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MOOSE POPULATION
IDENTITY AND MOVEMENT STUDY
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1989-90
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by
Ronald D. Modafferi
Project W-2J-3
Study 1.38
JaRuary 1991
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Division of Wildlife Conservation
January 1991
Lower Susitna Valley
Moose Population
Identity and Movement Study
Ronald D. Modafferi
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
Research Progress Report
Grant W-23-3
Study 1.38
This is a progress report on continuing research. Information may be refined at a later date.
If using information from this report, please credit author(s) and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
STATE OF ALASKA
Walter J. Hickel, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Don W. Collinsworth, Commissioner
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
W. Lewis Pamplin, Jr., Director
Wayne L. Regelin, Deputy Director
Persons intending to cite this material should obtain prior permission from
the author(s) and/or the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Because
most reports deal with preliminary results of continuing studies, conclusions
are tentative and should be identified as such. Due credit will be
appreciated.
Additional copies of this report, or reports on other species covered in this
series may be obtained from:
Publications Technician
ADF&G, Wildlife Conservation
P.O. BOX 3-2000
Juneau, AK 99802
(907) 465-4190
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game operates all of its public
programs and activities free from discrimination on the basis of race, color,
national origin, age, or handicap. Because the department received federal
funding, any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against
should write to: O.E.O., U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
20240.
PROGRESS REPORT (RESEARCH)
State: Alaska
Project No.: W-23-3 Project Title: Bia Game Investiqations
Job No. : IB-1.38 Job Title: Lower Susitna Valley Moose
Po~ulation Identity and
Movement Study
Period Covered: 1 July 1989-30 June 1990
SUMMARY
This report describes movement patterns of radio-marked moose
(Alces alces) captured between 23 December 1985 and 14 December
1987 in alpine habitat postrutting areas of the western foothills
of the Talkeetna Mountains in Southcentral Alaska. Additional
pertinent location data gathered from radio-marked moose captured
between 17 April 1980 and 3 January 1985 during previous studies
in wintering areas along the Susitna River floodplain between
Devil Canyon and Cook Inlet are also included. Point location
data collected between 17 April 1980 and 14 February 1990 were
analyzed; however, discussions focus on moose movements
documented from 23 December 1985 through 14 February 1990.
Point locations from surveys conducted at 2- to 4-week intervals
were used to document movements, annual ranges, and habitat use
for individual radio-marked moose and groups of moose
(llsubpopulationsll) marked at 5 winter range areas along the
Susitna River floodplain and at 7 alpine habitat moose
postrutting areas in the Talkeetna Mountains.
Annual range for groups of moose differed in size and shape.
Moose groups from the Bald and Brownie Mountain postrutting areas
and Susitna River No. 1 winter range area exhibited relatively
compact annual ranges. Moose groups from the Willow and Sunshine
Mountain postrutting areas and Susitna River Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5
winter range areas exhibited larger annual ranges. Annual range
size and shape for moose groups were influenced by the lengths of
migrations to winter range and calving areas. Lengthy migrations
(>20 km) were not essential for moose from the Bald Mountain
postrutting area. A major moose winter range was located nearby,
and females from Bald Mountain calved between their winter range
and postrutting area. Extensive migrations south to the winter
range (>35 km) and west to calving areas (>20 km) resulted in
large annual ranges for moose from the Willow Mountain
postrutting area.
Individual moose captured at each site generally exhibited
similar (llsubpopulation specifictt) seasonal movement patterns.
Numerous marked moose from the Willow Mountain postrutting area
behaved similarly and migrated south in winter to lowlands in the
Palmer-Wasilla area. Moose from different groups tended to
migrate differently and use different seasonal ranges. Marked
moose from the Brownie Mountain postrutting area remained at high
elevations throughout the year and did not make extensive
migrations south in winter, as did moose from the Willow Mountain
postrutting area. Movement patterns and seasonal range use were
described for each moose group and representative individual
moose.
Annual differences in movements of moose and their use of alpine
habitat postrutting areas and winter ranges were documented from
point locations provided by radio-marked moose. Data from marked
moose indicated that major portions of moose subpopulations
occurring in alpine areas of the Talkeetna Mountains during the
postrutting period moved to lower elevations and other habitat
types in the winters of 1986-87, 1987-88, and 1988-89. During
the winter of 1985-86, most marked moose remained in alpine
postrutting areas and near timberline ecotone habitat. In the
winter of 1989-90, many marked moose moved to winter ranges
before mid-November. Annual differences in movement patterns of
moose were related to snowfall and snowpack depth. During the
winters of 1987, 1988, and 1989, few moose occupied the Willow
Mountain Critical Habitat area (WMCH); however, in 1985-86 there
were many marked moose there from the postrutting period through
the winter.
Monthly changes in moose distribution, habitat use, and
occurrence in the WMCH and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest area
(KCF) were assessed. In October many marked moose were located
below timberline in forest habitats, including the WMCH and the
KCF. Peak moose use of alpine postrutting areas occurred in
November. In December marked moose migrated from some alpine
postrutting areas, and many were located in the WMCH and KCF; at
the same time, other marked moose were located on the lowland
winter ranges in the Palmer-Wasilla area. In January few marked
moose remained in alpine postrutting areas, as most of them had
moved to lowland wintering areas. Timing of winter migrations
from postrutting areas was related to snowfall and snowpack
depth. Most marked moose were located on winter ranges in
February and March. In April many had vacated winter ranges and
were located in subalpine forest habitats, including the KCF. In
May and June, when female moose are involved with calving or
neonate calves, marked females from several alpine postrutting
areas in Subunit 14B were located across the Susitna River in
Subunit 16A. In June many marked moose occurred in forest
habitats, including the KCF. In July marked migrant females from
Subunit 14B remained in Subunit 16A, and many moose were located
at higher elevations near or above the timberline ecotone
habitat, including the WMCH. In August marked moose continued to
concentrate at higher elevations near timberline ecotone habitat
and on the periphery of postrutting areas, including the WMCH and
higher elevations of the KCF; however, some individuals remained
in lowland areas and in Subunit 16A. In September most marked
moose were distributed at lower elevations below timberline in
forest habitats, including the WMCH and the KCF.
Point location data from moose radio-marked in alpine postrutting
areas of Subunits 14A and 14B and in winter range areas of
Subunits 13E, 16A, and 16B indicated that some individuals
traversed subunit boundaries during migrations to and from winter
ranges and calving and rutting areas. In winter migrations,
marked moose traversed boundaries between the following Subunits:
16A and 14B, 16A and 14A, 16B and 14A, 13E and 14B, 13E and 16A,
14B and 14A, and 14B and 16A. Significant numbers of moose
migrated across the boundaries from the following subunits: 14B
into 14A, 16A into 14B, and 16A into 14A. During spring
migrations, significant numbers of marked female moose migrated
from Subunit 14B to Subunit 16A. In mid-May a marked two-year-
old male moose traversed the boundary between subunits 14A and
16B; this movement (about 100 km) was considered a range
extension and not a migration.
Factors influencing moose migrations and annual range size were
discussed. Compact annual ranges for individual moose as well as
groups included topography with significant elevational
variation. Large annual ranges for individual moose groups
frequently included topography with little elevational variation.
Migrational distance to and from winter ranges and calving areas
influenced the annual size of the range. Timing and extent of
winter migrations were related to snowfall and snowpack depth.
It was hypothesized that predator avoidance, forage quality, or
particular habitat components were related to spring migrations
of female moose.
Relationships between migrations of females and calf recruitment
were discussed. Other studies indicated that calf recruitment
was likely related to summer range conditions and environmental
factors during the winter (e.g.,, snow conditions) and was
independent of the migrational dlstance to winter range. I
hypothesized that female migrants to wintering areas in the
Palmer-Wasilla area, where forage is abundant and snowpacks are
shallow, have higher calf recruitment rates than nonmigrant
females that remained in areas where snowpacks were deeper. I
also hypothesized that female migrants to calving areas in
Subunit 16A experience higher calf recruitment rates than those
that do not make lengthy spring migrations to calving areas.
Importance of maintaining, conserving, and protecting moose
winter ranges that traditionally have shallow snowpacks was
emphasized. I hypothesized that moose migratory patterns may be
useful in identifying high-quality winter ranges and calving
areas.
Seasonal movement patterns and habitat use documented for radio-
marked moose in alpine habitat postrutting areas in the Talkeetna
Mountains were outlined and discussed in relation to aspects of
life history, snowfall and snowpack depth, occurrence and
iii
distribution in the Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad corridors,
and open hunting seasons.
Data on occurrence of moose in WMCH and KCF areas obtained from
radio-marked point locations were discussed in relation to
seasonal conditions. Large numbers of marked moose occurred in
forest portions of WMCH and KCF in April and early May and in
September and early October. In June . and July moose
concentrations occurred above timberline in the WMCH. During
mild winters (e.g., 1985-86), alpine postrutting areas, including
portions of WMCH, function as winter ranges for moose.
Point location data from marked moose that traversed subunit
boundaries were presented and discussed in relation to collecting
biological data, conducting moose surveys, analyzing biological
data, allocating mortality to subunits, and implementing findings
into management programs. Movement and subpopulation identity
studies of moose provide management biologists with knowledge
about potential violations in the assumption that subunits are
closed systems. Significant seasonal interchanges in moose
occurred between Subunits 14A, 14B, and 16A. Subunits 13E and
16B were involved in less significant interchanges of moose.
Herd composition surveys and censuses, particularly in subunits
14A, 14B, and 16A, should be conducted before moose begin winter
migrations and subpopulations become mixed. Surveys of females
or calves during parturition are not recommended in Subunits 16A
and 14B, if data are to be applied to a specific subunit.
Positive or negative impacts to small portions of habitat (e.g.,
Palmer-Wasilla winter range and Subunit 16A calving habitat) can
affect moose from areas beyond subunit boundaries.
Effects of moose migrations on late-winter moose hunts in Subunit
14B were discussed. Previous contentions regarding movements of
moose from Subunit 14B were partly invalidated. Data indicated
moose from remote portions of Subunit 14B north of Sheep Creek
could harvested most effectively by hunters along the road-rail
corridor during severe winters. Radio-marked moose from remote
portions of Subunit 14B south of Sheep Creek were mostly
unavailable from that corridor, and a high percentage of moose
vulnerable to hunters were immigrants from subunit 16A.
Key Words: Moose, Alces alces, Susitna Valley, radiotelemetry,
habitat, movements, aerial survey, population identity,
Southcentral Alaska, subunits, annual range, Willow Mountain
Critical Habitat, Kashwitna Corridor Forest, migration.
CONTENTS
..................................................... Summary i
Background ................................................ 2
Objectives .................................................. 4
Primary ................................................ 4
Peripheral ............................................. 4
Study Area ................................................ 5
Methods ..................................................... 5
Results ................................................. 9
Annual Ranges For Groups of Moose (llSubpopulations~)
and Representative Individuals ....................... 9
Bald Mountain Postrutting Area .................... 9
Moss Mountain Postrutting Area ................... 9 .................. Willow Mountain Postrutting Area 10 ................... Witna Mountain Postrutting Area 10 ................. Brownie Mountain Postrutting Area 10 ............... Wolverine Mountain Postrutting Area 11 ................ Sunshine Mountain Postrutting Area 11
Susitna River Area No . 1 Winter Range ............. 11
Susitna River Area No . 2 Winter Range ............. 12
Susitna River Area No . 3 Winter Range ............. 12
Susitna River Area No . 4 Winter Range ............. 12
Susitna River Area No . 5 Winter Range ............. 13
Annual Differences in Moose Movements and Use of
Postrutting and Winter Ranges ..................... 13
Monthly Changes in Moose Distribution and Habitat Use .. 14 ........................................... October 14 .......................................... November 14 .......................................... December 14 ........................................... January 14
February and March ................................ 15 ............................................. April 15
May and June ..................................... 15 .............................................. July 15 ............................................ August 16 ......................................... September 16
Annual Ranges For Moose That Migrated Across Subunit ........................................... Boundaries 16 ........................................ Study Area 16 .................... Bald Mountain Postrutting Area 16 .................... Moss Mountain Postrutting Area 17 .................. Willow Mountain Postrutting Area 17 ................... Witna Mountain Postrutting Area 17 ................. Brownie Mountain Postrutting Area 17 ............... Wolverine Mountain Postrutting Area 17 ................ Sunshine Mountain Postrutting Area 17
Susitna River Area No . 1 Winter Range ............. 18
Susitna River Area No . 2 winter Range ............. 18
Susitna River Area No . 3 winter Range ............. 18
Susitna River Area No . 4 winter Range ............. 18
Susitna River Area No . 5 Winter Range ............. 18
Discussion .................................................. 19 ............ Migrations and Annual Range Size and Shape. 19
Winter and Spring Migrations and Calf Recruitment...... 20
Basic Seasonal Movement Patterns and Habitat Use
for Moose in the Western Foothills of the .................................. Talkeetna Mountains 21
Occurrence in Willow Mountain Critical Habitat and
the Kashwitna Corridor Forest........................ 23
Movements Across Subunit Boundaries .................... 24
Movements and Late Winter Hunts in Subunit 14B......... 25
Acknowledgements ............................................ 26
Literature Cited... ......................................... 27
Figures ..................................................... 30
BACKGROUND
Prior to statehood (it 1959), the Susitna River Valley was
ranked as the most productive moose (Alces alces) habitat in the
territory (Chatelain 1951). Today, the innate potential of this
area as habitat for moose is unsurpassed throughout the state.
The lower Susitna Valley is the focal point of more development
than any other region in the state. Proposed and progressing
projects involving grain and crop agriculture, dairy and grazing
livestock, commercial forestry and logging, personal-use cutting
of firewood, mineral and coal mining, land disposals, wildlife
ranges and refuges, human recreation, human settlement, urban
expansion, development of the highway system, and increased
railroad traffic in the region may greatly detract from the
potential of the area to support moose.
Although development and associated activities may tend to reduce
the moose population in the Susitna Valley, resource users have
demanded increased allocations to satisfy consumptive and
nonconsumptive uses. Accordingly, this conflict has created a
tremendous need by local, state, and federal land and resource
management agencies for timely and accurate knowledge about moose
populations in Subunits 13E, 14A, 14B, 16A, and 16B. These
informational needs will intensify in response to (1) increased
pressures to develop additional lands, (2) increased numbers of
users and types of resource use, and (3) more complex systems for
allocating the resource to potential users.
Because the Wildlife Conservation Division personnel lack
necessary information about moose populations in the lower
Susitna Valley to accurately assess the ultimate impacts from
these increasing resource demands, they are unable to dispute or
condone specific demands or provide recommendations to regulate
and minimize negative impacts on moose populations or habitat.
Additionally, these personnel must be knowledgeable about
behavior of moose subpopulations to mitigate unavoidable negative
impacts to them or their habitat.
Because major decisions on land use and resource allocation in
the lower Susitna Valley are being made, the existing database
should be consolidted for the moose populations there and studies
initiated to augment that database so that activities impacting
moose and their habitat may be promptly recognized, evaluated,
and minimized and/or mitigated. Habitats and environmental
conditions of the lower Susitna Valley vary greatly. Because
many resource use conflicts require site-specific knowledge,
numerous interrelated substudies must be conducted to adequately
understand movement patterns and identities of major moose
subpopulations throughout the area. Initial substudies will be
conducted in areas where immediate conflicts exist.
When I evaluated conflicts in resource use for the entire lower
Susitna Valley, it was apparent that research efforts should
begin in Subunits 14A and 14B in the western foothills of the
Talkeetna Mountains for the following reasons: (1) this area
possesses the largest, densest postrutting aggregation of moose
in the region and, perhaps, the state; (2) it is the nucleus of
development activities and resource use; (3) it provides
recreation and resources to over half of Alaska's human
population; (4) it has unique problems involving railroad and
highway systems; and (5) recent information obtained from Susitna
River hydroelectric environmental studies and a habitat
suitability assessment project has pointed out a lack of basic
knowledge about moose in the area.
Historical information available on moose populations in the
Susitna Valley is limited to (1) harvest statistics (ADF&G
files), (2) inconsistently conducted sex-age composition surveys
(ADF&G files); (3) inconsistently collected data for train- and
vehicle-killed moose (ADF&G files), (4) an outdated population
movement study based on resightings of Wisually collaredt1 moose
(ADF&G files), (5) studies on railroad mortality and productivity
of the railbelt subpopulation (Rausch 1958, 1959), (6) a
sporadically monitored radiotelemetry population identity study
in the Dutch and Peters Hills (Didrickson and Taylor l978), (7)
an incomplete study of moose-snowfall relationships in the
Susitna Valley, and (8) a study of extensive moose mortality in a
severe winter (1970-71) for which there is no final report.
Recent studies designed to assess the impact of a proposed
hydroelectric project on moose have provided substantial amounts
of data on populations in areas adjacent to the ~usitna ~iver
downstream from Devil Canyon (Arneson 1981; Modafferi 1982,
1983, 1984, 1988$). Circumstantial evidence and cursory
examination of these studies suggested that traditional sex-age
composition counts conducted in widely spaced alpine areas of
Subunits 14A and 14B were biased, excluding samples from large
segments of hunted moose subpopulations. These data also
suggested that moose killed during late-winter hunting seasons in
Subunit 14B originated in Subunit 16A and those killed during
hunting seasons in Subunit 16A were included in composition
surveys for Subunits 14A and 14B.
I believe that moose subpopulations in Subunit 16A remain largely
unsurveyed because they occur in forested habitats and could only
be surveyed during winter when they occur in riparian habitats
common to both Subunits 14B and 16A. Traditional composition
surveys that have remained relatively insensitive to large annual
changes in moose mortality rates indicated assumptions about
movements and identities of moose subpopulations in Subunits 14A
and 14B (i. e., western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains) are
incorrect.
A recent joint study conducted by Divisions of Wildlife
Conservation and Habitat (ADF&G files) and designed to evaluate
methods for assessing moose population status and habitat
suitability was begun to identify important moose wintering areas
and to document moose-snowfall relationships in a large portion
of the lower Susitna River Valley. Previous progress reports for
lower Susitna Valley moose population identity and movement
studies have been published (Modafferi 1987, 1988a, 1990).
OBJECTIVES
Primary
To identify and delineate major moose subpopulations in the lower
Susitna River Valley.
To more precisely delineate annual movement patterns and
location, timing, and duration of use of seasonal habitats.
To assess effects of seasonal timing on results of annual fall
sex-age composition trend surveys.
Peripheral
To identify habitats and land areas that are important for
maintaining the integrity moose subpopulations in the lower
Susitna Valley.
To locate winter range and calving areas used by lower Susitna
Valley moose subpopulations.
To identify moose subpopulations that sustain llaccidental"
mortalities on highway and railroad right-of-ways and hunting
mortalities during open seasons.
To determine moose natality rates and timing of calf and adult
mortalities.
STUDY AREA
The study area is located in the lower Susitna Valfey in
Southcentral Alaska (Fig. 1). The roughly 50,000-km area
(bordered on the north and west by the Alaska ~ountain Range, on
the east by the Talkeetna Mountains, and on the south by Cook
Inlet) encompasses all watersheds of the Susitna River downstream
from Devil Canyon and includes all or portions of Subunits 14A,
14B, 16A, 16B, and 13E (Fig. 2).
Monthly mean temperatures vary from about 16 C in July to -13 C
in January; maximum and minimum temperatures of 25 C and -35 C,
respectively, are not uncommon. Total annual precipitation
varies from about 40 cm in the southern portion to over 86 cm in
the northern and western portions of the area. Maximum depth of
snow on the ground in winter can vary from less than 20 cm in the
southern portion to over 200 cm in the northern and western
portions. Climatic conditions generally become more inclement
away from the maritime influence of Cook Inlet. Elevations
within the area range from sea level to rugged mountain peaks
well above the 1200-m level. vegetation in the area is diverse,
typically varying with elevation: wet coastal tundra and marsh,
open low-growing spruce forest, closed spruce hardwood forest,
treeless bog, shrubby thicket, and alpine tundra (Viereck and
Little 1972). Dominant habitat and canopy types in the area are
characterized as follows:(l) floodplains dominated by willow
(Salix m. ) and poplars (Ponulus m. ) , (2) lowland dominated by
a mixture of wet bogs and closed or open mixed paper birch
(Betula pa~yrifera)/white spruce (~icea alauca)/aspen (Populus
tremuloides) forests, (3) mid-elevation dominated by mixed or
pure stands of aspen/paper birch/white spruce, (4) higher
elevation dominated by alder (Alnus m.) , willow, and birch
shrub thickets or grasslands (Calamasrostis SJJ. ) , and (5) alpine
tundra dominated by sedge (Carex m.), ericaceous shrubs,
prostrate willows, and dwarf herbs. Fall-winter postrutting area
surveys were conducted above timberline in the higher elevation
and alpine tundra habitats, roughly between elevations of 600 and
1200 m.
METHODS
Individual moose were captured and marked with ear tags and
radio-transmitting neck collars. Each ear tag featured a
discrete numeral, and each neck collar featured a discrete radio-
transmitted frequency and a highly visible number.
Moose were typically immobilized with 4-6 mg carfentanil
(Wildnil, Wildlife Laboratories, Ft. Collins, Co.) dissolved in
2-3 cc H2O and administered with Palmer Cap-Chur equipment by
personnel aboard a hovering Bell 206B or Hughes 500D helicopter.
While immobilized, moose were marked with ear tags and neck
collars and aged by visual inspection of wear on incisor teeth.
Antler size and conformation were considered when assessing age
of males. Moose were assigned to the following age categories:
calves, yearlings, 2- to 5-year-olds, 6- to 12-year-olds, and
>12-year-olds. Sex of marked moose and their association with
young of the year were noted. Immobilized moose were revived
with an intramuscular injection of 90 mg naloxone hydrochloride
(Naloxone, Wildlife Laboratories, Ft. Collins, Co.) per mg of
carfentanil administered.
Forty-four moose were captured and marked in the Talkeetna
Mountain alpine habitat survey areas (Fig. 3) between 23 December
1985 and 4 February 1986. Marking procedures were initiated
after 18 November 1985, when aerial surveys indicated peak
numbers of moose were present in alpine habitats (Modafferi
1987). Distribution of sampling effort between subareas roughly
paralleled moose distribution observed during aerial surveys. On
14 December 1987 and 21 December 1988, 6 and 2 moose,
respectively, were captured and radio-marked to replace those
that had shed transmitting collars or died.
On 28 January 1987, 7 moose were captured and marked in lowland
portions of forest habitat between Little Willow Creek and the
Kashwitna River (Fig. 3, Area H) . Sampling efforts roughly
paralleled distribution of moose observed on a survey conducted
between Willow Creek and the Kashwitna River on 7 January 1987
(Modaf feri 19883) . This area is included within the Kashwitna
Corridor Forest, where the State of Alaska, Department of Natural
Resources, Division of Forestry, initiated a forest management
program in 1988 by providing access and conducting sales to make
timber available for commercial harvests. On 9 February 1989, 5
moose were captured and marked near timber sale sites between
Willow and Iron Creeks in the southern portion of the Kashwitna
Corridor Forest.
During February and March 1988, 6 moose were captured and marked
in the Coal Creek area (Fig. 3, Area I), where personal-use
cutting of firewood had been permitted by the DNR, Division of
Forestry. Captured moose frequented this area to feed on buds,
catkins, and twigs that had been trimmed off birch trees cut for
firewood.
During this reporting period, 7 additional moose were captured
and radio-marked at 5 different sites near the Parks Highway
between the Little Susitna River and Sheep Creek. On 16 April
1990, 6 moose were captured, radio-marked, and released at sites
where hay had been provided as supplemental food for moose
stressed by an exceptionally deep snowpack. These capture sites
were located near the Deshka Landing, Long Lake, Capitol
Speedway, and Caswell Creek, where 1, 2, 1, and 2 moose,
respectively, were captured. On 19 April 1990, 1 moose caught
in a snare trap was tranquilized, radio-marked, and released at
the Houston landfill.
In 1988 and 1989 parallel moose population identity and movement
studies were initiated in other areas of the lower Susitna River
6
Valley (Modafferi 1990: Appendix B) . In March 1987, 23 moose
were captured and radio-marked along the Alexander Creek
floodplain (Fig. 3, Area J). Thirteen of these marked moose with
operational radio-transmitters were periodically radiolocated
during this reporting period. In February 1988 and 1989, 21 and
6 moose, respectively, were captured and radio-marked in the Lake
Creek-Skwentna area (Fig. 3, Area K). Twenty-three of these
marked moose with operational radio-transmitters were
periodically radiolocated during this reporting period.
Moose captured and radio-marked during previous studies along the
Susitna River floodplain (Arneson 1980; Modafferi 1982, 1983,
1984, 1988b) ranged within the lower Susitna Valley study area.
Information gat,hered from these radio-marked moose was
incorporated into the database. Seventeen of these marked moose
with operational radio transmitters were radiolocated during the
reporting period.
Survey flights in Cessna 180 or 185 and Piper PA-18 aircraft
equipped with 2-element "Hm or 3-element yagi antennas (Telonics,
Mesa, AZ) were conducted at 2- to 4-week intervals to radio-
locate moose. Moose location points (audio-visual or audio)
were noted on USGS topographic maps (1:63,360) and later
transferred to translucent overlays of those maps for computer
digitization and geoprocessing. A maximum of about 200, 85, 58,
42, 27, and 15 point locations were recorded through 14 February
1990 for radio-marked moose in the Susitna River floodplain,
Susitna River Montana Creek, Talkeetna Mountain, northern
Kashwitna Corridor, Coal Creek, and southern Kashwitna Corridor
areas, respectively.
During this reporting period, transmitters on some individuals
marked along the Susitna River in March 1981 and February 1982
exhibited weak signals, infrequent signals, and/or no signals.
These transmitters were presumed to be weakening and expiring
from battery failure.
Moose distribution, abundance, and herd composition were assessed
by aerial surveys conducted at different times and locations
within the study area. Each winter between October 1985 and
April 1989, aerial surveys were periodically conducted to
determine timing, magnitude, and duration of moose use of alpine
habitats in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains.
Surveys were initiated and periodically conducted as weather
permitted and snowcover sufficient to observe moose. Numbers of
antlered yearlings, antlered adults, nonantlered adults, and
calves were counted on each survey. Survey data were totaled for
7 discrete alpine habitat moose postrutting subareas (Fig. 4,
Areas A-G) separated by lower-elevation river drainages.
Additional information on herd size, composition, and
distribution for moose in the lower Susitna River Valley was
obtained from stratified random censuses (Gasaway et al. 1986)
conducted 5-8 December 1987 in Subunit 14B (Fig. 4, Area K) and
19-23 November 1988 in Subunit 14A (Fig. 2) and a modified census
(ADF&G files) conducted 13-15 November 1989 in Subunit 14B.
Other information on moose herd composition, distribution, and
densities was obtained from aerial surveys related to forest
management in the Susitna Regional Forest in Subunit 16A (Fig.
2), the Kashwitna Corridor Forest in Subunit 14B (Fig. 4, Area H)
and the Matanuska Valley Moose Range and ski resort development
in the Hatcher Pass area of Subunit 14A.
Data on moose killed by collisions with trains and highway
vehicles were collected to evaluate the impact of those
mortalities on moose populations in the lower Susitna River
Valley. The Alaska Railroad and Department of Public Safety
recorded and provided the ADF&G with data on locations and dates
for all moose killed in their respective rights-of-way.
Beginning in the fall of 1987, recipients of salvaged moose were
required to provide the lower jaw and information on the sex,
method, date, and location of kill to the ADF&G.
To assess moose winter mortality in Moose and Kroto Creek
floodplains in Subunit 16A (Fig. 4, Areas I and J, respectively)
were surveyed for moose carcasses on 18 March 1987, 20 April
1988, and 3 April 1989. Similar surveys were conducted 5 March
1984 and periodically between 29 November 1984 and 16 April 1985
during previous studies (Modafferi 1988b). On 11 January 1988, I
visited areas where moose concentrated in forested habitats in
the Kashwitna Corridor Forest (Fig. 4, Hc and He) to determine
food sources moose had utilized.
Snowpack data for Wasilla, Willow, Talkeetna, Skwentna, and
Chulitna River Lodge were obtained from Alaska Climatolocrical
Data Reports, U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, ~ational
Climate Data Center, Asheville, North Carolina. Tabular data for
daily measurements of depth of snow on the ground were condensed
to llmaximum snowpack depth" values for monthly periods equivalent
to 1-10, 11-20, and 21-31 calendar days. llMaximum snowpack
depth1! values equalled the greatest depth of snow recorded on the
ground during each monthly period. Willow and Talkeetna snowpack
data were used as an index to snowpack depth in alpine habitat
postrutting survey areas.
This progress report primarily contains movement data collected
from moose captured and radio-marked between 23 December 1985
through 14 February 1990 in 7 alpine habitat postrutting areas in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains (Fig. 5), where
the ADF&G conducts sex-age composition surveys of moose herds in
Subunits 14A and 14B. Movements of radio-marked moose are
related to alpine habitat postrutting areas, the Willow Mountain
Critical Habitat Area, and adjacent state and borough lands in
the Kashwitna Corridor Forest area designated for timber harvest
(Fig. 6) . Relevant data and findings from previous studies
(1980-85) of moose movements in the lower Susitna Valley are
included.
RESULTS
Annual Ranqes for Groups of Moose (wSubpo~ulations~~~ and
Representative Individuals
Bald Mountain Postrutting Area:
Except for the extraordinary movements of one 2-year-old male,
the 322 point locations for 11 radio-marked moose from Bald
Mountain postrutting area indicated short seasonal migrations and
small annual ranges bounded by Willow Creek and the Parks Highway
(Fig. 7). Most marked moose utilized lowlands between the Little
Susitna River and the Parks Highway for winter range. In this
area, moose wintered among abandoned homesteads, rural and
suburban residential developments, and agricultural fields.
Moose browse was provided by second-growth vegetation that had
colonized the area after natural vegetation was disturbed or
removed for development. This winter range area traditionally
receives a shallow snowpack. In the spring, moose moved to
higher elevations and forest habitats slightly below timberline
on south and southeast facing slopes of Bald Mountain. In late
June and early July, marked moose moved above timberline,
remaining there until late August or early September, when they
returned to forest habitats below timberline. Male moose
appeared to precede females in the spring-summer movement above
timberline. Marked moose remained in forest habitats below
timberline during the rut. In late October (i.e., after the rut)
moose returned to alpine habitat postrutting ranges, remaining
there until they migrated to lowland winter ranges. Time of
year, magnitude (number of moose involved), and extent (distance
of movement) of movements between postrutting and winter ranges
were associated with timing of winter snowfall and snowpack depth
(Modafferi 1990). A major portion of the moose that wintered in
the Palmer-Wasilla area were winter migrants from the Bald
Mountain postrutting area. Aerial survey data indicate that
movement patterns described for moose on the Bald Mountain
postrutting area probably involved about 500-700 moose. Figure 8
illustrates a representative annual range for a radio-marked
moose (No. 291F) from the Bald Mountain postrutting area to the
Palmer-Wasilla wintering area.
Moss Mountain Postrutting Area:
Limited data available from 38 point locations for 2 radio-marked
moose from the Moss Mountain postrutting area indicated their
migratory patterns were similar to those from the Bald Mountain
postrutting area (Fig. 9). These data indicated that moose
migrated south, wintering in the Palmer-~asilla area with moose
from Bald Mountain. Movement patterns exhibited by radio-marked
moose from Moss Mountain were probably representative of 75-150
moose. Figure 10 illustrates the annual range for 1 radio-marked
moose (No. 38F) that moved from the Moss Mountain postrutting
area to the Palmer-Wasilla area for the winter.
Willow Mountain Postrutting Area:
Data from 680 point locations for 19 radio-marked moose from the
Willow Mountain postrutting area indicated several types of
winter migrations, movement patterns similar to moose from Bald
and Moss Mountains postrutting areas, and substantially different
migrations to calving areas (Fig. 11). Eight moose migrated
south in the winter to Subunit 14A. Five of these moose migrated
about 40 km and wintered in the Palmer-Wasilla area with moose
from Bald and Moss Mountain postrutting areas. During the
winter, several marked moose ranged farther south (nearer to Knik
Arm) than moose from Bald or Moss Mountains. Several marked
moose remained at high elevations near timberline or in alpine
postrutting areas on Willow Mountain throughout the winter.
Others wintered in forest habitats at lower elevations west of
the postrutting area. Few marked moose made long westerly winter
migrations to lowland areas near the Parks Highway and Alaska
Railroad rights-of-way (road-rail corridor). Several female
marked moose migrated 20-30 km west and crossed the Susitna River
into Subunit 16A prior to calving. These moose remained in
Subunit 16A for varying lengths of time through the summer.
Other general seasonal migratory patterns for these moose were
similar to those for moose from Bald Mountain. Movement patterns
exhibited by marked moose were probably representative for about
500-750 moose. Figures 12, 13, and 14 illustrate representative
annual ranges for moose that were nonmigratory (No. 17M),
migrated to a winter range in the Palmer-Wasilla area (No. 793F),
and migrated to a calving area in Subunit 16A (No. 601F),
respectively.
Witna Mountain Postrutting Area:
Data from 89 point locations for 3 radio-marked moose from the
Witna Mountain postrutting area indicated they migrated west
during the winter toward the road-rail corridors (Fig. 15).
These data also indicated moose migrated west of the Susitna
River prior to calving. Generally, migrations of marked moose
were east-west oriented. No marked moose made extensive
migrations to the south during the winter. Movement patterns
represented of about 100-150 moose. Figure 16 illustrates an
annual range for 1 moose (NO. 551F) that extended from the road-
rail corridor during the winter to the Susitna River area in
Subunit 16A prior to calving.
Brownie Mountain Postrutting Area:
Data from 333 point locations for 7 radio-marked moose from the
Brownie Mountain postrutting area exhibited spring movement
patterns that were similar to those from more southerly
postrutting areas and winter movement patterns that differed
greatly from other subpopulations (Fig. 17). In contrast to
moose from the Bald, Moss, Willow, and Witna Mountain postrutting
areas, marked moose from the Brownie Mountain postrutting area
10
wintered at higher elevations in riparian areas and along side-
slopes of valleys of the north and main forks of the Kashwitna
River. Moose did not migrate south or west to lowland winter
ranges, and the only major westerly movement to lower elevations
was by 1 female during the calving period. Moose remained
relatively isolated from moose from other postrutting areas
throughout the year. Movement patterns represented about 150-250
moose. Figure 18 illustrates the annual range for 1 moose (No.
49F) that did not migrate to lower elevations during winter.
Wolverine Mountain Postrutting Area:
Data from 176 point locations for 6 radio-marked moose from the
Wolverine Mountain postrutting area indicated somewhat different
migratory patterns than those exhibited by moose from postrutting
areas farther south (Fig. 19). Marked moose utilized upland
riparian or lowland winter ranges. A radio-marked male migrated
north of the Sheep River, a distance over 35 km, and remained
there during the winter, spring, and summer periods. Prior to
calving, a marked female migrated across the Susitna River into
Subunit 16A. Movement patterns for these moose probably
represented 150-250. Figure 20 illustrates the annual range for
1 moose (No. 51F) that migrated to lower elevations in winter.
Sunshine Mountain postrutting Area:
Data from 119 point locations for 3 radio-marked moose from the
Sunshine Mountain postrutting area (Fig. 21) and movement data
from 4 radio-marked moose in other studies (Modafferi 1988b)
indicated that during the winter moose may remain near alpine
postrutting areas or migrate west to lower elevations. Peak
numbers of moose occurred about a month later than in the other
postrutting areas studied (Modaf feri 1990) . Several marked
female moose migrated across the Susitna River prior to calving
(Modafferi 1988b). One of these moose traditionally remained
west of the Susitna River until September or October. Movement
patterns represented about 75-100 moose. Figure 22 illustrates
the annual range for 1 moose (No. 11F) that wintered at lower
elevations along the road-rail system corridor.
Susitna River Area No. 1 Winter Range, Devil Canyon to Talkeetna:
Data provided from 1,070 point locations for 12 radio-marked
moose from the Susitna River floodplain in the winter indicated
relatively compact annual ranges (Fig. 23), although a few
females exhibited extraordinary movements during or after the
calving period. Marked females vacated floodplain wintering
areas after the winter, but they commonly returned to floodplain
islands prior to calving (Modafferi 1988b). After calving female
moose returned to higher elevations on the valley's side slopes.
Figure 24 illustrates a relatively compact and characteristic
annual range (No. 63F).
Susitna River Area No. 2 Winter Range, Talkeetna to Montana
Creek:
Data provided from 825 point locations for 9 radio-marked moose
from the Susitna River floodplain in the winter indicated that
most were winter migrants from the west and some were winter or
spring migrants from the east (Fig. 25). These data support the
contention that moose north of Sheep Creek exhibit a tendency to
migrate to lowlands along the Susitna River floodplain and along
the roadrail corridor in the winter. Some radio-marked moose had
migrated east-west distances over 30 km to winter on the Susitna
River floodplain. These data also illustrate that migrant moose
from the west were drawn from a larger north-south area than
those from the east. Migrant moose from the west originated from
as far south as Lockwood Lake and as far north as Little Peters
Hills; whereas, moose from the east were migrants from
postrutting areas between Sheep Creek and Montana Creek. Figure
26 illustrates the annual range for 1 moose (No. 82F) from the
winter capture site that migrated from north of the Petersville
Road near Kroto Creek in Subunit 16A to the road-rail corridor in
Subunit 14B.
Susitna River Area No. 3 Winter Range, Montana Creek to the
Yentna River:
Data provided by 2,579 point locations from 25 radio-marked moose
in winter on the Susitna River floodplain between Montana Creek
and the Yentna River indicated that most are migrants from the
west (Fig. 27). Figure 27 also shows that few moose from the
Willow and Bald Mountain postrutting areas (e. , few point
locations between the Kashwitna River and the Little ~usitna
River) migrate west to winter on the Susitna River floodplain.
Some radio-marked moose migrated from distances over 35 km to
winter on this section of the Susitna River floodplain. Point
locations east of the Susitna River and south of Willow Creek are
mostly winter locations, representing radio-marked moose that
migrated from Subunit 16A to winter ranges in Subunit 14A. Point
locations east of the Susitna River and north of the Kashwitna
River are from 1 migrant male from the Wolverine Mountain area
that occasionally wintered on the Susitna River floodplain. Some
radio-marked moose occurred on the Susitna River floodplain
throughout the year. Figure 28 illustrates the annual range for
1 moose (No. 59F) that migrated from the interior of Subunit 16A
to the road-rail corridor in Subunit 14B.
Susitna River Area No. 4 Winter Range, Yentna River to Cook
Inlet:
Data provided by 674 point locations for 11 radio-marked moose
between the Yentna River and Cook Inlet indicated that most
wintering along this section of the Susitna River floodplain were
migrants from the west (Fig. 29). Some radio-marked moose
migrated from about 50 km to winter on this section of the
Susitna River floodplain. Only one moose marked in this area was
12
1"
a winter migrant from Subunit 14A; during other seasonal periods
this individual never occurred more than 5 km east of the
floodplain. Figure 30 illustrates the annual range for 1 moose
(No. 93F) that migrated from the Beluga Lake area to the Susitna
River floodplain for the winter.
Susitna River Area No. 5 Winter Range:
Data provided by 444 point locations for 8 radio-marked moose
from this abandoned homestead site west of Montana Creek
indicated that those utilizing the area were all migrants from
Subunit 16A (Fig. 31). All moose captured at this site
eventually wintered on the Susitna River floodplain in Subunit
16A or along the road-rail corridor in Subunit 14B or migrated to
winter ranges farther east in Subunit 14B. These data illustrate
that moose from Subunit 16A migrate through this site enroute to
more permanent winter ranges farther east. No moose captured at
this site were winter migrants from Subunit 14B. Figure 32
illustrates the annual range for 1 moose (No. 812F) that migrated
from the Amber Lake area in Subunit 16A the road-rail corridor in
Subunit 14B for the winter.
Annual Differences in Moose Movements and Use of Fall Postruttinq
and Winter Ranses
The duration of use of alpine postrutting areas, including the
Willow Mountain critical habitat, has varied among years. In the
"typicaln pattern observed in 1986-87, 1987-88, and 1988-89;
moose occupied these areas in the fall (28 October-25 November)
(Figs. 33, 34 ,and 35) , moving to upland or lowland ranges in the
winter (20 January-20 March) (~igs. 36, 37, and 38); however,
during the mild winter of 1985-86, many remained all winter near
where they had been captured (23 December-7 January) (Fig. 39)
(20 January-20 March) (Fig. 40) .
During the 1989-90 winter that was characterized by very heavy
snowfall and extremely deep snowpacks, many marked moose had
vacated alpine postrutting areas by the fall and were enroute to
lowland or upland winter ranges (Fig. 41). Early departures from
fall postrutting ranges coincided with early snowfall and deep
snowpacks. During the 1990 winter period, many marked moose
occurred at locations different from those they had utilized in
previous winters (Fig. 42). Although many marked moose tended to
move in their traditional migratory direction, they continued to
travel farther in that direction as snowfall and snowpack depths
continued to increase. In most cases, these extended migrations
resulted in moose moving to progressively lower elevations.
However, lower elevations were not always associated with shallow
snowpack depths and higher elevations were not always associated
with deeper snowpacks. As in other years, some marked moose
(particularly individuals from Brownie Mountain) migrated to and
remained at higher elevations throughout the winter. Severe
winter conditions may explain atypical movements and range
extensions recorded for radio-marked moose in 1990.
Monthly Chanqes in Moose Distribution and Habitat Use
Data presented for the following monthly periods include all
point locations obtained for each radio-marked moose from 1 May
1986 to 14 February 1990 (i.e., data for each month include all
point locations collected during 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989).
Since data from several years are combined and moose movements
are influenced by weather conditions, these data may represent
"average", rather than lttypicalll, patterns for moose movements
and habitat use.
October:
Many radio-marked moose had not returned to alpine postrutting
areas where they had been captured and marked (Fig. 4 3) . Many
marked moose were still in forest habitats below timberline where
the rut had occurred. Also many radio-marked moose were in the
Willow Mountain Critical Habitat (WMCH) and in the Kashwitna
Corridor Forest (KCF).
November :
Most marked moose had returned to alpine habitat postrutting
areas (Fig. 44). Many exceptions to this movement occurred in
the fall of 1989, when moose vacated alpine postrutting areas
early (see Fig. 41). Generally, greater numbers of radio-marked
moose were located at higher elevations in alpine postrutting
areas in November than in October. In an average winter, most
moose traditionally remained in postrutting areas until late
November or early December.
December:
Occurrence of radio-marked moose in the Palmer-Wasilla area
increased (Fig. 45) . These moose were migrants from the Bald,
Moss, and Willow Mountain postrutting areas. Point location data
illustrated that marked moose had not vacated the Sunshine
Mountain postrutting area; rather, some marked moose from the
Wolverine, Brownie, Witna and Willow Mountain postrutting areas
had initiated winter migrations and were beginning to appear at
lower elevations below timberline in the WMCH and KCF.
January:
Data indicated many radio-marked moose were on winter ranges in
the Palmer-Wasilla area, the upper Kashwitna River drainage, the
KCF, and along the road-rail corridor (Fig. 46). These data
indicated that most marked moose had vacated the Bald Mountain
postrutting area by January, but those in the Sunshine Mountain
and Brownie Mountain postrutting areas remained. Some marked
moose still remained in the WMCH, but many had passed through
this area and were located in the KCF. One radio-marked male
moose migrated from the Sunshine Mountain postrutting area to
north of Sheep River.
February and March:
Most radio-marked moose were located on lower-elevation winter
ranges (Figs. 47 and 48). Bald, Moss, and Wolverine Mountain
postrutting areas were void of radio-marked moose by February
(Fig 47), and the Sunshine Mountain postrutting area was vacant
in March (Fig. 48) . By February, all marked moose from the Bald
and Moss Mountain postrutting areas and some from Willow ~ountain
were located on lowland winter ranges in the Palmer-Wasilla area.
Few marked moose occurred along the road-rail corridor between
the Kashwitna and Little ~usitna Rivers, but many marked moose
were present in the road-rail corridor north of the Kashwitna
River. Marked moose from the ~rownie Mountain postrutting area
were located at higher-elevation winter ranges in the upper
Kashwitna River drainage. Marked moose were also located on
winter ranges in the upper Sheep Creek and Sheep River drainages.
April:
Winter ranges in the upper ~ashwitna River, the palmer-Wasilla
area, and along the road-rail corridor were vacant of marked
moose (Fig. 49). Moose initiated migrations to spring ranges
before April. The April point location data illustrated'notable
concentrations of marked moose in forest habitats immediately
below timberline near the Bald, ill ow, and Brownie Mountain
postrutting areas. Many were located in forest habitats of the
KCF. Fewer marked moose occurred in the WMCH in April than in
February. Some marked female moose were located across the
Susitna River enroute to calving areas in Subunit 16A.
May and June:
Data for May (Fig. 50) and June (Fig. 51) indicated that most
radio-marked moose were concentrated in forest habitats
immediately below timberline. Those that wintered in the upper
~ashwitna River had moved back downstream. Females had migrated
to forest habitats below timberline or west of the Susitna River
floodplain in Subunit 16A to prepare for calving. Few marked
moose were located above timberline in alpine habitat postrutting
areas during May and June. Many were in the KCF and lesser
numbers were concentrated in parts of the WMCH.
July:
Point location data indicated a major movement of radio-marked
moose near or above the timberline ecotone and into alpine
habitat postrutting areas (Fig. 52). Smaller numbers remained at
lower elevations well below timberline, and some marked females
remained at calving areas near the road-rail corridor between the
Kashwitna River and Sheep Creek or west of the Susitna River in
Subunit 16A. Many marked moose that migrated to timberline
ecotone habitat were located within the WMCH. Most marked moose
north of the North Fork Kashwitna River remained below timberline
in the KCF.
August :
Point location data indicated many radio-marked moose remained
concentrated in the timberline ecotone habitat on the periphery
of all alpine habitat postrutting areas (Fig. 53). Most marked
moose in the Willow Mountain area were located in or near the
WMCH. Several females remained near calving areas west of the
Susitna River in Subunit 16A. Many marked moose had moved from
alpine areas and lower elevations to intermediate elevations on
steeper west facing slopes near the western boundary of the KCF.
One radio-marked female moose remained in the upper Sheep Creek
drainage.
September:
Many radio-marked moose returned to forest habitats slightly
below timberline or lower elevations; some occurred above
timberline, and 2 marked females remained near calving areas west
of the Susitna River in Subunit 16A (Fig. 54). Large numbers of
radio-marked moose were concentrated in the WMCH between its
western boundary and timberline. Many more radio-marked moose
had moved to lower elevations in the western part of the KCF than
had moved in August. Point locations west of the Yentna River
and north of Beluga Mountain in Subunit 16B resulted from an
exceptional movement (100 km) by a two-year-old male from Bald
Mountain that was subsequently located and killed by a hunter
near Hiline Lake. Another marked male from Subunit 14B also
moved extensively from north of Sheep River to the North Fork
Kashwitna River.
Annual Ranqes For Moose That Miarated Across Subunit Boundaries
Study Area:
Radio-marked moose from most capture sites made significant
seasonal migrations to and from postrutting ranges, calving
ranges, and/or winter ranges. During these movements, moose
frequently traversed subunit boundaries. Migrations across
subunit boundaries were more common for moose from some capture
sites than for others.
Bald Mountain Postrutting Area:
The only boundary crossing recorded for radio-marked moose from
the Bald Mountain postrutting area was by a two-year-old male
(No. 35M) that had moved from Bald Mountain in Subunit 14A to
near Hiline Lake in Subunit 16B, where it was killed by a hunter
(Fig. 55). This movement may not have been a true migration;
rather, it may have been colonizing a new area.
Moss Mountain Postrutting Area:
Radio-marked moose did not cross Subunit boundaries; however, 1
marked moose made an extensive migration south to winter in the
Palmer-Wasilla area (see Fig. 10).
Willow Mountain Postrutting Area:
It was not uncommon for marked moose in Subunit 14B to migrate to
Subunit 14A for the winter (see Fig. 11). Eight of 17 marked
moose monitored during the winter followed this migratory
pattern; three of those wintered just south of Willow Creek, and
the remaining five wintered near the Palmer-Wasilla area. The
latter migrations measured between 30 and 50 km. Two radio-
marked females (Nos. 601F and 261F) migrated across the Susitna
River into Subunit 16A prior to calving (see Fig. 14 and Fig.
56).
Witna Mountain Postrutting Area:
One of 2 marked moose (No. 551F) in Subunit 14B migrated across
the Susitna River into Subunit 16A prior to the calving period
(see Fig. 16).
Brownie Mountain Postrutting Area:
Generally, marked moose remained at higher elevations within the
drainages of the North Fork and Main Fork of the Kashwitna River
throughout the year (see Fig. 17) . However, 1 radio-marked
female (No. 54F) from this area was located on the Susitna ~iver
floodplain in Subunit 16A during the calving period (Fig. 57).
Wolverine Mountain Postrutting Area:
Radio-marked moose generally moved to lower elevations within
Subunit 14B during the winter period. One radio-marked female
(No. 46F) was located west of the Susitna River in Subunit 16A
during the calving period (Fig. 58).
Sunshine ~ountain Postrutting Area:
None of the 3 radio-marked moose traversed Subunit boundaries;
however, 4 females that had been radio-marked the previous winter
on the Susitna River floodplain (Arneson 1981) and subsequently
located in the Sunshine Mountain area during the postrutting
period migrated across the Susitna River into subunit 16A during
the calving period. One of these moose (No. 22F) traditionally
did not return to the Sunshine Mountain postrutting area in
Subunit 14B until late September or early October, after hunting
season opened (Fig. 59).
Susitna River Area No. 1 Winter Range:
Marked moose in Subunit 13E generally exhibited compact annual
ranges that allowed little opportunity for traversing subunit
boundaries. However, extraordinary movements involving
traversing boundaries into subunit 16A and 14B were recorded for
1 marked female (No. 74F) in the spring-summer period (Fig. 60).
Susitna River Area No. 2 Winter Range:
Marked moose originated from Subunits 16A and 14B. Several moose
from Subunit 14B remained in Subunit 16A for varying periods of
time from spring through early fall. Most radio-marked moose
from this capture site were found in the road-rail corridor of
Subunit 14B in the winter. All of these marked moose migrated
west of the Susitna River into Subunit 16A in spring. Point
locations for 1 male (No. 65M) illustrated this movement pattern
(Fig. 61).
Susitna River Area No. 3 Winter Range:
Most marked moose spent the nonwinter months in Subunit 16A.
During the winter many from this capture site were frequently
located along near the road-rail corridor in Subunit 14B (see
Fig. 27). One marked male (No. 27M) migrated into Subunit 14B in
the spring (Fig. 63). Some individuals radio-marked at this site
(e. , No. 100F) migrated farther east in winter, eventually
wintering in Subunit 14A south of the Little Susitna River (Fig.
64) or north of the Kashwitna River (it No. 62F). In the
spring the latter marked moose returned to Subunit 16A. None of
the moose marked at this capture site migrated directly east
after winter into Subunits 14A or 14B between the Kashwitna River
and the Little Susinta River (a Fig. 27).
Susitna River Area No. 4 Winter Range:
All but one radio-marked moose migrated west and remained there
after the winter (i.e., No. 44M) (Fig. 65). Although several of
these marked moose occurred in Subunit 14A in winter for varying
periods of time, only one ranged about 8 km into Subunit 14A
during the remainder of the year. Few marked moose in this area
traversed subunit boundaries.
Susitna River Area No. 5 Winter Range:
All marked moose remained in Subunit 16A during the spring and
summer. Most moose captured at this site eventually migrated
into Subunit 14B along the road-rail corridor (i.e., as No. 61F)
(Fig. 66) during the winter; one migrated farther east (No. 18F)
(Fig. 67).
DISCUSSION
Miqrations and Annual Ranse Size and Shawe
Traditional migrations of individual moose should be adaptive and
have survival value (LeResche 1974). To be adaptive, migrations
must increase the reproductive potential of individual moose. To
have survival value, movements must provide moose with a
beneficial change in their environment that may involve forage
quality and quantity; desirability of snow conditions; relief
from predators, insects, or conspecifics; or opportunities for
breeding. These changes should ultimately be linked to
conservation of energy. Because moose are long lived and their
movements can become traditional (LeResche 1974) and learned by
their offspring (Pulliainen 1974), the historical background of
populations and landscapes may have to be studied to help explain
the survival value of specific contemporary movement patterns
for individuals or subpopulations.
Individual radio-marked adult moose from the same site in the
lower Susitna Valley commonly exhibited similar (ngroup or
subpopulation specificgg) seasonal movement patterns. Groups of
radio-marked adult moose from different sites in the lower
Susitna Valley frequently exhibited different ("site specif icgl)
seasonal movement patterns. Group specific similarities and site
specific differences in movement patterns and annual ranges of
moose documented in my study are consistent with findings from
other studies in Alaska (LeResche 1972) and elsewhere (Sweanor
and Sandegren 1987, Addison et al. 1980).
LeResche (1974) indicated that short migrations and small home
ranges were more characteristic of moose inhabiting areas with
little variation in topographic relief; he reasoned that to be
adaptive, migrations between seasonal ranges must provide moose
with favorable environmental changes. He further believed that
in extensive low-relief areas of homogeneous habitats, reasonable
migrations would not provide the necessary favorable
environmental changes to warrant migratory behavior. In support
of this contention, Cederlund and Okarma (1988) found that
nonmigratory moose occurred in flat areas where habitat types
were evenly spaced.
The size and shape of annual ranges for individuals and groups
are largely influenced by snowfall and the resulting distance
moose must migrate to winter ranges hilli ips et al. 1973 and
Addison et al. 1980). Snowfall and snowpack depth may be the
underlying and overiding habitat component influencing timing,
occurrence, and magnitude of moose migrations and the size and
shape of annual ranges; however, the patterns of these effects
can be quite varied. Moose from some postrutting areas in the
Talkeetna Mountains have made migrations that were longer in
years with deeper snow; moose in the Susitna River Area No. 1
moved very little in areas with extremely deep snowpack; and
those from the Susitna River Area Nos. 2, 3, and 5 have made
extensive movements in response to moderate snowpack depths.
Perhaps, deep snowpacks can inhibit movements in one area (i. e: ,
where the energy required to find more amenable conditions is
great) and stimulate movements in another (e. one where
snowpacks depths are moderate and proximity of more desireable
habitat makes migration worthwhile). Similarly, different moose
from the same area (e.g., Willow Mountain) may demonstrate a
variety of behaviors (migratory or nonmigratory) to deal with
snowpack. Cederlund and Okarma (1988) found nonmigratory moose
in an area where snow cover occasionally exceeded 50 cm, but it
did not impede their movements or affect food availability. Bald
Mountain moose maintained small annual ranges by migrating to the
nearby lowland areas of shallow snow near Palmer and Wasilla,
while Brownie Mountain moose accomplished the same objective by
moving to relatively shallow snow areas at higher elevations.
In addition to snowfall, the size and shape of annual ranges of
female moose can be influenced by spring migrations to calving
areas (LeResche 1974). Movement to calving areas was the second-
most important factor in determining annual range size for
females. Many female moose from the Susitna River Area No. 1
made short movements directed to specific areas prior to
parturition (Modafferi 1984). Several female moose from Willow,
Wolverine, and Sunshine Mountains made extensive migrations (over
20 km) west of the Susitna River prior to calving that
significantly affected conformation to their annual ranges.
Females from Willow Mountain that made westerly migrations in the
spring did not make extensive southerly migrations in the winter.
Female moose may migrate to specific areas prior to parturition
to avoid predators (Edwards 1983), to obtain nutritious forage
(LeResche and Davis 1973), or to locate a particular habitat type
(Leptich and Gilbert 1989) .
Winter and ~~rinq Miqrations and Calf Recruitment
Sweanor and Sandegren (1987) found that calf recruitment rates
were similar for some groups of migratory and nonmigratory moose
and that recruitment rates were highest for migrants and
nonmigrants that wintered in areas where snowpacks were less,
despite locally higher densities and severely browsed forests.
These findings led Sweanor and Sandegren (1987) to speculate that
other factors (e.g., snow conditions) were more important than
browsing damage in limiting calf recruitment. Summer and winter
ranges were important factors affecting productivity of female
moose (Edwards and Ritcey 1956, Pimlott 1959). In view of these
findings, moose from Willow ~ountain that migrate to the Palmer-
Wasilla area for the winter (i.e., snowpack depths are typically
shallow) may have higher calf recruitment rates than those moose
from Willow Mountain that forgo this extensive migration and
winter locally where snowpacks are deeper.
If snowfall and snowpack depth are dominant factors affecting
calf recruitment, regardless of the migration distance (within
reason) required to reach such areas, then snow conditions should
be a primary factor for selecting locations for winter range
habitat enhancement. Because highly productive winter ranges in
areas with shallow snowpacks may not be duplicated by enhancing
habitats in areas where snowpacks are deeper, high-quality winter
range with shallow snowpacks (e.g., the Palmer-Wasilla area), is
irreplaceable. These findings emphasize the importance of
maintaining, conserving, and protecting moose wintering ranges at
locations that traditionally receive shallow snowpacks.
If long migrations to an area during a season important for
recruitment or survival indicate relatively high habitat quality,
then moose migratory patterns may be useful for identifying
important winter ranges. Similarly long migrations during other
seasons may be indicative of some special habitat quality; for
example, female moose from Willow, Wolverine, and Sunshine
Mountain postrutting areas that migrate across the Susitna River
into Subunit 16A for calving may encounter high-quality habitats
and experience higher rates of calf recruitment than females that
forgo extensive spring migrations and calve locally in Subunit
14B.
Basic Seasonal Movement Patterns and ~abitat Use for Moose in the
Western Foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
Moose begin to aggregate in alpine habitat postrutting areas in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in mid-October
(Modafferi 1990). Numbers of moose in alpine postrutting areas
typically attain peak levels between late October and early
December. Snowfall and snowpack depth can affect moose movements
(Sandegren et al. 1985, Sandegren and Sweanor 1987) and the
timing, duration and magnitude of moose use of alpine postrutting
areas (Modafferi 1990). Early heavy snowfalls can affect peak
moose levels by causing some moose to vacate alpine postrutting
areas before others arrive. In an average winter, fall-winter
moose migrations from postrutting areas are initiated in late
November or early December, and most moose are located on winter
ranges by mid- to late January. In a mild winter having light
snowfall, some moose do not arrive on winter ranges until
February or March and others may not migrate (Modafferi 198833,
1990).
My data indicated that many moose from the Willow Mountain
postrutting area and most moose between there and Bald Mountain
migrated south to lowland winter ranges in the Palmer-Wasilla
area. Moose from the North Fork Kashwitna and Kashwitna Rivers
remained at high elevations in those drainages throughout the
winter. Large numbers of moose from the latter area did not
appear to move west to lower elevations during winter as
contended (ADF&G files). Moose north of the North Fork tended to
move westerly toward lower elevations in winter. The tendency
and distance that moose migrated west appeared to increase from
Bald Mountain north. Most moose in Subunit 14B north of Sheep
Creek probably migrate west to lowlands in the road-rail corridor
or along the Susitna River floodplain or north to floodplains of
the Sheep River-Talkeetna River.
During the winter, many moose along the road-rail corridor from
Willow Creek to Talkeetna are migrants from Subunit 16A
(Modafferi 1988b). Probably, few moose in the road-rail corridor
between Willow Creek and the Kashwitna River are from Subunit
14B. Numbers of migrant moose from Subunit 16A in the road-rail
corridor appear to be increasingly ''dilutedvv with moose from the
Kashwitna River north in Subunit 14B.
Moose along the road-rail corridor in the Palmer-Wasilla area
were from Bald and Moss Mountains in Subunit 14A, Willow Mountain
in Subunit 14B, and from across the Susitna River in Subunit 16A.
Some moose from the Point Mackenzie area (Subunit 14A) may move
north and also winter in the Palmer-Wasilla area or along the
road-rail corridor (AD&G files). If snowfall and snowpack depth
continue to increase excessively throughout the winter, moose
will continue to move in their traditional direction of
migration. This may result in extended moose movements to lower
elevations outside their traditional annual range. In this
manner, severe winter conditions can cause large numbers of moose
to concentrate in lowland wintering areas along the road-rail
corridor and in Palmer-Wasilla area. Regardless of snow
conditions and winter severity, some moose do not migrate,
remaining in or near alpine postrutting areas during the winter.
In an average winter, most moose have initiated migrations from
winter ranges by April. Between the time moose leave winter
ranges and parturition, concentrations of moose occur in forest
habitats on south or southwest facing slopes immediately below
timberline. Moose occurrence in these habitats is protracted
following a mild winter when they leave winter ranges earlier.
By early May antler growth has been initiated in males and most
females are migrating to or are at calving areas. Some female
moose calve in the same subalpine forest habitats occupied during
April. Many other females typically move to lowland areas near
wet, open black spruce- (Picea mariana) muskeg habitats during
calving (Modafferi 1988b). Some female moose in postrutting
areas between Willow and Sunshine Mountains in Subunit 14B
migrate across the Susitna River into Subunit 16A and calve in
wet, black spruce-muskeg habitats. Females become sedentary near
parturition, and they remain near calving areas through June.
In July some females were located near parturition sites, but
more males than females were located in open shrub habitats at or
above timberline near alpine postrutting areas. In the June-July
period female moose occasionally exhibited extraordinary
movements (Modafferi 1988b).
In August, many moose that were in lowland forest habitats were
closer to the timberline ecotone and more moose began appearring
near or above timberline on west or southwest facing slopes.
22
Some females remained near lowland calving areas throughout
August.
By early September significantly fewer moose occurred above
timberline in postrutting areas, and many had moved to forest
habitats at slightly lower elevations. The hunting season opens
during September, and it has been hypothesized that moose vacate
alpine areas to avoid activities of hunters (ADF&G files).
Observations of radio-marked moose in the lower Susitna River
Valley where few hunters occur indicated movement into forest
habitats during late August and early September (ADF&G files). I
believe they move there for reasons other than to avoid hunters.
Prior to the rut, male moose may move extensively during
September. The rut probably peaks between late September and
early October. I rarely observed moose engaged in rutting
behavior during moose surveys in alpine habitats in Talkeetna
Mountains from early to mid-October through the winter (Modafferi
1990). I believe that most moose in Subunit 14B rut in forest
habitats. Following the rut, moose began to concentrate in the
alpine habitat postrutting areas, where they were captured and
radio-marked.
Occurrence in the Willow Mountain critical ~abitat and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest
Willow Mountain Critical Habitat (WMCH) is recognized as an
important moose postrutting concentration area (ADF&G files).
Data from radio-marked moose indicated that significant
concentrations also occur in WMCH and the adjacent KCF during
other seasons.
Significant numbers of marked moose occurred in the WMCH, the
KCF, and other subalpine habitats of Subunit 14B in April; i.e.,
subsequent to winter range and before migrations to calving areas
in May. Moose continued to concentrate in or near timberline
ecotone habitats during July and August. During September, moose
concentrations occurred below timberline in the WMCH and at lower
elevations in forest habitats in the KCF. In October moose began
to gather in postrutting concentration areas at higher elevations
in the northern KCF and alpine areas of the WMCH. In November
and December moose occurrence in postrutting concentration areas
and alpine portions of WMCH was greatest. By late December,
along with increased snowfall and wintery conditions, moose
initiated migrations to lower elevation winter ranges. This
shift between postrutting concentration areas and winter ranges
continued through early winter. In the mild winter of 1985-86,
large numbers of marked moose remained in alpine habitat
postrutting areas and did not migrate, and the WMCH (e. a
moose alpine postrutting area) apparently functioned as a winter
range.
Movements Across Subunit Boundaries -
Subunits are the basic geographical unit for moose management in
the lower Susitna River Valley. Data on moose population size,
demography, productivity, and mortality are collected within
subunits. Analyses of these data provide area management
biologists with information necessary to assess the status of
moose populations within the subunit, formulate and propose
regulatory changes, and comment on regulatory proposals. A basic
assumption is that the subunit is a closed system, implying that
all data obtained within it is representative of the moose
population (i.e., moose are always within the same subunits).
Moose in the lower Susitna Valley commonly and traditionally
cross subunit boundaries during different seasonal migrations.
In the winter significant numbers of moose migrate from subunit
16A to Subunits 14A and 14B. Many of these moose winter in the
Palmer-Wasilla area, along the Knik Goose Bay Road, and in the
road-rail corridor between Talkeetna and Wasilla. A single male
moose provided evidence that moose cross from the Alexander Creek
area in Subunit 16B to Point Mackenzie in Subunit 14A. Small
numbers of moose from Sunshine Mountain area in Subunit 14B
crossed into Subunit 16A during the winter. Marked moose from
north of Talkeetna in Subunit 13E migrated into Subunit 14B
during the winter and into Subunit 16A in the spring and summer
(Modafferi 1988b).
In the spring significant numbers of female moose from Subunit
14B migrated into subunit 16A. Some moose involved in this
migration did not return to Subunit 14B until late September
after moose hunting season had opened.
I suspect that boundary crossings were considerably less common
for moose from the Bald Mountain postrutting area, because
acceptable winter range and calving habitat occurred nearby
within the boundaries of Subunit 14A; however, one 2-year-old
male moved from Bald Mountain in Subunit 14A to the Hiline Lake
area in Subunit 16B. This male may have been establishing a new
annual range, rather than making a migration with the intent to
return.
Because moose in the lower Susitna Valley migrate across subunit
boundaries during the fall and winter, moose censuses and
composition surveys for Subunits 14A 14B, or 16A must be
conducted before moose begin winter migrations to accurately
evaluate effects of fall hunts. Because timing of winter
migrations varies vary greatly (Modafferi 1990) and is related to
snowfall and snowpack depth (Addison et. al., Sandegren et al.
1987, and Modaf feri 1990) , area wildlife managers must initiate
and complete moose surveys so they are initiated at the proper
times .
Area wildlife managers must be cautious when allocating moose
mortality data recorded in Subunits 13E, 14A, 14B, 16A, and 16B
24
i
to specific subunits. Moose mortalities from winter hunts and
collisions with trains and vehicles in the road-rail corridor,
which can be significant in some years, must not be allocated
solely to Subunits 14A or 14B (e. , where the mortalities
occurred) moose subpopulations. Likewise, mitigation for moose
mortalities from these sources should not be targeted solely for
Subunits 14A or 14B. Knowledge about identity and migratory
patterns of moose subpopulations will assist area wildlife
managers in making acceptable decisions for allocating mortality
and targeting mitigation among the correct moose subpopulations.
Moose from Subunits 16A, 16E, 14B, and 14A utilized winter range
in the Palmer-Wasilla area. Positive or negative impacts to this
winter range will affect moose from many subunits. Because of
traditionally shallow snowpacks in the Palmer-Wasilla wintering
area, habitat enhancement at another location cannot substitute
for loss of this winter range. Because moose cross subunit
boundaries for calving, surveys of calves and females during
parturition are not a recommended method of obtaining information
on production that is to be integrated with herd composition
data obtained from fall moose surveys in alpine habitat
postrutting areas.
Movements and Late Winter Hunts in Subunit 14B
In the recent past, moose in remote alpine habitat postrutting
areas in the western foothills of Talkeetna Mountains (Subunit
14B) were considered inaccessible to hunters during fall hunting
seasons (ADF&G files). Additionally, it was contended that in
the winter these moose subpopulations migrated to lowland areas
along the road-rail corridor where they could be accessed and
harvested by hunters (ADF&G files) . This rationale helped
justify late-winter moose hunting seasons along the road-rail
corridor as a means of controlling levels of subpo population^^^
that remained at high elevations in the fall and were
inaccessible to hunters. These contentions, however, are not
entirely valid. I found that moose from the Brownie Mountain
postrutting area would not be vulnerable to hunters during the
winter moose hunts in lowlands near the road-rail corridor.
Radio-marked moose from Brownie ~ountain postrutting area seldom
left higher elevations of the North Fork Kashwitna River and the
main fork Kashwitna River drainages and were rarely located in
lowlands near the road-rail corridor that were accessible to
hunters in winter. I found that many moose from the Willow
Mountain postrutting area migrated south into Subunit 14A in the
winter where late-winter moose hunts were not implemented; most
other moose moved slightly west to lower-elevation areas
inaccessible to hunters from the road-rail corridor. These data
indicated that few moose from Subunit 14B south of Little Willow
Creek would be vulnerable in winter to hunter harvests from along
the road-rail corridor in Subunit 14B. Moose from Wolverine
Mountain migrated west in winter, but they terminated movements
before reaching points accessible from the road-rail corridor. I
found that moose from Witna Mountain and other postrutting areas
north of Sheep Creek migrated into lowland areas accessible by
the road-rail corridor. Some moose from these areas may remain
in foothill areas, which are not accessible by the road-rail
corridor. Although field data were not collected for moose north
of the South Fork Montana Creek, I suspect that large numbers of
moose from this area make winter migrations west to the road-rail
corridor or north to floodplains of Sheep and Talkeetna Rivers to
avoid excessively deep snowpacks in alpine postrutting areas.
Previous moose studies documented significant winter moose
migrations from Subunit 16A toward the Susitna River and the
road-rail corridor in subunits 14B and 14A between Talkeetna and
Cook Inlet (Modafferi 1988b). These west-to-east migrations
appeared to involve significant numbers of moose from Subunit
16A, regardless of winter severity. Moose from Subunit 16A
terminated these migrations on the Susitna River floodplain along
the road-rail system or farther east in Subunit 14B. This major
west-to-east winter migration leaves significant numbers of moose
from Subunit 16A in the road-rail corridor between Wasilla and
Talkeetna in the winter. Because extreme snow conditions appear
to influence the magnitude of moose migrations in Subunit 14B
more than in Subunit 16A, in mild winters a smaller proportion of
moose in the road-rail corridor are from remote portions of
Subunit 14B (vs. Subunit 16A) (Modafferi 198813 and 1990). The
proportion of Subunit 14B moose (vs. Subunit 16A moose)
vulnerable to hunter harvest in the road-rail corridor in late
winter probably increases with winter severity. These data
indicated that only during severe winters and only north of Sheep
Creek would late winter moose hunts along the road-rail corridor
be a viable management option to promote the harvest of moose
from remote northeastern parts of Subunit 14B.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I thank D. McAllister, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, for
logistic assistance, help with "radio-trackingn surveys,
assistance drafting figures and who along with B. Taylor, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, assisted in the capture, handling
and radio-marking of moose. K. Schneider, Alaska Department of
Fish and Game, is acknowledged for providing support and helpful
suggestions throughout this study, reviewing drafts of this
report, and for willingly providing assistance in administration
procedures. C. Grauvogel, Area Management Biologist, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, is acknowledged for "arean support,
comments on all aspects of the study, and for sharing his vast
experiences and knowledge about moose. B. Wiederkehr, Wiederkehr
Air Inc., Palmer, L. Rogers, Southcentral Air Inc., Kenai, and C.
Soloy, Soloy Helicopters, Wasilla, deserve special thanks for
safely piloting super cub, 185 and helicopter aircraft,
respectively, utilized in this study. Becky Strauch, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, is acknowledged for updating and
maintaining the computerized data file for radio-marked moose,
for providing compilations of data on marked moose and for
producing the computer generated Figures included in this report.
In spite of her very busy work schedule, Ms. Strauch, always
managed to find time to provide computer generated products that
I requested.
LITERATURE CITED
Addison, R. B., J. C. Williamson, B. P. Saunders, and D. Fraser.
1980. ~adio-tracking of moose in the boreal forest of
Northwestern Ontario. Can. Field Nat. 94:269-276.
Arneson, P. 1981. Big game studies. Vol. 11. Moose. Ann. Prog .
Rep. Susitna Hydroelectric Proj. Alaska Dep. Fish and Game.
Juneau. 64pp.
Cederlund, G. N., and H. Okarma. 1988. Home range and habitat
use of adult female moose. J. Wildl. Manage. 52:336-343.
Chatelain, E. F. 1951. Winter range problems of moose in the
Susitna Valley. Proc. Alaska Sci.; Conf. 2:343-347.
Didrickson, J. C., and K. P. Taylor. 1978. Lower Susitna Valley
moose population identity study. Alaska Dept. of Fish and
Game. Fed. Wildl. Rest. Proj. Final Rept., W-17-8 and 9.
Jobl.16R. Juneau. 20pp.
Edwards, R. Y., and R. W. Ritcey. 1956. ~eproduction in a moose
population. J. Wildl. Manage. 22:261-268.
1983. Diet shifts in moose due to predator
avoidance. Oecologia 60:185-189.
Gasaway, W. C., S. D. Dubois, D. J. Reed, and S. J. Harbo. 1986.
Estimating moose population parameters from aerial surveys.
Inst Arctic Biol. Biol. Papers. No. 22. Univ. of Alaska.
Fairbanks. pp.108.
LeResche, R. E. 1972. Migrations and population mixing of moose
on the Kenai Peninsula (Alaska). Trans. North Am. Moose
Conf. and Workshop 8:185-207.
, and J. L. Davis. 1973. Importance of nonbrowse
foods to moose on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. J. wildl.
Manage. 37:279-287.
. 1974. Moose migrations of North America. Nat. Can.
(Que.) 101:393-415.
Leptich, D. J., and J. R. Gilbert. 1989. Summer home range and
habitat use by moose in northern Maine. J. Wildl. Manage.
53:880-885.
Modafferi, R. D. 1982. Big game studies. Vol 11. Moose-
Downstream. Final Phase I Rep. Susitna Hydroelectric Proj.
Alaska Dep. Fish Game. Juneau. 114pp.
-- . 1983. Big game studies. Vol. 11. Moose-Downstream.
Prog. Rep. Phase 11. ~usitna Hydrolelectric Proj. Alaska
Dep. Fish and Game. Juneau. 114pp.
. 1984. Big game studies. Vol. 11. Moose-Downstream.
Prog. Rep. Phase 11. Susitna Hydroelectric Proj. Alaska
Dep. Fish and Game. 116pp.
1987. Lower Susitna Valley moose population
identity and movement study. Alaska Dep. Fish and Game.
Fed. Aid Wildl. Rest. Prog. Rep. Proj. W-22-5. Job 1.38R.
Juneau. l7pp.
1988~. Lower ~usitna Valley moose population
identity and movement study. Alaska Dep. Fish and Game.
Fed. Aid Wildl. Rest. Prog. Rep. ~roj. W-22-5 and W-22-6.
Job IB 1.38. Juneau. 60pp.
. 1988~. Big game studies. Vol. I. Moose-Downstream.
Final Rep. Susitna ~ydroelectric Proj. Alaska Dep. Fish and
Game. 211pp.
1990. Lower Susitna Valley moose population
identity and movement study. Alaska Dep. Fish and Game.
Fed. Aid Wildl. Rest. Prog. Rep. Proj. W-23-2. Job IB
1.38. Juneau. 46pp.
Phillips, R. L., W. E. Berg, and D. B. Siniff. 1973. Moose
movement patterns and range use in northwestern Minnesota.
J. Wildl. Manage. 37:266-278.
Pimlott, D. H. 1959. Reproduction and production of
Newfoundland moose. J. Wildl. Manage. 23:381-401.
Pullianinen, E. 1974. Seasonal movements of moose in Europe.
Nat. Can. (Que.) 101:379-392.
Rausch, R. A. 1958. The problem of railroad-moose conflicts in
the Susitna Valley. Alaska Dep. of Fish and Game. Fed. Aid
Wildl. Rest. Final Rep. Proj. W-3-R. Job 1-4. Juneau.
ll6pp.
. 1959. Some aspects of population dynamics of the
railbelt moose populations, Alaska. M.S. Thesis. Univ.
Alaska, Fairbanks. 81pp.
Sandegren, F., R. Bergstrom, and P. Y. Sweanor. 1985. Seasonal
moose migration related to snow in Sweden. Alces 21:39-56.
Sweanor, P. Y., and F. Sandegren. 1987. ~igration patterns of a
moose population in relation to calf recruitment. VI:86-94.
in P. Y. Sweanor. Winter ecology of a Swedish moose
population: Social Behavior, Migration and Dispersal. MSc.
Thesis. Swedish Univ. Agricult. Sci. Rept.13. Uppsala.
pp.94.
Viereck, L. A., and E. L. Little, Jr. 1972. Alaska trees and
shrubs. U.S. Dept. Agric. Forest Sen. Handbook No. 410.
265pp.
PREPARED BY:
Ronald D. Modafferi
Wildlife Biologist
SUBMITTED BY:
Karl B. Schneider
Research Coordinator
APPROVED BY: , \ \
Division of Wildlife Conservation
bk - -
Wayne L\ Regelin, ~eAuty Director
Division of Wildlife Conservation
\
"e"'-----,Skwentna ...
~io
)'...
COOK INLET
..
·flau;'e'.Map .taowlna looatlon of the.tudya,.a In Ala.ka with namea "'-ted for'
rivera.la'e.and other prominent land.cap.f.ature ••
30
t
NORni
Fig.2.Location of aame Management Subunits (13E.14A,148,
18A and 188)and atate and national "arka In the atudy area.
37
Fig.3.Locations of Talkeetna Mountains alpine habitat moose postrut
areas (A-G),Kashwitna Corridor Forest (H),Coal Creek timber cut area
(I),Alexander Creek (J)and the Lake Creek/Skwentna area (K)where
moose were captured and radio-marked.A =Bald Mountain,B =Moss
Mountain,C =Willow Mountain,D =Witna Mountain,E =Brownie Mountain,
F =wolverine Mountain,and G =Sunshine Mountain.
•
ilia
I n let
K m.
45
I
coO ~
NORTH
32
Scal.1:915000
'0
t::!==--~==--~:::!
•
•
t
NORTH
Scale 1:915000
o
!
K m.
50
d
INL.ET
Fig.4.Locations of Talkeetna Mountains alpine habitat moose postrut
areas (A-G),Kashwitna Corridor Forest area (H),Moose Creek (I),Kroto
Creek (J)and Game Management Subunit 14B (K)where moose surveys were
conducted.A =Bald Mtn.,B =Moss Mtn.,C =Willow Mtn.,D =Witna
Mtn.,E =Brownie Mtn.,F =Wolverine Mtn.,and G =Sunshine Mtn.
33
oo
c...----B
-A
Fig.5.Point locations where individual moose were captured and radio-marked in 7 alpine
habitat postrut areas in game management Subunits 14A and B in the western foothills of the
Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska.A =Bald Mtn.,B =Moss Mtn.,C =Willow Mtn.,D
Witna Mtn.,E =Brownie Mtn.,F =Wolverine Mtn.,and G =Sunshine Mtn.
It
w
U1
D
;;>----c
~---B
-A
Fig.6.Locations of Willow Mountain Critical Habitat (H)and Kashwitna Corridor Forest Lands
(I)in relation to alpine habitat moose postrut areas where moose were captured and marked (A-
G)in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska.A =Bald Mtn.,
B =Moss Mtn.,C =Willow Mtn.,D =Witna Mtn.,E =Brownie Mtn.,F =Wolverine Mtn.,and G =
Sunshine Mtn.
a ~o
Bald Mountain
I I I I I
---
j)
Fig.7.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 11 moose
radio-marked on the Bald Mountain alpine habitat postrut area in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in scuthcentral
Alaska,1985-90.
36
..
Fig.8.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.291F)on the Bald Mountain alpine habitat
postrut area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
in southcentral Alaska,1985-90.
37
Io I I
20 30
Moss t.4ou'rlain
I I
40 50 ~o 70 K1Iomet..s
j}
•
..
Fig.9.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 2 moose
radio-marked on the MOBS Mountain alpine habitat postrut area in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1985-87.
38
•
I I I I I I I Io1020 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
Moose 38
Fig.10.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.38F)on the Moss Mountain alpine habitat postrut
area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in
southcentral Alaska,1985-87.
39
Io
WIIow t.b.ntain
10 40 60 70 KDcmetrs
•
Fig.11.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 19
moose radio-marked on the Willow Mountain alpine habitat postrut
area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in
southcentral Alaska,1985-90.
40
•
•
•
o 10
Moose 17
I I I I I I
j}
Fig.12.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.17M)on the Willow Mountain alpine habitat
postrut area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
in southcentral Alaska,1985-89.
41
Io ~o !o 10 k ~o ~o Kilometers
j)
~793
..
Fig.13.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.793F)on the Willow Mountain alpine habitat
postrut area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
in southcentral Alaska,1987-90.
42
•
o 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
.f}
t.4oose 60J
Fig.14.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.601F)on the Willow Mountain alpine habitat
postrut area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
in southcentral Alaska,1986-90.
43
Io
Wltno
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
Fig.15.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 3 mobse
radio-marked on the Witna Mountain alpine habitat postrut area in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1985-90.
44
..
..
•
o 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 KiJomet ...s
Moose 551
Fig.16.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.551F)on the Witna Mountain alpine habitat
postrut area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
in southcentral Alaska,1986-90.
45
Io 10
j I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
•
•
Brownie Uountoin
Fig.17.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 7 moose
radio-marked on the Brownie Mountain alpine habitat postrut area
in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in
southcentral Alaska 1985-90.
46
•
..
o 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
A
A
Moose 49
Fig.18.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.49F)on the Brownie Mountain alpine habitat
post rut area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
in southcentral Alaska,1986-90.
47
I I I I I I
j}
Wolverine tdoll1toin
Fig.19.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 6 moose
radio-marked on the Wolverine Mountain alpine habitat postrut area
in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in
southcentral Alaska,1985-90.
48
•
•
o I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 KiIomet ..s
Moose 51
Fig.20.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.SlF)on the Wolverine Mountain alpine habitat
postrut area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
in southcentral Alaska,1986-90.
49
o I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
Su1shine Uol.l'1taln
Fig.21.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 3 moose
radio-marked on the Sunshine Mountain alpine habitat post rut area
in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in
southcentral Alaska,1985-86.
50
•
•
o 10
t.4oose II
I I I \ \ I
20 :sO 40 50 60 70 KiIomet ..s
j}
Fig.22.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.11F)on the Sunshine Mountain alpine habitat
postrut area in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains
in southcentral Alaska,1986-90.
51
I I I I I I I Io1)20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
Talceetna t
Fig.23.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 12
moose radio-marked in winter along the Susitna River floodplain
between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon (Susitna River Area 1)in
southcentral Alaska 1980-90.
52
•
•
..o 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 KDometers
j}
~se 63
Fig.24.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.63F)in winter along the Susitna River
floodplain between Talkeetna and Devil Canyon (Susitna River Area
1)in southcentral Alaska,1981-90.
53
I I I I I Io
j}
Susitna River 2
Fig.25.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 9 moose
radio-marked in winter along the Susitna River floodplain between
Talkeetna and Montana Creek (Susitna River Area 2)in southcentral
Alaska,1980-90.
54
o 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
Moose 82
Fig.26.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.82F)in winter along the Susitna River
floodplain between Talkeetna and Montana Creek (Susitna River Area
2)in southcentral Alaska,1981-83.
55
Io I
Xl
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
•
Susitno River 3
Fig.27.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 12
moose radio-marked I winter along the Susitna River floodplain
between Montana Creek and the Yentna River,(Susitna River Area 3)
in southcentral Alaska,1980-90.
56
Io I
10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
Fig.28.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.59F)in winter along the Susitna River
floodplain between Montana Creek and the Yentna River (Susitna
River Area 3)in southcentral Alaska,1981-90.
57
58
Fig.29.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 11
moose radio-marked in winter along the Susitna River floodplain
between the Yentna River and Cook Inlet (Susitna river Area 4)in
southcentral Alaska 1981-90.
•
j}
I I I i I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 KDometrs
~-----~
f~A
J •,
I •
",.......
10
Susitna River 4
o
o 10
I I I I I I
j}
Moose 93
Fig.30.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.93F)in winter along the Susitna River
floodplain between the Yentna River and Cook Inlet (Susitna River
Area 4)in southcentral Alaska,1981-90.
59
Io 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
MontCJ'lQ West
Fig.31.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from 8 moose
radio-marked i winter on an abandoned homestead site along the
west bank of the Susitna River opposite Montana Creek (Susitna
River Area 5)in southcentral Alaska,1984-90.
60
•
o 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
•
Moose 812
Fig.32.Convex polygon encompassing point locations from a moose
radio-marked (No.8l2F)in winter on an abandoned homestead site
along the west bank of the Susitna river southcentral Alaska,
1984-90.
61
Fig.33.Fall (28 October-25 November)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat postrut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1986.Alpine habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
.•
Fig.34.Fall (28 October-25 November)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat post rut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1987.Alpine habitat postrut areas,Willow mountain Critical Habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
•
Fig.35.Fall (28 October-25 November)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat post rut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1988.Alpine habitat postrut areas,Willow mountain Critical habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest are delineated (see Fig.6)•
•
•
•
Fig.36.Winter (20 January-20 March)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat postrut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1987.Alpine habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
oo
••
••
•
Fig.37.Winter (20 January-20 March)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat postrut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1988.Alpine habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
•
Fig.38.Winter (20 January-20 March)point locations form moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat postrut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1989.Alpine habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
............
Fig.39.Fall (23 December-7 January)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat postrut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1985-86.Alpine habitat post rut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
• •
Fig.40.Winter (20 January-20 March)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat postrut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1986.Alpine habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
••
Fig.41.Fall (28 October-25 November)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat postrut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1989.Alpine habitat postrut areas,willow Mountain Critical habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
oo
•
•
•
Fig.42.Winter (20 January-20 March)point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine
habitat postrut areas in the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral
Alaska,1990.Alpine habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical habitat,and the
Kashwitna Corridor Forest are delineated (see Fig.6).
Fig.43.October point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1986-89.Alpine
habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest are
delineated (see Fig.6).
••
•
Fig.44,November point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1986-89.Alpine
habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest
lands are delineated (see Fig.6).
•••••.-
•
••
•
•
Fig.45.December point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1986-89.Alpine
habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest
lands are delineated (see Fig.6).
-.J
Ul
•
....
Fig.46.January point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1987-90.alpine
habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor forest
lands are delineated (see Fig.6).
oo
~••
• ••,.
Fig.47.February point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1987-90.Alpine
habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest
lands are delineated (see Fig.6).
••
•
\
Fig.48.March point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1987-89.Alpine habitat
postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest lands are
delineated (see Fig.6).
Fig.49.April point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1987-89.Alpine habitat
postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest lands are
delineated (see Fig.6).
•••
•••
Fig.50.May point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1986-89.Alpine habitat
postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor forest lands are
delineated (see Fig.6).
00a
Fig.51.June point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1986-89.Alpine habitat
postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest lands are
delineated (see Rig.6).
••••
••
00
Fig.52.July point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1986-89.Alpine habitat
postrut areas,Willow Mountain critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest lands are
delineated (see Fig.6).
Fig.53.August point locations from moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1986-89.alpine habitat
postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna Corridor Forest lands are
delineated (see Fig.6).
•••
00w
•
••
•••
Fig.54.September point locations form moose radio-marked in alpine habitat postrut areas in
the western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains in southcentral Alaska,1986-89.Alpine
habitat postrut areas,Willow Mountain Critical Habitat,and the Kashwitna corridor Forest
lands are delineated (see Fig.6).
o 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
--::::.-----
j)
•
..
•
Moose 35
Fig.55.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.35M)from the Bald Mountain postrut area that migrated
across the boundary between Subunits 14A-16B in southcentral
Alaska,1985-86.
84
•
•
•
•
..
o 10 ~o 30 40 50 60 70 KiIometrs
j)
•
Moose 261
Fig.56.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.261F)from the Willow Mountain postrut area that
migrated across the boundary between Subunits 148 and 16A in
southcentral Alaska,1985-90.
85
Io I
10
I I I I I I20304050 60 70 Kilometrs
j}
•
,
c
Moose 54
Fig.57.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.54F)from the Brownie Mountain postrut area that
migrated across the boundary between Subunits 14B and 16A boundary
in southcentral Alaska,1986-90.
86
•
•
o 10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
•
Moose 46
Fig.58.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.46F)from the Wolverine Mountain postrut area that
migrated across the boundary between Subunits 148 and 16A in
southcentral Alaska,1986-87.
87
10 20 10 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
•
•
Moose 22
Fig.59.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.22F)from the Sunshine Mountain postrut area that
migrated across the boundary between Subunits 14A and 16B in
southcentral Alaska,1980-90.
88
•
•
•
•
Io I
10
I I I I I I
20 30 40 ~O 60 70 Kilometers
j}
..
"'0058 74
Fig.60.Polygon encompassing point locations from a a radio-
marked moose (No.74F)from the Susitna River Area 1 winter range
capture site that migrated across the boundary between Subunits
13E,148,and 16A in southcentral Alaska,1981-82.
89
o I I I I I I
t.foose -65
j}
,
..
•
Fig.61.polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.65M)from the Susitna river Area 21 winter range
capture site that migrated across the boundary between Subunits
16a and 148 in southcentral Alaska,1981-83.
90
•
•
•
o 10
I I I I I \
20 30 40 SO 60 70 Kilometers
..Fig.62.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.27M)from the Susitna River area 3 winter range capture
site that migrated across the boundary between Subunits 148 and
16A in southcentral Alaska,1980-85.
91
I I I I I I 1
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Kilometers
j}
Moose 62
Fig.63.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (NO.62F)from the Susitna River Area 3 winter range capture
site that migrated across the boundary between Subunits 16A and
148 in southcentral Alaska,1980-90.
92
r
•
,
•
•
ro I I
20 30 40
A
A
60 70 KiJomet.s
jJ
f Moose 100
Fig.64.polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.100F)from the Susitna River Area 3 winter range
capture site that migrated across the boundary between Subunits
16A and l4A in southcentral Alaska,1982-89.
93
•
I I I I~o20
I}.
r------.
••--I•
10o
t.4oose 44
Fig.65.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No. 44K)from the Susitna river Area 4 winter range capture
site that migrated across the boundary between Subunits 168 and
14A in southcentral Alaska,1982-83.
94
95
Fig.66.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.61F)from the Susitna River Area 5 winter range capture
site that migrated across the boundary between Subunits 16A and
148 in southcentral Alaska,1984-90.
70 KDomet8l'1l~o5040!o~o
toAoose 61
o
"
•
,
b h !o !o 10 k ~o ~o KIlometers
A
A
Moose 18
Fig.67.Polygon encompassing point locations from a radio-marked
moose (No.18F)from the Susitna River Area 5 winter range capture
site that migrated across the boundary between Subunits 16A and
148 in southcentral Alaska,1984-90.
96
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination
based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, or disability.
The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire
further information please write to ADF&G, P.O. Box 25526, Juneau, AK 99802-5526; U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 300 Webb, Arlington, VA 22203 or O.E.O., U.S.
Department of the Interior, Washington DC 20240.
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications, please contact the
department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-6077, (TDD) 907-465-3646, or (FAX) 907-465-6078.