DRAFT Game Species ranges

These datasets were originally created and released by the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (ICBEMP). Some datasets have since been updated by US Forest Service - Region 6, Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW). The mammal and bird datasets have been re-packaged here as a group and released through US Forest Service - Region 6, Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW). Metadata has been created for the mammal and bird groups rather than individual mammal species. The original spatial extent of these datasets was confined to the Interior Columbia basin. Realistically, the complete range of some species may extend beyond this area. For display purposes these datasets were clipped to the state boundary of Idaho by Idaho Fish and Game. If species is not a year-round resident, the dataset applies to the longest period of time it spends in the area. As time permits Fish and Game biologists are reviewing these layers and updating them to accurately depict occupied range. To date the following layers have been updated: Mule Deer - 2005 weklund; Whitetail Deer - 2005 weklund; Combined Deer - 2005 weklund; Elk - 2005 weklund; Antelope - 2005 weklund; Bear - 2005 weklund; Lion - 2005 weklund; Moose - 2005 weklund; Mountain Goat - 2005 weklund/bthomas; Turkey - 2005 weklund; Upland Game Birds - Jan 2008 weklund - California Quail, Chukar, Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse, Dusky Grouse, Gray Partridge, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Ruffed Grouse, Sage Grouse, Spruce Grouse; California Bighorn Sheep - 2005 bthomas; March 2008 ccoulter; Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep - 2005 weklund; March 2008 ccoulter; GIS layers primarily updated by Wendy Eklund (weklund) and Cyndi Coulter, minor assistance by Brent Thomas (bthomas). As more layers (records) are updated, list will be used to track the changes, as well as in AUD_E fields in attribute table.

The intention of these datasets is to show game animal species ranges within Idaho and for use in conservation and land use planning. Bighorn Sheep intentions include to monitor the status of the restoration effort for Bighorn Sheep, and to monitor Bighorn Sheep range overlaps with domestic sheep allotments.