We drove deep into the Smoky Mountains of Central Idaho after hearing of a depredation way up in the mountains. Although the depredation occurred outside of the Project Area, we still wanted to check in with the herders and bring them a band kit. Often we only have a general idea of where the herders might be, making our tracking skills even more crucial. Nate, our new field technician, and I split up, each taking one fork. Way up into the subalpine meadows I went, with the landscape growing greener and greener. The air grew cooler and fresher as I climbed the mountain, and soon I could smell the sheep.
Nate Redon, our new field technician, placing a camera high up in the Smoky Mountains
I found the herders first. After a year tracking them through the mountains, I can generally tell where their camp is going to end up. Usually this involves looking for the highest point around, the most likely place for cell service.
Along with our overnight gear, Nate and I brought out a new band kit for the herders. Milton and Nils, both with the Plateau Farms operation, were thrilled to get the new equipment. Above all, Milton was looking forward to the Fox Lights, which he had been using for the past several years without a wolf incident. He even showed us a wind-up lantern with flashing red lights he had used on the nights following the depredation event while he was outside of the Project Area.
Milton and Nils look forward to keeping their sheep safe using our new band kits
After showing the guys how to use the new lights, solar panels, and blank pistols, Nate and I headed up the mountain. We set up Fox Lights in a perimeter around the tope, or mountain top, on which the sheep would later sleep. It is far easier to set up Fox Lights before sheep arrive because you can take your time examining how wolves may approach the sheep band, and it also helps prevent additional night time disruption. For this reason, communication with the herders is essential, so that we know immediately what is going on in the field.
Fox lights set up around the sheep to protect them during the night by mimicking human presence
Before we set up camp for the night we let off several howls, hoping to get a response and alert us to any nearby wolves in the thick forest surrounding us. With no response we settled in for the night, listening for any barking from the Livestock Guardian Dogs and periodically shining a 3000 lumens strobe light across the ridgelines. The moon rose and set over the Smoky Mountains, and in the morning no sheep had been lost. A successful outing.
Since delivering the band kit and the sheep entering the Project Area, the band has continued without wolf troubles up to this point. We hope to keep it that way!
Happy Howls,
Logan James Miller