MOOSE 



Prior to 1972, an estimated 10 to 35 moose resided on or near the WMA. While riparian areas 

 are recovering from long-term continuous grazing, moose populations have not recovered to 

 their levels of 20 years ago. 



ANTELOPE 



There is a large population of antelope in the hunting district that encompasses the WMA, the 

 largest district in the Region. A large segment of this population uses the WMA yearlong but 

 most significantly as winter range on portions of the WMA. 



GAME BIRDS 



Blue grouse, sage grouse, occasional ruffed grouse and Hungarian partridge exist on the WMA 

 and will benefit from improved range condition on the WMA. No population estimates have 

 been made, but all species will undoubtedly benefit from the increased food and cover afforded 

 the WMA as range condition improves. 



WATERFOWT. 



Some waterfowl nesting occurs along the numerous beaver dams located along Robb and 

 Ledford Creeks. The principal waterfowl use is by mallards and teal. Nesting success and brood 

 rearing sites for waterfowl will be improved by the rest rotation grazing system that has been 

 implemented on the WMA. 



FISHERIES 



The WMA contains portions or all of Crows Nest, Ledford, Robb, Rock, Swamp and Taylor 

 Creeks. If grazing on the WMA is coordinated with BLM, Indian Creek and several miles of the 

 East Fork of Blacktail Creek may also be influenced by the grazing system that is implemented. 



Ledford Creek supports rainbow, rainbow-cutthroat hybrids, brown trout and mottled sculpin. 

 Based on an inventory in 1991, total densities of trout were estimated at approximately 240 per 

 mile. Brown trout were the predominant species representing 74% of the catchable (6 inches or 

 longer) fish. Habitat was limited in the inventoried section, due to a low abundance of willows 

 and other shrubs in riparian areas. Stream and riparian conditions appeared to have been 

 influenced by historic livestock use. 



The East Fork of Blacktail Creek fishery is primarily comprised of brook and rainbow trout. 

 Mountain whitefish and mottled sculpin are also present. In 1995, a short section of stream was 

 inventoried downstream of the mouth of Rough Creek. Brook trout were the only trout species 

 captured. Sizes ranged from 4 to 9 inches and densities were very low, estimated at 66 per mile. 

 Westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) are present in the headwaters at similar densities. Analysis of 

 several fish indicated they were 88% genetically pure. Instream flow reservation was requested 

 and granted at 1 8 cubic feet per second. 



