Appendix W 

 Happy Valley Wildlife 



3. Big Game 



a. Big Game Security 



Issue: There is concern that timber harvesting associated with this proposed project could have 

 adverse effects on elk and other big game security. 



Existing Environment 



The proposed project area falls within hunting district 1 70. In the northern portion of the hunting 

 district where the proposed project lies, hunting is limited to the use of archery equipment, shotguns, 

 traditional handguns and muzzleloaders due to higher human densities. The hunting district falls 

 within the North Swan-Flathead Valley Elk Management Unit (EMU), which covers approximately 

 300 square-miles (DFWP 1992). High human densities and low levels of access have limited hunting 

 opportunities. 



Timber han'est can increase elk vulnerability by changing the size, structure, juxtaposition and 

 accessibility of areas that provide security during hunting season (Hillis et al. 1991). As visibility and 

 accessibility increase within forested landscapes, elk and deer have a greater probability of being 

 observed and subsequently harvested by hunters. Because the female segments of the elk and deer 

 harvest are normally regulated carefully, primary concerns are related to substantial reduction of the 

 male segment and subsequent decrease in hunter opportunity. The presence of fewer males at the 

 beginning of the hunting season reduces the odds of any given hunter to see or harvest such an animal 

 throughout the remainder of the season. 



Dense forest patches (> 250 acres) at least a half-mile from an open road that would provide elk (and 

 subsequently deer) security (Hillis et al. 1991) during the general rifle season are not present on the 

 state parcels. This lack of habitat coupled with adjacent housing subdivisions reduces habitat quality 

 and likely use of the state sections. Use of the area by elk is unlikely; deer were documented in the 

 state parcel during summer and winter field visits. Hunting opportunities are limited by the close 

 proximity of the housing subdivisions in the area. 



Cumulative effects to big game security were analyzed on hunting district 170 (102,000 acres) using a 

 combination of field evaluation and aerial photograph interpretation. 



Direct and Indirect Effects 



No-Action Alternative 



No changes in elk and deer security cover are expected. No change in hunting access is expected. 

 Timber stands would continue advancing to climax plant species. No alterations in cover would 

 occur that would increase big game vulnerability during the hunting seasons. Limited hunting 

 opportunity would exist within the state section for any type of hunting. 



Action Alternative 



W-10 



