Cecil D. Andrus Wildlife and Fish

Wildlife
At least 26 different mammal species and over 65 different kinds of birds can be found on the Andrus WMA throughout the year. A 1996 wildlife inventory found that at least 108 vertebrate species (birds and mammals) live on the WMA. Mule deer and elk are the most common big game animals, and although a few are found here year-round, their numbers dramatically increase during the winter months as they migrate down from their summer ranges. The lower snow depths, milder temperatures and available forage helps these animals survive the winter. Over 700 elk and 1500 mule deer spend their winter on the WMA each year.

A small band of big horn sheep are frequently found on the WMA near the mouth of Dukes Creek, and they are most visible during winter months. Black bears are year-round residents, and are most commonly seen near riparian areas during early spring and fall. Mountain lion and bobcat occur here too, but are seldom seen due to their secretive nature. Other animals living here include coyote, red squirrel, weasel, cottontail rabbit, rubber boa and rattlesnake.

Upland game species are abundant and include chukar, gray partridge, ruffed and blue grouse, wild turkey and California quail. Sage grouse have occasionally been observed on the WMA, and although there are records of sharp-tailed grouse and mountain quail sightings, neither has been observed recently.

The habitat diversity of the Andrus WMA supports a wide variety of raptors. Golden eagles are year-round residents, and bald eagles are seen along Brownlee Reservoir during winter. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and American kestrels are commonly seen soaring across open hillsides. Songbirds common to sagebrush landscapes, riparian areas and forests habitats are all found on the WMA, including western meadowlark, belted kingfisher, western tanager and pine siskin. Rufous hummingbirds are commonly encountered at higher elevations when the wax currants are flowering. Great horned and western screech owls are seen in the evenings, and several owl nests have been observed near the WMA headquarters.

Fisheries
Approximately 30 miles of perennial streams occur within the WMA and these support populations of redband rainbow trout. These streams are small and provide limited fishing opportunities, but are important spawning streams for rainbow trout in Brownlee Reservoir. Habitat management to insure healthy riparian areas helps to maintain this fishery. Brownlee Reservoir forms part of the western boundary of the WMA and this 57-mile long reservoir hosts excellent warm water fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie.