After a winter of record-low precipitation and unseasonably warm temperatures, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is closely monitoring habitat conditions and wildlife impacts across the state.  Lower elevations in the state had an early spring—if you could call it that—with no significant green-up.  While the mild winter and early growth of vegetation meant high winter survival for many species, the concern now for wildlife managers is how long those forage conditions last; limited deep soil moisture can reduce annual production of shrubs and forage for big game species.  Lack of high-quality forage could lead to lower fawn survival and reduced size for young, and doe deer and antelope face high nutritional demands when raising young—while also trying to put on body fat for winter.   

Wetlands and riparian areas are experiencing lower-than-normal water levels this year. These areas provide water, food and cover for a wide variety of wildlife species, as well as recharging aquifers that supply streams.  Game and Fish has some management tools to maintain healthy populations; by adjusting the structure of hunting seasons, wildlife managers can partner with hunters and landowners to reduce wildlife conflicts and help maintain herds at carrying capacity.  One example is the increase in hunting licenses in select areas to lessen pressure on reduced habitats, and maintaining unlimited type 8 cow/calf elk licenses in several areas. 

Game and Fish conducts habitat improvement projects like beaver dam analog projects that slow the flow of water, raising water levels and creating riparian habitat.  Cheatgrass spraying mitigates spread of an invasive plant species that typically thrives during drought, and shrub mowing unlocks the potential of old and decadent shrubs.  These projects don’t solve the effects of drought, but enable habitats to be resilient over time and ensure native vegetation has the best possible chance to recover when moisture returns.  

Residents and recreationists can also help wildlife during dry conditions by giving wildlife extra space, particularly around water sources and avoiding repeated disturbance.  Summer is just getting started, and the risk of fire will be increasing if present conditions don’t change.  If you recreate outdoors, be sure to keep up on any fire bans that are enacted in the coming weeks.