Animal control operations on Big Island to target feral goats, sheep, mouflon

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will be conducting animal control operations, targeting feral goats, feral sheep and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids, on the Big Island.

DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife will be leading these operations in places within critical habitat areas for endangered birds, specifically the palila, on Aug. 27-28.

“Even with a robust hunting program, the size of sheep and goat populations threatens our endangered forest birds and requires periodic animal control to protect our native species,” according to a DLNR press release.

Closed areas will include:

• Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A)
• Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve (Unit K)
• Palila Mitigation Lands (Puʻu Mali & Kaʻohe Restoration Areas)
• Kaʻohe Game Management Area (Unit G)

The operations will involve ground-based and aerial control methods, according to the release. The federal government mandates these actions to protect the habitat of the palila, an endangered native forest bird with a dwindling wild population.

Public Hunting Units A, K, and G are typically open to hunters year-round with no bag limits for goats and sheep, and the department thanks hunters for their assistance.

Limited access for animal salvage purposes will be allowed by permit only on the following dates and times:

• Aug. 27 – Access begins at 7 a.m.
• Aug. 28 – Access begins at 6 a.m.

For detailed information on control activities, schedules, salvage permit applications, and access conditions, visit the DOFAW website or contact the Hilo DOFAW office at 808-974-4221.