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White-tailed deer are the most numerous big game species on the WMA. The resident deer population averages 5-10 deer per square mile. The only hunting season on the WMA occurs during November when an archery-only hunt is allowed. The reported deer harvest for this season is often less than five animals per year.
Other big game species found on the WMA on a transitory basis include mule deer, black bear, moose, mountain lion and occasionally elk.
Ruffed grouse and Merriam’s turkey are resident upland game species on the WMA. Ruffed grouse are commonly flushed in natural forest openings and along trails and old roads. Turkeys were introduced into Farragut State Park in 1989. Their population has spread, colonizing areas outside the State’s ownership while bird numbers in the park and WMA confines appear to have stabilized.
Non-game species include 19 resident bird species and 34 migratory bird species. Small mammals include various squirrel, packrat, pocket gopher, white-footed deer mice, badger, skunk, porcupine and five species of bat. Coyotes, bobcats and weasels are also in residence.
Migrating bald eagles are seasonal visitors to the WMA. Eagles arrive in late October and stay until the middle of March. They are commonly found all winter along the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille where they feed on spawning kokanee and whitefish.
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