Fish and Game Schedules Aerial Operations in Southwest Idaho

Beginning this week, Fish and Game staff will be taking to the air to get a closer look at mule deer numbers, with several low-level helicopter survey operations planned throughout southwest Idaho. Each three- to eight-hour flight will cover all or a portion of the hunt unit being surveyed, with flights scheduled for hunt units 22, 32, 33, 35 and 39. "We want to give folks a heads up regarding these operations," Fish and Game wildlife manager Craig White said. "They may see a low-flying helicopter working in their favorite area in the weeks ahead." In early January, Fish and Game staff will be capturing, collaring and releasing both mule deer and elk in several hunt units including 32, 33, 35 and 39. Crews will then spend the next few months monitoring the collared animals to get a better idea of herd survival as a whole. This information, together with the flight survey data, will be used to determine the overall health of southwest Idaho's mule deer and elk herds. Both data sets will also play a role in determining 2017-2018 big game hunting seasons. For more information regarding mule deer and elk management, contact Fish and Game's Nampa office at 465-8465 or McCall office at 634-8137.