F. E. Warren AFB and Wyoming Game & Fish to Implement Pronghorn Management Plan Published Feb. 22, 2013 By Staff Reports F. E. Warren AFB Public Affairs and Natural Resources Office F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- F. E. Warren Air Force Base has been granted a Chapter 56 Permit, or Regulation Governing Lethal Taking of Wildlife, from Wyoming Game and Fish to reduce pronghorn overpopulation on base beginning this month. According to a 1992 United States Fish and Wildlife assessment, the appropriate carrying capacity of pronghorn on F. E. Warren AFB is between 150 and 175 animals. Currently, there are more than 350 pronghorn on the installation. The overpopulation has led base leadership to implement the F. E. Warren AFB Pronghorn Management Plan through close coordination with Wyoming Game and Fish. The plan identified numerous options to address pronghorn overpopulation; however, after much research and discussion, the logical choice for effective reduction and enduring results is by lethal means. F. E. Warren has worked closely with Wyoming Game & Fish for several months to address this issue. Relocation efforts have occurred several times in the past but were deemed ineffective with a high mortality rate and needless pain and suffering to the animals. Therefore, a controlled lethal option will be employed. Less severe winters, lack of natural predators and limited human pressure have attributed to the increase in population. Limited access on and off the base has also prevented the animals from coming and going, creating a human safety and health concern. The primary access points are at the gates, which funnel pronghorn onto I-25 and increase the likelihood of vehicle accidents. Since 2005, pronghorns have caused more than 20 accidents on and off the installation and hundreds of close calls. So far no humans have been injured or died as a result, but wing leadership believes it's a matter of time if this issue is not addressed appropriately. Additionally, the current overpopulation puts the health of the herd at risk. The State of Wyoming recognizes the need to control large game populations through a regulated hunting program; however, in the instance of F. E. Warren AFB, hunting is not conducive due to the urbanized area of the installation. Safety for both people and animals is a primary concern in this effort. That's why during the controlled implementation of this plan, shooting will only occur in safe, designated areas during daylight hours and only by qualified individuals who have been vetted and trained by Wyoming Game and Fish. Personnel from Wyoming Game and Fish will be present during all lethal operations. The permit allows for the lethal take of 50 pronghorn during calendar year 2013, with a goal of 25 set prior to Feb 28, 2013. All Pronghorn will be taken to a meat processor in Cheyenne or the surrounding area if the meat is viable and shall be donated to a charitable organization within the State of Wyoming or a deserving family. F. E. Warren AFB leadership with WYGF guidance will determine the installation goals of reduction and continue to implement subsequent permits in future years to ensure the social carrying capacity is ultimately reached and sustained. For questions or comments, please contact the Natural Resources Office at (307) 773-5098.