Flights are estimated to take about four weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions. The goal of these surveys is to assess population trends, and age and sex ratios. Survey results will provide information that will help managers decide future hunting seasons.
Besides finding big game animals congregated at lower elevations, winter also brings two requirements to conduct accurate surveys - clear weather for good visibility and snow cover that aids locating and identifying species. A helicopter flying low and slow over select areas is the most efficient tool for gathering big game herd information.
Disturbance to both domestic livestock and big game will be kept to the minimum needed to acquire accurate information, generally less than a few minutes. Contact the regional office for more information (208) 799-5010.