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Winter big game aerial surveys underway |
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December 8, 2015 |
As snow blankets much of Idaho, wildlife
biologists with Idaho Fish and Game are in the
sky conducting aerial surveys of big game across
the state.
Outdoor enthusiasts can expect to see and hear
low-flying helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft
during the daylight hours through February.
The helicopter surveys are scheduled annually
during the winter months to cover areas at the
same time of the year so information gathered is
consistent from year to year. The goal is to
compare population trends, and age and sex
ratios. This information helps biologists be
more precise in setting seasons and permit
levels which results in maximum opportunity for
hunters.
In addition to big game surveys, managers also
use helicopters to capture deer and elk which
they monitor for condition and survival. This
sometimes requires biologists to fly close to
the animals and drive them toward nets; or to
dart them or use net guns. Researchers place
radio-collars on the animals and follow them
during the year to monitor movement and
survival.
In southern and central Idaho winter typically
finds big game animals congregated on lower
elevation winter ranges, and also brings two
requirements that ensure accurate surveys—clear
weather for good visibility, and snow cover that
aids in locating and identification of species.
In northern Idaho, animals tend to be more
scattered, and weather conditions offer fewer
days suitable for flying, but snow conditions
still create opportunities for counting big
game.
In spite of the high costs and the dangers
associated with low-level flying, helicopter
surveys continue to provide wildlife managers
with valuable information to use in managing
wildlife. |
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