Fish and Game Continues Big Game Aerial Surveys

LEWISTON - As the harsh winter weather continues, so do aerial surveys of the state's big game populations. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) began surveying big game herds in December, but because flying is limited to calm, clear weather, this winter's aerial surveys have been delayed. IDFG plans to continue surveying big game populations in management units 10, 12, 15 and 17 of the Clearwater Region starting this week. Besides usually finding big game animals congregated on lower-elevation winter ranges, the winter months also bring two requirements needed to conduct accurate surveys - clear weather for good visibility and snow covering that aid in locating and identifying species. The survey results will provide information from which management decisions will be based for determining future hunting seasons. The flights are scheduled to cover the same units at the same time every year to make the information gathered comparable from year to year. The goal is to compare population trends, and age and sex ratios. A helicopter flying low and slow over some of the most remote areas of the state is the most efficient tool for gathering big game herd information.