This is phase two of this upland game guzzler project near Price, UT. The areas where we are installing guzzlers are very dry and water is most likely the most limiting factor for chukars in these environments. Chukar populations have dwindled where they exist currently and have struggled to establish in other areas. Drought years have dried up springs that were previously used by chukars and very few chukars are found in these areas where they once were abundant. We are proposing this project to help establish and augment existing populations of chukars in the Price, UT/ Green River area (See Map). We have identified areas of potential chukar habitat, where water appears to be a limiting factor. We hope that by installing these guzzlers and introducing wild birds to these areas, that we can establish large populations of birds in areas where they did not exist before or have only had small populations.

1) We hope to provide a water source in case of drought years so that populations of upland game do not diminish as a result of lack of water. We will monitor populations of chukars with wildlife cameras and surveys. 2) We hope to establish huntable and sustaniable chukar popultations in areas where they did not previously exist or just had small populations. This will be determined by wildlife motion sensor cameras placed at guzzler sites and hunter harvest information. 3) Provide a greater opportunity for the public to hunt chukars closer to the Price/ Green River area. 4) Help recruit more youth and other individuals as hunters and outdoorsman through exposure to upland game hunting through greater opportunity.

Current chukar populations in the Price, UT area are only found in small numbers. Hunting pressure, drought, and limited access to water sources are likely reasons that have kept population levels low. If we do not do this project chukar populations will likely not increase and potentially may disappear from this area. By installing the proposed guzzlers we will provide a more dependable water source even during drought years and make habitats that were previously unusable because of lack of water to be usable by chukars. This may also reduce the amount of hunting pressure on these birds because they will be able to be more spread out across the landscape.

The proposed project will address the following goals and objectives of the Division of Wildlife Resources most recent strategic management plan: Resource Goal: expand wildlife populations and conserve sensitive species by protecting and improving wildlife habitat. Objective 1: protect existing wildlife habitat and improve 500,000 acres of critical habitats and watersheds throughout the state Objective 2: Increase fish and game populations to meet management plan objectives and expand quality fishing and hunting opportunities. Constituency Goal: Achieve broad-based support for Division programs and budgets by demonstrating the value of wildlife to all citizens of Utah. Utah State Strategic Management Plan for Chukar Partridge - This project will help to achieve the objectives identified in this plan of. 1. Increase Utah five-year base, or average, Chukar Partridge populations by 100% by 2008. 2.Improve Chukar Partridge habitat on 64,000 acres statewide by 2008. 3. Increase Chukar Partridge hunting opportunity by 100% by 2008. 4. Increase public awareness and viewing opportunity for Chukar Partridge by 100 percent by 2008.

These guzzlers aprons will be completely made of metal which will help protect them from fire. Chukars have been shown to eat cheat-grass seeds and the seeds are not viable after they are digested. This may mean that chukars can help to reduce cheat-grass propagation. Cheat-grass can increase fire frequencies in the ecosystem by increasing the amount of dry material earlier in the year.

The guzzlers will provide an increase in quantity of water for upland game species.

We will survey all proposed sites for cultural resources and depending on land ownership receive the appropriate authorization to conduct the project (e.g. NEPA).

We will use either hand crews or an excavator to dig a hole for the guzzler tank. Once the guzzler tank is installed in the ground, we will build the apron. The apron will be 9'X12' and will be made of metal posts, sheet metal roofing, and metal c-channel purlins. The appron will be assembled by volunteers and UDWR personnel. Where livestock will be present we will fence the guzzlers to keep livestock from damaging the guzzlers.

We have purchased and will purchase several more wildlife motion sensor cameras and will use them to monitor what species are using the guzzlers and how frequently. Also, we will be able to monitor how chukars are using the guzzlers and whether transplanted birds are surviving.

The Utah Chukar Foundation has approved of our efforts.

We will place fencing around the guzzlers to protect them from unwanted use or damage. We will continue to monitor and maintain the guzzlers so that they are functional.

Livestock will not be allowed to access these guzzlers.

10/04/2016

06/03/2017

2017

A total of 10 wildlife guzzlers were installed in Carbon and Emery Counties to either augment or create habitat for chukar partridge. Six of the guzzlers were RotoGuzz (500 gallon tank with 8x8 skirt), and four were Bul-Tuf tanks (5' x 5' tanks approximately 250-300 gallons). Aprons were installed on all guzzlers. The size of the apron was 9' x 12' and were constructed from roof sheet metal, channel purlins, U-channel posts, and rain gutter. Aprons and posts were spray-painted to obscure them from view.Fences were placed around all but one guzzler. Wire for the fences was wildlife friendly with a smooth top and bottom wire and barbed middle wires. Wires were set at 40", 28", 23", and 18". Disturbed areas were reseeded with the mixture attached in the seed portion of the database.

This project was designed to increase the available water in a vary arid region of Utah to allow for chukar populations to survive and also to provide an additional hunting opportunity for the public. The locations of these guzzlers were in closer proximity to cities like Price and Huntington, Utah to allow for a more convenient hunting opportunity for locals. Guzzler installation occurred with the help of DWR full-time employees, seasonal employees, members of the Utah Chukar Foundation, members of the Wasatch Mountain North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, Eagle Scout groups, the Utah State University Eastern Wildilfe Club, and dedicated hunters. Volunteers contributed over 150 hours to this project. Chukars were released on guzzlers 2, 3, and 4 on August 3, 2017. A total of 131 chukars were released on 3 sites including 34 adult wild birds, 48 juvenile wild birds, and 49 juvenile pen-reared birds. Cameras have been placed on these guzzlers to monitor their activity.

We will continue to release chukars in these areas where we built the guzzlers to establish new populations and augment existing populations. We will see how progress is made and make future decisions on whether more guzzlers are needed. The maintenance of these guzzlers is very minimal and only would require some repairs to the apron over long periods of time.