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This project statement is ment meant to be used as a training aid. While some of the information provided in the project statement is based upon factual data, the entire project statement is not ment meant to represent an actual project statement drafted by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. |
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MT – Montana Shiras Moose Study
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Need
There is a need for the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) to effectively manage and conserve moose populations to continue to meet the expectations of the state’s diverse hunters and wildlife-viewers, as well as maintain viability of the species within the state. The distribution and population dynamics of moose (Alces alces) in North America have remained dynamic since the species' arrival on the continent 11,000-14,000 years ago (Hundertmark and Bowyer 2004). Moose populations at the southern range extent have generally increased in modern times (Karns 2007), including the colonization of the Rocky Mountain states of the western US in the past 200 years (Peek and Morris 1998) and the recolonization of historic range in the eastern US in the past 30 years (Wattles and DeStefano 2011). However, in the past decade concern for the viability of southern moose has also arisen in local populations such as those of Minnesota (Murray et al. 2006, Lenarz et al. 2010), northeast North Dakota, northwest Wyoming (Becker 2008), Nova Scotia (Pulsifer and Nette 1995), and Montana (DeCesare et al. 2014).
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Given these uncertainties, the current status of moose, factors limiting population growth, and methods for population status monitoring have all been recently prioritized as key research areas for wildlife managers across the state of Montana. Information regarding baseline survival and recruitment rates, as well as which external factors are most predictive of them, would provide managers valuable information for assessing trend, viability, and harvest prescriptions for moose across the state. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness assessment of monitoring techniques is needed within Montana to ensure maximum knowledge gain from monitoring expenditures as well as coordination of data collection among hunting districts. Herein we describe the objectives, approaches, and expected results and benefits for a 5-year moose research and monitoring project developed to increase the rigor of moose knowledge and management within the state of Montana. Without this information, it will become increasingly more difficult for MFWP to effectively manage and conserve the state’s moose resources.
Purpose
The purpose of this grant project is to conduct a 5-year research project on Montana’s Shiras moose population in order to improve MFWP’s management of the resource.
Objective
Conduct one (1 study ) investigation by June 30, 2021.2023. (NOTE: TRACS strategy - Research, Survey, Data Collection and Analysis)
Results and Benefits Expected
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This grant will also provide benefit to Montana’s hunters and wildlife-viewers. Enhanced management of Montana’s moose populations should result in increased harvest rates by hunters, decreased days hunting per kill, and increased hunter satisfaction. Additionally, enhanced management of Montana’s moose populations should also result in increased sightings and satisfaction by wildlife-viewers. This grant will also benefit local economies as hunters and wildlife-viewers are willing to travel considerable distances to enjoy their passions.
Approach
MFWP wildlife staff will capture 90 (N=30 each per three study areas) adult female moose using helicopter darting to immobilize individuals with carfentanil (0.01 mg/kg or 3-6 mg/adult; Arnemo et al. 2003). Carfentanil will be reversed with naltrexone at 100 mg/mg of carfentanil and administered intramuscularly. Animals will be kept in sternal recumbency with head higher than the body when possible to avoid rumen regurgitation and aspiration (Kreeger 2000). Baseline temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate (TPR) values will be recorded following the procedures described by Franzmann et al. (1984).
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TRACS Activity Tag 1: Fish and wildlife population analysis TRACS Activity Tag 2 (optional): Movementspecies data acquisition and analysis (# of investigations)
TRACS Activity Tag 2 (optional): Food habitats1: Fish and wildlife disease assessment data acquisition and analysis (# of investigations)
TRACS Activity Tag 2 (optional): Reproduction 1: Habitat data acquisition and analysis (# of investigations)
Useful Life
No capital improvements over $10,000 will result from this project.
Geographic Location
The fieldwork for this grant will take place in three different study areas encompassing portions of Beaverhead, Lewis and Clark, Liberty, Lincoln, Pondera, Teton, and Toole counties (Figure 1):
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(3) Rocky Mountain Front – located in northern Montana.
Principal Investigator(s), for Research Projects
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Justin Gude (MFWP Research and Technical Bureau Chief) 406-444-3637
Program Income
None.
Budget Narrative
Federal Share: $ 438,000 (75%) – Wildlife Restoration program (subprogram 5222)
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Conflict of Interest Statement: MFWP, at the time of this application, is not aware of any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of this award which may affect the MFWP, its employees, or its subrecipients. Should an actual or potential conflict of interest arise during the period of performance, then MFWP will notify the WSFR Regional Office.
Multipurpose Projects
None.
Relationship with Other Grants
This project builds upon previous MFWP Wildlife Restoration moose research grants F14AFXXXX3 and F12AFXXXX1.
Timeline
Period of performance is July 1, 2016 2018 - June 30, 20212023.
Animal Capture and Handling
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- Blood sample collection and analysis - Following capture activities in winter months.
- Disease screening for CWD, meningeal worm, arterial worm and liver flukes - Opportunistically
- Teeth collection for cementum aging - Fall and winter months.
General
NOTE: 50 CFR 80.82 (c) requires that a project statement must include information pertaining to 13 data elements. Element 13 requires that information be included in the project statement that (a) shows that the proposed activities are eligible for funding and substantial in character and design and (b) enables the Service to comply with applicable requirements under NEPA, ESA, and NHPA, and other laws, regulations, and policies. If information is not provided in the project statement, please attach additional documentation regarding NEPA, ESA, and NHPA compliance.
Literature Cited
Arnemo, J.M., T.J. Kreeger, T. Soveri, and others. 2003. Chemical immobilization of free-ranging moose. Alces 39:243-253.
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Cook, R. C., J. G. Cook, T. R. Stephenson, W. L. Myers, S.M. Mccorquodale, D. J. Vales, L. L. Irwin, P. B. Hall, R. D. Spencer, S. L. Murphie, K. A. Schoenecker, and P. J. Miller. 2010. Revisions of rump fat and body scoring indices for deer, elk, and moose. The Journal of Wildlife Management 74:880-896.
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Gude, J. A., M.S. Mitchell, R. E. Russell, C. A. Sime, E. E. Bangs, L. D. Mech, and R. R. Ream. 2012. Wolf population dynamics in the US Northern Rocky Mountains are affected by recruitment and human-caused mortality. The Journal of Wildlife Management 76:108-118.
Henningsen, J. C., A. L. Williams, C. M. Tate, S. A. Kilpatrick, and W. D. Walter. 2012. Distribution and prevalence of Elaeophora schneideri in moose in Wyoming. Alces 48:35--44.
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Rich, L. N., E. M. Glenn, M.S. Mitchell, J. A. Gude, K. Podruzny, C. A. Sime, K. Laudon, D. E. Ausband, and J.D. Nichols. In press. Estimating occupancy and predicting numbers of gray wolf packs in Montana using hunter surveys. Journal of Wildlife ManagementManagement.
Schladweiler, P. 1974. Ecology of Shiras moose in Montana. Montana Department of Fish and Game.
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Wallin, K., G. E. Cederlund, and A. Pehrson. 1996. Predicting body mass from chest circumference in moose Alces alces. Wildlife Biology 2:53-58.
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Related Pages
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Resources
References
Project Statement - Moose Research (Word file)
Wildlife Restoration Funding Diagram
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References
50 CFR 80.82 What must an agency submit when applying for a project-by-project grant?
