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Join BHA Habitat Steward Coordinator Bard Edrington V on the Taos Plateau for a weekend of fence modification, camping and turkey hunting. This is the first of five Habitat Stewardship events, presented by OnX, on the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument.
The Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument is an important wintering area for elk and mule deer and year-round habitat for pronghorn. The plateau is a multi-use area that has miles of fencing separating grazing allotments. Much of this fencing is not wildlife friendly and can cause direct mortality, injury and hair loss. Pronghorn are not good jumpers and can become trapped behind fencing thus fragmenting their habitat and causing them stress. Deer and elk risk becoming entangled in the fencing when jumping over.
That is where we come in. We will be modifying the existing fencing to wildlife friendly standards. This involves replacing the bottom strand of barbed wire with a smooth strand and securing it 16" off the ground. The three other strands are spaced at 6", 8", and 12" creating a 42" tall fence.
We know you want to make the most of every weekend to chase gobbles, that's why we combined a turkey hunt with stewardship work. The Carson NF has good populations of turkey that are a short drive from camp. This will also be a great opportunity for new hunters to get to learn about turkeys.
Friday: You can arrive at the designated camping spot anytime on Friday afternoon. There are no amenities at this location so be sure to bring everything you will need to camp. On Friday night you will be responsible for your own food. You can also go turkey hunting Friday evening.
Saturday: We will provide coffee and breakfast burritos before we do a safety talk and go over what we are doing for the day. Plan to bring a lunch as well as plenty of water. We will work until ~4 pm. For those joining Saturday morning we will meet at 8:00 am at the the cattle guard ~ miles west on FR 87. There is a pin in the OnX folder below.
Saturday evening: We will plan on being back to camp early enough for folks to go out turkey hunting in the afternoon. Hopefully we roost some birds for Sunday morning hunt. Saturday night is a potluck, so bring a dish to share. Santa Fe Brewing Company will provide the beer.
Sunday: Sunday is for turkey hunting.
Hunting: You will be responsible for license and all hunting weapons and gear.
Safety glasses (sunglasses work), water, sunscreen, hats, long sleeve shirts, boots and pants that you don't mind possible getting torn. Barbed wire has a way of doing that.