The primary species are mule and white-tailed deer. Mule deer occupy the upland 

 coulees and ridges yearlong, but often make daily use of the alfalfa fields on the river 

 bottom during periods when upland vegetation is desiccated. Mule deer numbers on the 

 property fluctuate within and between years. Highest numbers are found during spring 

 and fall. Through the years the lowest number of mule deer counted was 60, the highest 

 number was 200. White-tailed deer, conversely, occupy the river bottoms yearlong except 

 for brief forays to the uplands. Over the years there numbers have fluctuated between 20 

 and 50. Approximately 10 antelope utilize the property intermittently on a seasonal basis. 

 Mountain lions utilize the area occasionally, while bobcat, coyote, fox, badger and skunk 

 are more common. A small number of sharp-tailed grouse are sometimes found on the 

 property. Sharp-tailed grouse are more common just off of the property. Ring-necked 

 pheasants are common in the river bottom. Merriam's turkey utilize the property during 

 late spring, summer and early fall. Thirty-five turkeys have been counted grouped up in 

 early summer. Canada geese nest on the property while other species of waterfowl utilize 

 the river seasonally. A variety of songbirds, raptors, and small mammals use the area in 

 undermined numbers on a seasonal or yearlong basis. 



Future 



Upon acquisition, habitat management strategies will be directed towards improving the 

 habitat, and carrying capacity, for mule and white-tailed deer, pheasants, sharp-tailed 

 grouse, and other ground nesting waterfowl species. Other wildlife species adapted to 

 more residual and woody vegetative cover, as well as agricultural crops such as alfalfa, 

 will be benefited. Predator species associated with prey that prefer such habitats will 

 increase in number. Wildlife species that are adapted to exploit heavily utilized habitats 

 will decline. 



AREA MANAGEMENT 



Management Goals 



The primary goal for management of the Beckman WMA will be to improve the condition 

 of all vegetative plant communities. Implicit in this goal is to maximize the productivity of 

 the land base, while minimizing maintenance and management requirements/involvement. 



Increased carrying capacities for mule and white-tailed deer can be expected as vegeta- 

 tion conditions improve and adequate quantities of forage remain available during key 

 seasonal periods (e.g., summer, fall and winter). This should reduce deer use of adjacent 

 landowner's crops and pasture lands. The improvement of the habitat for mule and white- 

 tailed deer will also benefit other game and nongame wildlife species. 



A secondary goal will be to provide public access to the property for sport hunting and 



6mp 



