Full Breakdown
Yakama Nation Begins Barred Owl Culling to Protect Endangered Spotted Owls
6/10/2026, 11:31:51 AM
Launch of Barred Owl Culling on Yakama Reservation
In November, the Yakama Nation began culling barred owls on its Washington reservation, the first state group to apply the federal Barred Owl Management Strategy (BOMS). Crews use shotguns; tribal funds sustain operations through September 2027.
Barred Owl Expansion and Spotted Owl Decline
Barred owls, native to the east, spread west in the 20th century, first documented in Washington in 1965. Their competition has contributed to a 90 % decline of the threatened northern spotted owl, listed under the Endangered Species Act for decades.
Key Agencies, Organizations, and Individuals
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service created BOMS, allowing up to 450,000 barred-owl removals. Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Department backs the plan, pending permits. Conservation Northwest supports it. Animal Wellness Action, led by Wayne Pacelle, opposes it. Yakama biologist Mark Nuetzmann leads tribal implementation.
Timeline of Implementation
- 2024: USFWS releases BOMS.
- November 2024: Yakama begins culling.
- May 2024: WDFW reports permits pending.
- June 3 2024: AWA petitions Portland court to vacate BOMS.
- 2027: Tribal funding sustains culling through September 2027.
Data on Removal Targets and Species Populations
BOMS permits up to 450,000 barred-owl removals. Washington’s 2024 report notes a 90 % drop in northern spotted owl numbers on some federal lands. The barred-owl population is estimated at 3-4 million; Yakama funding sustains culling through September 2027.
Official Statements & Responses
USFWS calls BOMS a habitat-protection measure to reduce competition and aid spotted-owl recovery. Conservation Northwest says intervention is essential. WDFW supports the plan but notes permits are pending. Yakama officials report training complete and removal underway, with monitoring planned.
Criticism & Opposition
Animal Wellness Action calls the plan “unworkable, inhumane” and “diabolical,” arguing it weaponizes the Endangered Species Act and will not lower barred-owl densities. Critics warn it could enable logging and open owl hunting in national parks, raising ethical concerns under Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
On-the-Ground Reports
Mark Nuetzmann says tribal crews completed training in November and now use shotguns to remove barred owls on reservation lands. Funding sustains culling through September 2027; permits are pending. WDFW officials confirm no removal operations have begun.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Proponents cite USFWS projections that culling will protect spotted-owl habitat, but opponents note barred-owl numbers rebound after localized removals. No monitoring data have verified Yakama results, and the link between culling and timber-harvest approvals remains unsubstantiated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “unworkable, inhumane” and “diabolical.” — Wayne Pacelle, Animal Wellness Action
- “If you shoot barred owls out of a particular area, you will have the juveniles move in and take it back over,” — Wayne Pacelle, Animal Wellness Action
- “Barred owls outcompete spotted owls and are driving the species to extinction,” — Tom Wheeler, Environmental Protection Information Center
- “We need to provide training to get on the Fish and Wildlife permit. We’ve been doing that on and off since November last year. Now we’ve completed that and are ramping up removal efforts.” — Mark Nuetzmann, Yakama Nation wildlife biologist
What’s Next
The U.S. District Court in Portland will consider AWA’s request to vacate BOMS. Yakama officials will continue culling, monitor spotted-owl responses, and submit data to federal agencies. Wildlife officials anticipate finalizing permits, which could broaden removal to additional lands and influence timber-management decisions.
