agriculture zone elk inventory 2007/08

P E A C E R E G I O N T E C H N I C A L R E P O R T

F I S H & W I L D L I F E S E C T I O N

Agriculture Zone Elk

Inventory 2007/08

by:

Conrad Thiessen

Wildlife Biologist Ministry of Environment

400 – 10003 110th Avenue Fort St. John BC V1J 6M7

May 2009

Peace Agriculture Zone Elk Inventory – Winter 2007/08

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................ 3 List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... 4 List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 5 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6

1.1 Background .......................................................................................................... 6 1.2 Objectives ............................................................................................................. 7

2 Methods ....................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Study Area ............................................................................................................ 7 2.2 Stratification and Block Selection ........................................................................ 9 2.3 Inventory ............................................................................................................ 10

3 Results ....................................................................................................................... 11 3.1 Elk ...................................................................................................................... 12

3.1.1 Zone A ........................................................................................................ 12 3.1.2 Zone B ......................................................................................................... 16 3.1.3 Zone C ......................................................................................................... 20

3.2 Incidental Observations ...................................................................................... 21 3.2.1 Zone A ........................................................................................................ 21 3.2.2 Zone B ......................................................................................................... 21 3.2.3 Zone C ......................................................................................................... 22

4 Discussion ................................................................................................................. 23 5 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................... 23 6 References ................................................................................................................. 24


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Executive Summary In February and March of 2008 elk numbers were estimated as part of a 3 year plan to survey mule deer (winter 05/06), white-tailed deer (winter 06/07), and Rocky Mountain elk in the agricultural area of the Peace Region. The Peace Region Agriculture Zone was established during a series of meetings with interested stakeholders during the elk structured decision making process, and was used as the boundary for the 2008 survey. The zone encompasses all of Management Units (MUs) 7-32, 7-33, 7-34 and portions of MUs 7-20, 7-21, 7-35, 7-45, and 7-46. Given the large size of the zone it was divided into 3 sub-zones for the purpose of the survey. In Zone A (MU 7-33 north of the Peace River, MU 7-34, and the portions of MUs 7-45 and 7-46 within the Agriculture Zone) and Zone B (MU 7-33 south of the Peace River) stratified random block (SRB) counts were conducted. In Zone C, north/south transects spaced at 5 km intervals were flown in each of the remaining MUs in the Agriculture Zone. The survey was conducted between February 2 and March 20, 2008. From the SRBs we estimated 2480 elk (+/- 27.1% at 90% confidence interval) in Zone A (7798 km2), and 661 elk (+/- 32.7% at 90% confidence interval) in Zone B (1784 km2). Densities of elk in Zone A and B were 32 elk/100 km2 and 37 elk/100 km2, respectively. Within Zone A, however, the majority of elk (>50%) were in MU 7-34, so the density estimate is not consistent across the entire zone. For the transects flown within Zone C we observed 48 elk/100 km of linear transect in MU 7-20, 25 elk/100 km in MU 7-21, 33 elk/100 km in MU7-32, and 12 elk/100 km flown in MU 7-35. Wildlife exclusion fencing around bale stackyards was effective in reducing damage to stored hay crops in all three zones. The total cost of the inventory was $117,533.43 (not including staff time).


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List of Figures Figure 2.1 Peace Agriculture Zone. The zone encompasses all of MUs 7-32, 7-33, 7-34 and portions of MUs 7-20, 7-21, 7-35, 7-45, and 7-46. The boundary follows MU boundaries, rivers and creeks, and roads. ........................................................................... 8Figure 2.2 The study area divided into the 3 zones to allow for the collection of area specific data. Separate stratified random block counts were conducted in Zone A and B. In Zone C north/south transects spaced at 5 km intervals were flown in each of the Management Units. ............................................................................................................. 9Figure 3.1 Daily mean temperatures and snow on ground between February 1 and March 31, 2008 with historic monthly normals at Fort St John airport. The survey occurred between February 2 and March 22, 2008. Source: Environment Canada Daily Climate Data website (http://climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climateData/canada_e.html) accessed May 2008. ......................................................................................................................... 12Figure 3.2 Zone A fixed-wing stratification flight on February 2 and 3 of 2008 with locations and sizes of elk groups sighted. ......................................................................... 13Figure 3.3 Distribution of High and Low stratification blocks for Zone A of the stratified random block count. Low = yellow shading, High = brown shading .............................. 14Figure 3.4 Elk numbers observed in blocks flown during stratified random block count in Zone A of the agriculture zone. Lighter shading indicates fewer elk and darker shading represents more elk observed. Blocks with no color were not flown during the count. ................................................................................................................................. 15Figure 3.5 Zone B fixed-wing stratification flight on February 20, 2008 with locations and sizes of elk groups sighted. ........................................................................................ 16Figure 3.6 Distribution of High and Low stratification blocks for Zone B of the stratified random block count. Low = yellow shading, High = brown shading .............................. 17Figure 3.7 Elk numbers observed in blocks flown during stratified random block count in Zone B of the agriculture zone. Lighter shading indicates fewer elk and darker shading represents more elk observed. Blocks with no color were not flown during the count. .. 18Figure 3.8 Elk groups observed during transect flights in Zone C of the Peace Agriculture Zone during the March 2008 survey. ............................................................ 20Figure 3.9 Incidental observations in Zone C of the Peace Agriculture Zone during March 2008 elk transect flights divided by management units. WTD = white-tailed deer, MD = mule deer, Stack = hay stackyards. The ‘Zone C’ bar represents the rate of encounter over the entire zone. ......................................................................................... 22


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List of Tables Table 3.1 Estimated number of elk in Zone A by stratification level. Numbers in parentheses indicate percent confidence limits at 90% confidence interval. .................... 14Table 3.2 Age and sex ratios estimated for elk in Zone A from the stratified random block count. Numbers in parentheses indicate confidence limits at 90% confidence interval. ............................................................................................................................. 15Table 3.3 Estimated number of elk in Zone B by stratification level. Numbers in parentheses indicate percent confidence limits at 90% confidence interval. .................... 18Table 3.4 Age and sex ratios estimated for elk in Zone B from the stratified random block count. Numbers in parentheses indicate confidence limits at 90% confidence interval. ............................................................................................................................. 19Table 3.5 Elk observations from transect flights separated by management unit in Zone C of the Peace Agriculture Zone during the March 2008 survey. ........................................ 20


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1 Introduction

1.1 Background

In 2008 the Peace Agriculture Zone (Figure 2.1) was created in the Ministry of Environment’s Peace Region to facilitate the development of hunting regulations that address the objectives of government and stake-holders in the specified area. The boundaries of the zone were agreed upon by a table of stakeholders during discussions of elk hunting seasons in the 2008 structured decision making process. Increased harvest and reports from the public indicate that elk numbers within the Agriculture Zone have been increasing over the recent past. Elk have been enumerated in portions of the Peace Agriculture Zone in the past, and the following is a summary of those counts.

In February 1997 elk were counted in MU 7-34 using a stratified random (SRB) block count (Harrison 1997). From the count an estimate of 350 elk (+/- 2.2% at 95% confidence interval) was generated, which is a density of 23 elk per 100 km2. The demographic structure of the population was estimated to be 49 calves per 100 cows and 31 bulls per 100 cows. The entirety of MU 7-34 is within the boundaries of the Peace Agriculture Zone.

In 1998 an SRB count was conducted to estimate elk densities in MU 7-21. The results indicated a population of 452 elk (+/- 23% at 90% confidence interval), or a density of 6.8 elk per 100 km2. The count estimated 44 calves per 100 cows (+/- 19% at 90% confidence interval) and 16 bulls per 100 cows (+/- 21% at 90% confidence interval). The Peace Agriculture Zone encompasses approximately the northern 1/3 of MU 7-21.

Also in 1998 a SRB count was conducted in MU 7-20. From this count an estimate with poor precision of 174 elk (+/- 72% at 90% confidence interval) was generated. It was estimated that there were 33 calves per 100 cows (+/- 38% at 90% confidence interval) and 31 bulls per 100 cows (+/- 154% at 90% confidence interval). Only approximately the top 1/4 of MU 7-20 is in the Peace Agriculture Zone.

During the December 2004 moose SRB count in MU 7-32 elk were also counted, however as the stratification was designed for moose the results can not be used as a reliable indicator of the number of elk. Of a total of 177 elk seen during the moose count there were 42 calves per 100 cows and 36 bulls per 100 cows. All of MU 7-32 is encompassed by the Peace Agriculture Zone.

There have been two elk transplants in the Peace Agriculture Zone. In the winter of 1996 a herd of 50 elk were captured in the Groundbirch area and translocated out of the Peace Agriculture Zone to the Ingenika River drainage (Wood 1998). 107 elk were moved into the Dulevy area in 1985 from the East Kootenays (Tipper 1985) and another 38 elk were transplanted to the area in 1987 (Backmeyer 1994).

Following inventories of mule deer in the winter of 05/06 and white-tailed deer in the winter of 06/07 it was agreed that an inventory for elk would be conducted in the winter of 07/08.


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1.2 Objectives The objectives of the survey were to:

1. Estimate elk population size, demographics, and density in the Peace Agriculture Zone (named 7-20 Zone A in the BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis) 2. Gather information on ungulate species observed incidentally in the Agriculture Zone 3. Quantify damage from wildlife to stored hay and examine the distribution and effectiveness of stackyard fencing across the Peace Agriculture Zone.

2 Methods

2.1 Study Area

The study area boundary matched the boundary of the Peace Region 7-20 Zone A (Map H27 in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations; Figure 2.1). The Agriculture Zone was developed by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment with input from stakeholders to provide the ability to manage wildlife in a predominantly agricultural landscape differently from the non-agricultural landscape surrounding the zone.

The study area was divided into three sub-zones to allow area specific estimates of the number of elk and demographic parameters (Figure 2.2). Sub-zones were chosen based on current Management Unit (MU) boundaries and the Peace River, which is a natural barrier to elk movement. Stratified random block counts (SRB) were conducted in Zone A and Zone B, while line transects were flown within each of the MUs in Zone C.


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Figure 2.1 Peace Agriculture Zone. The zone encompasses all of MUs 7-32, 7-33, 7-34 and portions of MUs 7-20, 7-21, 7-35, 7-45, and 7-46. The boundary follows MU boundaries, rivers and creeks, and roads.


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Figure 2.2 The study area divided into the 3 zones to allow for the collection of area specific data. Separate stratified random block counts were conducted in Zone A and B. In Zone C north/south transects spaced at 5 km intervals were flown in each of the Management Units.

2.2 Stratification and Block Selection

For the stratification of blocks in Zone A and B, a Cessna 185 fixed-wing aircraft with bubble windows (TrekAir, Fort St. John) was used. Flights were timed to coincide with fresh snow to increase visibility of elk. Passes were flown at approximately 3 km wide spacing at 300 m above ground, and an average speed of 180 km/h. All elk observed were counted and a latitude and longitude recorded. Where potential sign of elk (ex. tracks in snow) was seen the aircraft left the flight path to search the area more


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thoroughly. Separate stratification flights were conducted for Zone A and B. A grid of 5 x 5 km2 blocks developed for the 2006/07 white-tailed deer count (Appendix 3) was over-laid on the Agriculture Zone to provide the basis of the stratified random block count. Blocks were stratified into two categories, High or Low, depending on the density of elk within the block. All blocks, and portions of blocks, encompassed by the Peace Agriculture Zone were included in the count, except for fragments of blocks at boundaries that were less than 5 km2.

Low ranked blocks were assigned a number using the Microsoft Excel random number generating function, then sorted to provide an ordered list to sample from. As the total number of blocks to be sampled can not be known at the outset, and depends upon the desired level of precision and the accuracy of the stratification flights, blocks were selected in groups of 10 to ensure no bias in sampling occurred. After each day of flying the data collected was analysed to predict how many more blocks would be required to attain the desired level of precision and new blocks selected to be flown. There is an inherent trade-off between avoiding sampling bias and maximizing efficiency of helicopter time over a large study area. All High ranked blocks were surveyed, so random selection was not required.

In Zone C transect lines were chosen from the north-south portions of the 5x5 km grid used for the SRB. All north-south lines separated by 5 km were flown. Zone C was divided by MUs to allow a more refined analysis of demographic patterns across the zone.

2.3 Inventory

Stratified random block counts were conducted in Zone A and B with three observers and one pilot in a Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopter. The forward observer also acted as navigator and recorded flight lines on a Garmin GPSmap 60Cx hand held GPS unit. Survey blocks and satellite image maps were viewed digitally on a laptop computer during the flights with the tracks plotted in OziExplorer in real time. One observer in the rear acted as data recorder (data sheets included in Appendix A). All individuals were responsible for spotting elk, including the pilot.

On average 10 passes were made over each block, requiring observers on either side of the helicopter to view a transect approximately 225 meters wide from the helicopter. The helicopter flew at approximately 80 km/h, except when circling to count and classify a group. Large, snow-covered fields were not flown where adequate visibility allowed the observers to rule out the presence of ungulates from a large distance.

During the inventory other species (mule deer, moose, white-tailed deer, coyote, and wolf) and features (hay bales and wildlife exclusion fencing) were counted incidentally. Locations of other species were not recorded other than block number. Incidental species were not classified by age to allow the focus and extra time required for classification to be used for our focal species, elk. Hay stacks were classified as damaged when ungulate tracks were present around bales and any damage was seen, and undamaged.


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The program Aerial Survey Version 1.00 Beta 6.1.4 (Unsworth et al. 1999) was used to calculate estimates of elk numbers and age/sex ratios. We employed the elk, Hiller 12-E, Idaho (with snow) model for all calculations.

For Zone C north-south transects based on the 5x5 grid were flown in a Bell 206B Jet Ranger at 100 kph 500 feet above ground. A waypoint along the transect was recorded from where an elk group was observed, then another taken at the center of the elk group. The two points were used to calculate the distance from the transect line to where elk groups were observed. Observers were not constrained by distance limits from the transect line for their search area.

Elk were classified based on age, gender, and antler configuration according to Level

4 RISC Standards (Appendix 2).

3 Results

The survey was conducted between February 2 and March 20, 2008. During this period snow depths were above long-term normals and temperatures fluctuated around the monthly normals (Figure 3.1). All blocks had complete snow cover for the majority of the survey, however during the final days of the transect flights south facing slopes were often bare of snow and snow had melted around the bases of most trees reducing sightability of animals.


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Figure 3.1 Daily mean temperatures and snow on ground between February 1 and March 31, 2008 with historic monthly normals at Fort St John airport. The survey occurred between February 2 and March 22, 2008. Source: Environment Canada Daily Climate Data website (http://climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climateData/canada_e.html) accessed May 2008.

3.1 Elk

3.1.1 Zone A Stratification flights occurred on February 2 and 3, 2008 (Figure 3.2). Results

from stratification flight over the entire 7798 km2 study area ranked 15 blocks as high (307.1 km2), 320 blocks ranked as low (7436.8 km2), and 31 blocks (54.1 km2) were not included in the inventory as they were less than 5 km2. Blocks were assigned to the high category when the density of elk was ≥ 140 elk/ 100 km2 (mean 309, range 140 – 762) all blocks with < 140 elk/100 km2 were considered low blocks (Figure 3.2).

http://climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climateData/canada_e.html�


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Figure 3.2 Zone A fixed-wing stratification flight on February 2 and 3 of 2008 with locations and sizes of elk groups sighted.


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Figure 3.3 Distribution of High and Low stratification blocks for Zone A of the stratified random block count. Low = yellow shading, High = brown shading

Intensive survey flights were conducted between February 8 and 15, 2008. All 15 high blocks (307.1 km2) were surveyed and 57 (1229.7 km2) of the 320 (18%) low blocks were surveyed. In the High blocks 1370 elk were observed and in the Low blocks 169 elk were observed. We estimated 2480 elk (+/- 27.1% at 90% confidence interval) within the entire Zone A (High blocks: 1426 +/- 2.2%; Low blocks: 1054 +/- 63.7%) (Table 3.1). The majority of elk were distributed throughout MU 7-34, with only scattered groups seen in the remaining MUs of Zone A (Figure 3.3). The estimated density of elk over the entire Zone A (excluding 54.1 km2 for blocks < 5 km2 in size) was 32 elk/100 km2. Table 3.1 Estimated number of elk in Zone A by stratification level. Numbers in parentheses indicate percent confidence limits at 90% confidence interval. strata total cow calf spike adult bull unclass high 1426 (2.2) 851 (2.2) 282 (2.8) 110 (6.3) 165 (8.5) 18 (11.1) low 1054 (63.7) 576 (75) 231 (63.6) 109 (69.7) 138 (79) 0 total 2480 (27.1) 1427 (30.3) 513 (29) 219 (34.7) 303 (36.3) 18 (11.1)


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Figure 3.4 Elk numbers observed in blocks flown during stratified random block count in Zone A of the agriculture zone. Lighter shading indicates fewer elk and darker shading represents more elk observed. Blocks with no color were not flown during the count.

Groups of elk observed were classified into age and sex categories. The observed data were used to create population estimates of age and sex ratios in Aerial Survey. Key ratios for Zone A were 35.9 calves : 100 cows, 36.6 bulls : 100 cows, 15.3 yearling (spike) bulls : 100 cows, and 42.0 spikes : 100 bulls (Table 3.2). Low blocks had very wide confidence limits (+/- 92.2 to 100% at 90% confidence intervals), while High blocks had relatively precise estimates (+/- 3.6 to 16% at 90% confidence intervals). Table 3.2 Age and sex ratios estimated for elk in Zone A from the stratified random block count. Numbers in parentheses indicate confidence limits at 90% confidence interval. Strata Calves : 100 cows Spikes : 100 cows Spikes : 100 bulls Bulls : 100 cows High 33.1 (3.6) 12.9 (5.3) 40.0 (16.0) 32.3 (6.2) Low 40.1 (96.8) 18.9 (100) 44.1 (92.2) 42.9 (96.3) Total 35.9 (43.6) 15.3 (50.3) 42.0 (46.0) 36.6 (45.8)


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3.1.2 Zone B The fixed-wing stratification flight occurred on February 20, 2008 (Figure 3.4).

From the results of the stratification flight over the entire 1784.2 km2 study area 2 blocks were ranked as high (49.9 km2), 85 blocks ranked as low (1717.4 km2), and 14 blocks (17.3 km2) were not included in the inventory as they were less than 5 km2 (Figure 3.5). Blocks were assigned to the High category when the density of elk was > 0.90 elk/km2 (range 0.96 – 2.12) all blocks with < 0.90 elk/km2 were considered Low blocks.

Figure 3.5 Zone B fixed-wing stratification flight on February 20, 2008 with locations and sizes of elk groups sighted.


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Figure 3.6 Distribution of High and Low stratification blocks for Zone B of the stratified random block count. Low = yellow shading, High = brown shading

Intensive survey flights were conducted between February 21 and 28, 2008. Both High blocks were surveyed and 55 of the 85 (65%) Low blocks were flown. In the High blocks 54 elk were observed and in the Low blocks 363 elk were observed. We estimated 661 elk (+/- 32.7% at 90% confidence interval) within the entire Zone B (High blocks: 58 +/- 15.5%; Low blocks: 603 +/- 35.7%) (Table 3.3). The majority of elk in Zone B were observed adjacent to, or in close proximity, to rivers (Figure 3.6). The estimated density of elk over the entire Zone B (excluding 17.3 km2 for blocks < 5 km2) is 0.37 elk/km2 or 37 elk/100 km2.


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Table 3.3 Estimated number of elk in Zone B by stratification level. Numbers in parentheses indicate percent confidence limits at 90% confidence interval. strata total cow calf spike adult bull unclass high 58 (15.5) 43 (16.3) 12 (8.3) 0 (0) 3 (100) 0 low 603 (35.7) 409 (38.6) 135 (29.6) 31 (41.9) 28 (53.6) 0 total 661 (32.7) 452 (35.0) 147 (27.2) 31 (41.9) 31 (51.6) 0

Figure 3.7 Elk numbers observed in blocks flown during stratified random block count in Zone B of the agriculture zone. Lighter shading indicates fewer elk and darker shading represents more elk observed. Blocks with no color were not flown during the count.


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Groups of elk observed were classified into age and sex categories. The observed data were used to create population estimates of age and sex ratios in Aerial Survey. Key ratios for Zone B were 32.7 calves : 100 cows, 13.6 bulls : 100 cows, 6.8 yearling (spike) bulls : 100 cows, and 8.4 spikes : 100 bulls (Table 3.4). Table 3.4 Age and sex ratios estimated for elk in Zone B from the stratified random block count. Numbers in parentheses indicate confidence limits at 90% confidence interval. Strata Calves : 100 cows Spikes : 100 cows Spikes : 100 bulls Bulls : 100 cows High 28.9 (21.1) 0.0 (0) 0.0 (0) 7.3 (100) Low 33.1 (5.7) 7.6 (18.4) 52.8 (8.5) 14.3 (21.0) Total 32.7 (5.5) 6.8 (17.1) 49.8 (8.4) 13.6 (20.6)


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3.1.3 Zone C Transects flights conducted between March 16 to 20 in Zone C were separated by

MU (7-20, 7-21, 7-32, 7-35). Over the entire 1627.1 km of transects flown in Zone C 497 elk were observed, or an encounter rate of 31 elk/100 linear kilometer of transect (Table 3.5). The number of elk observed per kilometer of transect varied from 12 elk/100 km in MU 7-35 to 48 elk/100 km in MU 7-20. Within Zone C we observed 30.6 calves : 100 cows, 16.9 bulls : 100 cows, 6.8 yearling (spike) bulls : 100 cows, and 40.4 yearling bulls : 100 bulls (Table 3.5). The majority of elk observed were < 500 m from the transect line (Figure 3.7). Table 3.5 Elk observations from transect flights separated by management unit in Zone C of the Peace Agriculture Zone during the March 2008 survey.

MU Transect length (km)

Total elk observed

Elk/100 km of transect

Calves:100 cows

Bulls:100 cows

Spikes:100 bulls

Spikes:100 cows

7-20 276.60 133 48 34.5 18.4 50.0 9.2 7-21 362.68 92 25 22.2 5.6 100 5.6 7-32 720.01 241 33 30.0 11.8 35.0 4.1 7-35 267.82 31 12 75.0 212.5 23.5 50.0 Total 1627.11 497 31 30.6 16.9 40.4 6.8

Figure 3.8 Elk groups observed during transect flights in Zone C of the Peace Agriculture Zone during the March 2008 survey.


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3.2 Incidental Observations

3.2.1 Zone A We observed 1105 mule deer in the 71 blocks surveyed for elk in Zone A. In the

blocks stratified as High for elk in Zone A we observed 132.9 mule deer/100 km2, and in the Low elk stratification blocks that were sampled we observed 56.7 mule deer/ 100 km2.

During the count we observed 815 moose in Zone A. The density of moose was not significantly different between blocks stratified for elk as High (59.9 moose/100 km2, N = 15 blocks) and Low (51.3 moose/100 km2, n = 56 blocks). Assuming that estimates of moose densities were not influenced by the elk stratification the average density found for the 71 sampled blocks (1536.8 km2; 53.0 moose/100 km2) was extrapolated to the entire Zone A (7798 km2) to produce an estimate of 4133 moose.

Similar to moose, there was no significant difference between High and Low stratified blocks for white-tailed deer (High: 11.4 deer/100 km2; Low: 18.3 deer/ 100 km2). The average density of white-tailed deer from sampled blocks in Zone A was 16.9 deer/100 km2, which extrapolates to an estimate of 1319 over the entire zone. We counted 260 deer in the blocks surveyed for elk.

In the surveyed blocks of Zone A we observed 67 coyotes (High: 27; Low: 40), for an average density of 4.4 coyotes per 100 km2. One pack of eight wolves was also seen in Zone A.

In the blocks surveyed in Zone A 157 stacks of bales were observed containing approximately 27,480 bales. Of those stacks 16 were fenced with wildlife exclusion fencing (10.2%) and 141 were unfenced (89.8%). No damage was observed to the stacks with wildlife fencing, but 48 of the 141 (34%) unfenced stack yards had some level of wildlife damage.

3.2.2 Zone B We observed 423 mule deer in the surveyed blocks of Zone B. In the blocks

stratified as High for elk we observed 34.1 mule deer/100 km2, and in the Low elk stratification blocks that were sampled we observed 32.5 mule deer/ 100 km2. These values are not significantly different, therefore we assume that mule deer densities were not related to the elk stratification. The average density of mule deer in high and low blocks was 35.3 mule deer/100 km2, and this density extrapolated over the entire Zone B (1785 km2) is 877 mule deer.

A total of 589 moose were counted in the 57 blocks surveyed for elk. The density of moose was significantly different between blocks stratified for elk as High (94.3 moose/100 km2, N = 2 blocks) and Low (47.2 moose/100 km2, n = 55 blocks).

Similar to moose, there was a large difference between High and Low stratified blocks for white-tailed deer (High: 8 deer/100 km2; Low: 16.4 deer/ 100 km2). A total of 192 white-tailed deer were counted in the blocks surveyed in Zone B.

A total of 75 coyotes were observed in the blocks surveyed in Zone B (High: 0; Low: 75), for an average density of 6.3 coyotes per 100 km2.

In the blocks surveyed in Zone B we observed 224 stacks of bales which contained approximately 43,200 bales. Of those stacks 22 were fenced with wildlife exclusion fencing (9.8%) and 202 were unfenced (90.2%). Damage was observed to one


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stack with wildlife fencing (4.5%), but 50 of the 202 (24.8%) unfenced stackyards had wildlife damage.

3.2.3 Zone C White-tailed deer were observed across the entirety of Zone C with an encounter

rate of 10.2 deer per 100 km of transect, appearing most numerous in MU 7-21 (30.9 deer/100 km) and least numerous in MU 7-32 and 7-35 (1.1 deer/100 km) (Figure 3.8).

Within Zone C mule deer were observed at an average rate of 6.2 deer per 100 km of transect, and the difference between management units (range 4.7 to 9.3 deer/100 km) was much less than for white-tailed deer (Figure 3.8).

There were large differences in the number of moose observed between management units, with MUs 7-20 and 7-21 appearing to have the most moose (25.3 moose/100 km and 25.9 moose/100 km, respectively), while only 3.7 moose/100 km of transect were observed in MU 7-35, and 14.4 moose/100 km of transect in MU 7-32 (Figure 3.8).

Hay stackyards in Zone C ranged from 2.2 to 9.4 stacks per 100 kilometers of transect with the overall encounter rate for Zone C being 8.6 stacks per 100 km’s (Figure 3.8). Wildlife exclusion fencing was observed around 58 stacks (41%) and no fencing was observed around 82 stacks (59%). By MU, wildlife fencing was seen on 28% of the stacks in MU 7-20 (n=36), 42% in MU 7-21 (n=50), 52% in MU 7-32 (n=44), and 40% in MU 7-35 (n=10).

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Figure 3.9 Incidental observations in Zone C of the Peace Agriculture Zone during March 2008 elk transect flights divided by management units. WTD = white-tailed deer, MD = mule deer, Stack = hay stackyards. The ‘Zone C’ bar represents the rate of encounter over the entire zone.


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4 Discussion

Densities of elk from the SRB count were similar for Zone A and B (32 and 37 elk/100 km2, respectively). However, elk were not distributed evenly throughout Zone A, with the majority of elk observed in MU 7-34 (1231 of the 1539 elk observed). Applying the density estimate across the entire Zone A will lead to over estimation of densities outside of MU 7-34, and under estimation of densities within MU 7-34.

In 1997 a stratified random block count estimated 350 elk (+/- 2.2% at 90% confidence interval) for MU 7-34. No estimate of elk numbers specific to MU 7-34 was generated from the 2008 survey, however 1231 elk were observed in the 19 blocks surveyed in 7-34 in March, representing a minimum 3.5 times increase over the 11 years since the previous count.

Between Zone A and B there were large differences in confidence intervals for low and high blocks. These differences were due to a smaller proportion of low blocks being sampled than high blocks. In both Zone A and B all high blocks were sampled, while only 18% and 65%, respectively, of low blocks were sampled. Also, the movement of elk out of high stratification blocks between the time the stratification was done and the intensive survey was completed required far more low blocks to be flown in order to improve the confidence in the estimates.

The bull to cow ratios in Zone B and C were considerably lower than in Zone A, however it is unlikely due to legal harvest of bulls as only six point bulls were harvested in the past. The change to hunting regulations to allow the harvest of three point bull elk in the agriculture zone will have to be monitored closely to ensure this ratio is not skewed further. Calf/cow ratios were consistently above 30 calves per 100 cows across all three zones, indicating good recruitment over the winter of 2007/08.

Future elk inventory in the Peace Agriculture Zone should further divide Zone A into smaller portions to more accurately represent densities across the zone. At a minimum, MU 7-34 should be counted as a separate unit to allow more direct comparison with the 1997 count. The division of Zone A into smaller units to survey would also improve confidence in population estimates by allowing the areas to be surveyed much sooner after stratification.

A higher proportion of bale stackyards were fenced with wildlife exclusion fencing in Zone C than any of the other zones. In all three zones the proportion of unfenced stackyards with damage due to wildlife was far higher (25 – 34%) than for fenced stackyards (0 – 4.5%). Stackyard fencing is recommended as a means of mitigating damage by wildlife to stored hay crops.

5 Acknowledgements Funding for this inventory came from BC Ministry of Environment wildlife inventory funds and the BC Provincial Agriculture Zone Wildlife Program. Rob Woods was the primary observer during the counts. Cam Allen, Mike Koloff, and Adam Sloan from Qwest Helicopters Inc. provided safe flying and keen eyes. A number of individuals participated as the fourth observer and their time and efforts were greatly appreciated.


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6 References Backmeyer, R. 1994. Williston wildlife program Peace Arm elk study. BC Ministry of Environment. Fort St. John, BC.

Harrison, B. Census of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) in Wildlife Management Unit 7-34. 1997. Fort St. John, B.C., Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.

Unsworth, J. W., Leban, F. A., Garton, E. O., Leptich, D. J., and Zager, P. Aerial Survey: User's Manual. Electronic edition. 1999. Boise, Idaho, USA, Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Tipper, G.K. 1985. Elk trapping operations in the East Kootenay: 1984 – 1985. BC Ministry of Environment. Cranbrook, BC.

Wood, M. Translocation of Rocky Mountain elk to the Ingenika River, north-central British Columbia, 1996. 1998. Prince George, B.C., Peace Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program.


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Appendix 1. Data sheet used for Feb/Mar 2008 elk survey in the Peace Agriculture Zone.


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Appendix 2. Classifications from RISC Standards. Level 4 followed for this survey. Class Criteria Code Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Adult • > 1 year of age a X Calf • <1 year of age

• small body size without antlers

j X X X X

Adult Bull • antlers or antler pedicels m X Adult Cow • medium size, without

antlers f X X X

Mature Bull • branch-antlered bull mm X Yearling Bull • spike antlers or with light 1

to 2 point antlers ym X X

Class I Bull • small antlers with 3 or 4 points (raghorn)

I X

Class II Bull • large 4 point antler, small 5 point antler, spindly (raghorn)

II X

Class III Bull • large 5 point antler, small 6 point antler, heavy antlers

III X

Class IV Bull • large antlers with 6 or 7 points/antler, massive

IV X


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Appendix 3. Agriculture Zone blocks with labels.

agriculture zone elk inventory 2007/08

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