, the American Fisheries Society California-NevadaChapter has bestowed Chandra with their highest honor,the Award of Excellence.

“This award is infrequently granted, because so few

fisheries professionals meet the award’s high standards,”Pat Coulston, chairman of the awards committee, said.“The last time the award was granted was 10 years ago.It’s a prestigious and exclusive award.”

Chandra’s prolific scientific work on some of Nevada’s highest priority fisheries management issuesclearly places him at this high standard, Coulston said.Recipients of the award must have achieved statewiderecognition as a major authority in California and/or

Nevada fisheries management and science.“I am deeply honored to be nominated and receive

this award,” Chandra said. “I am grateful that the selec-tion committee has bestowed upon our laboratory theAward of Excellence. I will continue to work diligentlyto use scientific information to conserve and restorefishes in the Great Basin.”

Chandra often serves on, or presents information to,technical and policy groups addressing fisheries conser-vation and aquatic ecosystem management concerns for

Lake Tahoe, Lake Mead, Walker Lake, Pyramid Lakeand the Truckee River. His focus on applied sciencehas allowed him to develop a very constructive work-ing relationship with the fisheries arm of the NevadaDepartment of Wildlife.

Chandra is a leading researcher on invasive speciesin Lake Mead, working with the National Park Systemto better understand the ecology of the lake and the hu-man-caused effects. His studies, such as his work on thequagga mussel invasion, have been instrumental in de-veloping strategies to control invasive species in LakeMead and Lake Tahoe.

Whether he’s lecturing to a classroom of undergrad-uates or leading a team of researchers to Guatemala tostudy and help restore a toxic lake, Chandra’s easy-go-

ing style and extensive background helps to build thoassociations.

“Sudeep has one of UNR’s most effective outrea programs,” Kurt Pregitzer, professor and chair of tdepartment of natural resources and environmental scence, said. “He and his students are exceptionally dedcated to protecting our freshwater resources – from wter quality through the entire food web. For example, was instrumental in helping to establish the boat-wasing stations at Lake Tahoe to work to prevent the spreaof invasive species.”

Also important to the committee’s decision for tAward of Excellence is Chandra’s work in develoing countries where fisheries management efforts alimited and the fisheries resources are at great risk an

poorly understood, Coulston said. The Chapter shar

this interest in facilitating effective fishery research anmanagement in developing countries, and has expressthis interest by assisting its Mexican fisheries colleaguin establishing an AFS Chapter in Mexico and by heling Mexican scientists participate in California-NevaChapter conferences.

Chandra’s professional accomplishments extenwell beyond northern Nevada. He is associate diretor of the Castle Lake Limnological Research Statiothe oldest mountain lake ecological station located

Northern California; a principal investigator with TPolaris Project, a project that examines effects of cmate change on thawing permafrost in Siberia; andleading participant in the Aquatic Ecosystem AnalysLaboratory. His work with the AEAL includes fisheies research and conservation efforts with giant trout Mongolia and Russia, giant freshwater species in Asiand Mangrove ecosystems in Mexico.

UNR assistant professor receives top Calif.-Nev. fisheries award

Group expands Education Day festival at imperiled lake

Nevada Wildlife Federation, Inc. Presents

The 59th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet

University of Nevada, Reno

University of Nevada, Reno assistant professor Sudeep Chandra was given an Award of Excellencefor his prolific scientific work on Nevada’s lakes.




Space is limited,so register today!Registration form is available at

www.NVWF.org

Train your Dog toavoid Rattlesnakes

Summer 2010 classes are offeredon these dates and locations:

Call (775) 221-0339

Email [email protected]

ABOVE: Example of a snake bite on an UNTRAINED dog

June 26 & 27; July 10Reno/Carson Area, Davis Creek Regional Park West side of Washoe Valley, US 395 South

Rattlesnake Avoidance Training

The training sessions are designed to protect you from unexpected vet bills, excruciating pain to youranimals, and may even save your pet’s life. The avoidance behavior is taught with negative reinforcement byputting a “remote controlled” collar on the dog. When the dog’s attention is on the live snake, an unpleasantstimulation is applied to the dog. The level of stimulation will be controlled by the handler based on yourdog’s size, age, and personality. Stations are set up to train the dogs on sight, smell, and sound of live

rattlesnakes. All rattlesnakes have had their venom glands surgically severed for safety.

Experienced dog trainers will train your dog individually. A licensed snake handler will provide safety. Dogsmust be 6 months or older. The session takes about 5-10 minutes on average, depending on the dog. Mostdogs learn to avoid the snakes quickly.

The training is scheduled throughout the day beginning

at 8:00 a.m. Entry fees are $60 for first dog, $50 forsecond dog and $40 for subsequent dogs by sameowner.Payment must be mailed with registration form.

“I was surprised and so thankful to see thatOtis stayed clear of a snake after receiving histraining. He’s a hunter and constantly attackslizards, mice, and anything that moves.” - Sharon D. talking about Otis, her six-year-old dauchsund’s encounter with a rattlesnake.

DesertUSA.com

More than 200,000 people a year visit this genuine California gold-miningghost town, Bodie, where more than 170

buildings are protected in a state of “ar-rested decay” on more than 1,000 remoteacres, administered by the CaliforniaDepartment of Parks and Recreation.Seasons / hours

Bodie State Historic Park is openyear round. It opens at 8 a.m. everyday,

but closing time changes seasonally(mid-summer closing is 7 p.m., mid-win-ter is 4 p.m.).Winter visits

Bodie is open all year. However, be-cause of the high elevation (8,375 feet),it is accessible only by over-snow equip-ment during the winter months. Manyfour-wheel-drive vehicles get stuck eachyear in powdery snow that is deeper than it first appears. Spring thaws bringmud, and wheeled vehicles are not ad-vised. Towing facilities are not available.Snowmobiles must stay on designatedroads within the park.

Winter weather is often unpredict-able. Sub-zero temperatures, strongwinds and white-out conditions are com-mon. Call (760) 647-6445 for currentconditions.Rates & fees

$5 adults, $3 children (no creditcards).Facilities

There are no services, camping,lodging, food vending or stores. A mu-seum is open during the summer where

books on Bodie and a few other items areavailable for sale. Restrooms (flush toi-lets) are located at the parking lot. Petsmust be leashed.Climate

At an elevation of 8,400 feet, it’s hotduring the summer, and potentially verycold during the winter. Layered clothingis recommended for changeable weather.Location – Directions

The park is northeast of Yosemite,13 miles east of Hwy. 395 on BodieRoad, seven miles south of Bridgeport.Latitude/Longitude: 38.2122 / -119.0111.

From U.S. 395 seven miles south of Bridgeport, take State Route 270. Go east10 miles to the end of the pavement andcontinue 3 miles on an unsurfaced roadto Bodie. The last 3 miles can at times

be rough. Reduced speeds are necessary.Call the park if there are any questionsabout road conditions.

HistoryThe town of Bodie rose to promi-nence with the decline of miningalong the western slope of the Sierra.Prospectors crossing the eastern slope in1859 to search for gold, discovered whatwas to be the Comstock Lode at VirginiaCity, Nev., and started a wild rush to thesurrounding high-desert country.

By 1879, Bodie boasted a popula-tion of about 10,000 and was second tonone for wickedness, badmen and “theworst climate out of doors.” One littlegirl, whose family was taking her to theremote and infamous town, wrote inher diary: “Goodbye God, I’m going toBodie.” This phrase came to be knownthroughout the West.

Killings occurred with monotonous

regularity in Bodie, sometimes becom-ing almost daily events. The fire bell,which tolled the ages of the deceasedwhen they were buried, rang often andlong. Robberies, stage holdups and streetfights provided drama, and the town’s 65

saloons offered many opportunities for relaxation after hard days of work in themines. The Rev. F.M. Warrington saw it

in 1881 as “a sea of sin, lashed by thetempests of lust and passion.”

Some historians say that infamous“Badman from Bodie” was a real per-son by the name of Tom Adams. Otherssay his name was Washoe Pete. It seems

more likely, however, that he was a com- posite. Bad men, like bad whiskey and bad climate, were endemic to the area.

The streets are quiet now. Bodie sthas its wicked climate, but with the posible exception of an occasional ghostvisitor, its badmen are all in their graveOnly about 5 percent of the buildings contained during its 1880 heyday stremain. Today, it stands just as time, fiand the elements have left it – a genuiCalifornia gold-mining ghost town. It w

designated a state historic park in 1962.Bodie was named after Waterman Body (also known as William S. Bodeywho discovered gold there in 1859. Thchange in spelling of the town’s namhas often been attributed to an illiterasign painter, but it was really a deliberachange by the citizenry to ensure prop

pronunciation.You can see the Standard Mine an

Mill on the west slope of Bodie BluBecause the old mill buildings and surounding area are extremely unsafthey are closed to the public. The miwas known as Bunker Hill Mine wheit was registered in July, 1861. It passethrough several hands before beinsold for $67,500 to four partners, whchanged the name and incorporated the Standard Company in April, 1877.

DesertUSA.com

The 170 buildings left from this California ghost town are now protected andpreserved as Bodie State Historic Park.

Bodie Historic Park protects 170 buildings in arrested decay

2010 Spring Nevada Wildlife Newsletter

Documents