Page 6 Spilyqy Tymoo Pecembei- 8, 2005 Bighorns: weather has been helpful (Continued from page 1) The monitoring increases in April, when just after the lambs are born. Besides the ram that was killed at Wapanitia Creek, an other fatality was discovered three weeks ago, Luther said. "X'c found a ewe. Wc don't know why it died," he said. More recently, Luther said a report from early last week in dicated a sighting of 16 sheep in the area where the animals were dropped off last Decem ber. "There was one ram with horns of a three-quarter curl, and ewes and lambs for a total of 16," Luther said. "Wc had almost a 100-pcrccnt survival on our lamb crop." That seven lambs were born and are still alive heading into the winter is encouraging. "It indicates to me that the habitat is suitable," he said. "That they're staying in same area indicates we picked a good spot to place them." "And there hasn't been the predation, which is another fac tor. That usually happens in first months after they're born." Of the 15 sheep transported last December, at least 10 were ewes, and some were pregnant at the time. "When you capture sheep when they're pregnant, there's always a potential they lose lambs from stress, but we didn't have much of that," he said. The bighorns benefited from a mild winter last year that al lowed them to freely move. The lack of snow left forage plants uncovered, then a wet spring produced more available food for the sheep. "1 talked to the wildlife biolo gist at The Dalles, and they're , ...;;vf"- J A' -1 The animals wear radio collars, so Natural Resources can track their location. seeing high (lamb) production as well," Luther said. The wet spring produced lots of good feed, and a good year for lamb production." This winter could present more of a challenge for the sheep, he said. "X'hcrc the sheep are, you get snow, but it dissi pates quickly because you have southern exposure and fairly low elevations," Luther said. "If you have a winter like wo years ago, when we had a deep snow that persisted for a month or so, that can be pretty stressful" The sheep know where to go to stay protected from elements and to find food, "but long pe riods of snow and cold are go ing to have an impact," said Luther. The bighorn sheep typically have lambs in late April. This constant provides a set guideline for Fish and Wildlife personnel to inventory lambs. "We saw lambs when they were only days old," he said. Such early observation can reveal interesting information. "We saw three ewes with three lambs. The ewes led them down a steep embankment. They de liberately chose this rough, rocky area to have the lambs go through. I'm convinced they were exercising the lambs. The lambs were only a wee k old, and they were exercising that way so they can escape." Luther said the department will do inventory surveys a couple times a year, the main ones being lamb surveys. The herd began in 2002, when sheep were captured in the John Day River canyon for transport to the reservation. In the 2002 planting the sheep were released at Antoken Creek from the back of a live stock trailer. Last December the sheep were hauled in a trailer to Criterion Peak and flown into Eagle Creek Canyon in the Mutton Mountains. by Brian Mortensen p7 Towing 24 Hours Automotive and Towing Gorulno ttarn Gd? Inoc and nadroc If you're not a member of AM we have applications (24 Hour a day Road Service) Now is the time to winterize your vehicle! 1 2-month 1 2,000 mile nation wide warranty All work by certified technicians All manufacture warranty maintenance available here with electronic record keeping What this means to you... We can take care of all your Automotive Repair and Maintenance needs! NEW or OLD Vehicles. am 1 f VISA CALL 475-6663 Or stop by for an appointment Office now open through Lunch 755 S.W. Hwy 97, Madras, OR 97741 First-team selection for Alvarez Madras High School se nior Jose Alvarez Jr. was named as a first-team selec tion in the Tri-Valley League 2006 all-league football team. He was a player on the Madras White Buffalo team. Alvarez is the son of Lois Estimo and Jose Alvarez Sr. MMfflt 21 JA A ! In f n 475-7560 Till Your Christmas List Here! Antiques, furniture, collectibles, candles & gifts. Authorized dealer for Beyer Horses, Fenton Glassware, Anheuser Busch Steins. 15,000 square feet of great treasures! Have a Merry Christmas! Laya way, credit card welcome. Ft":..'" 6 Tit h Stop by, there's more to see! Deals starting at $495! 475-2279 475-2333 'r r 'i T7iL ,,. n-i , ,tt mar n Mt 97 Thundorblrd Nice, nice car! Stk 35644A $4,005 96 Dulck Century 90,500 miles! Stk 35460B NOW $2,305 I int. . 85 GMC Jimmy Stk34960B Economy 4x4! $1,681 1993 Dodge Dakota, 4x4 Club Cab...$3,585 Low book price! 34960B 1988 Ford Ranger 4x4 Club Cab $2,795 Great deal, good runner! 35484C 1984 GMC Jimmy 4x4 Diesel $1,150 Runs and drives! 34351B 1998 Mazda Protege, cute! $4,838 Loaded, wheels, automatic 35387A 1998 Camaro, very nice car $7,995 automatic-black! 35307B 1988 Dodge Colt, runs and drivers!..$495... good tires, automatic, heater 351 93A Financing available on approved credit O.A.C. Free balloons for the kids!