MDF partnered with Idaho Dept. of
Fish and Game to purchase and install
a 1,800-gallon big game guzzler on the
Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Remote cameras were used to
monitor use of the guzzler.
MDF Projects
MDF and Idaho Department of Fish and Game Partner on Guzzler
By Kari Dingman, Senior Wildlife Technician, Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Mule deer are a very important and sought after big game species in Southeast Idaho. Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is putting much effort into habitat restoration and winter range management to increase mule deer numbers. MDF chapters are an important avenue of support and funding for local mule deer projects.
In 2005, the Henry’s Fork Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation partnered with Idaho Department of Fish and Game to purchase and install a 1,800-gallon big game guzzler (water retaining structure) on the Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The 33,000 acre Sand Creek WMA is located north of St. Anthony in Southeast Idaho. Most of Sand Creek WMA is characterized as high upland desert, with prominent buttes, rolling hills and exposed outcrops of broken lava reef at an elevation of 5,000 feet. At the northern edge of Sand Creek WMA the sagebrush/grassland habitat surrenders to forest communities. Annual rainfall varies from eight inches in upland desert areas to 18 inches at the northern end. Sand Creek WMA is home to mule deer, elk, and moose, as well as sage grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. It provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing.
The guzzler was installed on the Big Bend portion of Sand Creek WMA in October 2005. The MDF provided the funds to purchase the big game guzzler, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game provided the manpower and equipment to install the guzzler. MDF volunteers assisted in fencing around the apron to keep animals from damaging it.
During 2006 remote cameras were used to monitor use of the guzzler. Cameras were placed at the guzzler for two-week periods during each month to record what types of animals were using it. The guzzler was also monitored in two-week intervals to determine how much water was in the guzzler and the overflow pond. During the monitoring period, mule deer, elk and moose were all observed using the guzzler. The animals chose to drink out of the overflow pond rather than the guzzler, until the pond dried up in mid-August. They then moved to the actual guzzler for water.
The installation of the guzzler provided water in an area that did not hold water year-round. The chosen guzzler location had a healthy aspen stand and was in good habitat, but lack of water limited use of the area by big game. Aspen stands are very important for mule deer fawning. The guzzler provided water and converted the area into useable big game habitat.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game is planning to install more guzzlers in important areas to increase water sources and create more useable habitat for mule deer and all big game species. IDFG is also planning several habitat improvement projects to increase quality habitat for all big game species in and around the Sand Creek WMA. We would like to thank the Mule Deer Foundation for their past support and assistance, and we look forward to working with the group again in the future.