Executive Summary Background Features of Unit Tested Setting for the Test Results Data Summary Conclusions Acknowledgements & Further Information

Conclusions As had been hoped, the collars proved manageable, durable, and informative. No compromise of the data occurred. A 94 percent position fix rate was surprising, given the mountainous terrain and widespread conifer forest within the allotment. Position fixes at 2-hour or even 4-hour frequencies seem sufficient for general allotment management objectives; however, the memory capacity of the collar could have held data equivalent to sampling every 20 minutes over the same period. Also, rather than being just an emergency utility in case a sheep was lost, the VHF beacon proved to be very helpful for routinely locating the sheep. The greatest challenge was understanding and facilitating the downloaded data into analysis and display tools. For land managers, extended review and analysis of such data may provide a greater understanding of grazing use levels as they relate to achieving resource objectives. The information also provides the ability to respond to monitoring obligations. For the permittee, the information may provide the means for evaluating and improving herding routes and practices to enhance profits.