Excerpts from October 1999 Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

Publication

The Hart Mountain 1999 summer pronghorn survey showed the highest rate of fawn survival seen on the Refuge since 1992. Out of an estimated 1497 fawns born on the Refuge, 297 survived through mid-July. This rate of survival is equivalent to 38 fawns per 100 does. Under typical conditions, fawn survival that averages 25-30 per 100 does will maintain the size of the herd....In recent years, fawn survival and recruitment appear to be limited by events in the first 10 days of a pronghorn's life.

So what caused fawn survival to improve this year? The Hart Mountain refuge staff continue to monitor fawn survival, health, and causes for mortality in the hopes of understanding more about the relationship between pronghorn and their environment. In May of 1999, 40 fawns were captured, their physical condition assessed, their blood was sampled, and radio transmitters were attached. Twelve fawns survived through the study period which ended in

mid-July. The causes of death for lost fawns appear very similar to results seen in 1996-98: coyotes preyed upon all but one that was taken by an eagle.

(Emphasis added) No deaths resulted from poor nutrition or disease.

Ed. Note: This extensive survey was done by our federal government, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. As we all know, no one moves slower than the federal government except Nevada Division of Wildlife. They still don't get it when it comes to predators.