Idaho Department of Fish and Game will conduct aerial surveys of mountain goats along the Middle Fork Salmon River and bighorn sheep in the Lost River mountain range beginning this week and continuing through March.
Surveys of Mountain goats are planned to begin March 3 in big game management units 27 and portions of units 20A, 21, 26, 28, 34, and 36. Bighorn sheep surveys are planned to begin March 16 in units 37, 50 and 51. Survey flights are estimated to take 15 to 20 days to conclude, depending on weather conditions.
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.
The surveys will be conducted from a helicopter and are intended to provide up-to-date information on mountain goat and bighorn sheep status in these units. The information collected will be used in determining future management actions and hunting opportunities.