Chapters & Affiliates News

CHAPTER & AFFILIATE NEWS

Spencer Wallace President, Yukon WSF

Another busy and successful hunting season has flown by up in the Yukon. Yukon residents and outfitters continued to use the MOVI test kits in an effort to protect the health of our wild sheep population. These test kits continued to be funded by the Yukon Wild Sheep Foundation. Sitka also continued to donate hats to successful residents that hand in these test kits as an incentive. With the past couple

YUKON UPDATE

of harsh winters in this territory, monitoring the health of our sheep population has been as important as ever. As has been experienced in many regions in Alaska, many local reports are estimating that the Yukon’s wild sheep population is down approximately 30% after last winter. We are hoping for a milder winter this year, nevertheless, with our current mild and prolonged fall, our sheep population should be headed into the winter stronger than last year. Our board is looking forward to working together over the winter to evaluate what we are able to do to make a difference for our sheep population and determine the best ways to raise money to implement these projects in the near future. WS

CHAPTER & AFFILIATE NEWS

by Jason Peak

As the year winds down, it seems like 2022 blew by in many respects. RMGA has a lot to be thankful for as we see the continued support and consistent efforts by the members and staff in growing our unique organization. Below are just a few of the accomplishments of RMGA over the past year, as well as some opportunities on the horizon that provide the motivation as things move forward.

Goat counts this year were a resounding success. In working with governmental agencies, the goat counts RMGA supported did nothing short of create stronger and more lasting connections in the goat world. Counts in the Henry’s and Bridgers went off with great success, leading to even more opportunities down the road in other states and provinces.

RMGA also addresses critical issues in Alberta, Alaska and Colorado related to mountain goats. Specifically RMGA was sought to address potential nanny harvest opportunities in Alaska and unit quota management issues in Colorado, both of which impact sustainability of mountain goat populations in their respective states. We are also monitoring and offering

RMGA UPDATE

support to Alberta in relation to MOVI transmission in sheep and goat populations within the Disease Surveillance Zone. As scary as this disease is, many interested folks still do not appreciate the scientific realities and sweeping impacts it can have on wildlife.

New faces have joined our organization and will continue to do so as we move into 2023. In times where the labor market seems strained to find quality, hard-working and dedicated individuals, RMGA has been lucky in the sense that countless people have stepped up to offer support and knowledge to further our mission objectives. There are times when it seems we have too many resources and not enough time in the day to find ways to allocate and use them all. It is definitely a luxury to work with so many talented and focused people.

Other boring stuff has been accomplished along the way, too—things you don’t see at work every day but nonetheless help the organization function more efficiently and effectively. Such things as drafting and adopting general policies on resource allocation and project management, the development of policy and management committees, streamlining the process by which organizations and individuals can apply for RMGA resources, and reallocating budget items to strategically involve RMGA in even more mountain goat projects that reach beyond that which has been traditionally considered.

Looking down the road, RMGA continues to prepare for several engagement opportunities for anyone interested in mountain goats. Goat counts are already being planned. The Colorado Mountain Goat State License will again be auctioned off at Sheep Show®. RMGA’s online auction is gathering steam already with donations and support, and will most likely take place again in the spring of 2023. Programs for additional support are being discussed and may be implemented in the coming year to provide members an even greater opportunity to participate in and support the organization.

The coming of 2023 is exciting for RMGA. We wish everyone well and look forward to working with you all for what is lining up to be one of the most productive years for RMGA, both in sustained momentum and additional growth. WS

TO BECOME A MEMBER CONTACT

Maddie Pennaz - MPennaz@wildsheepfoundation.org