Idaho Fish & Game to Conduct Antelope Surveys

The Idaho Department of Fish & Game will begin antelope surveys in the Little Lost Valley north of Howe this week. The surveys, using a helicopter, will last 3 days and overlap the first couple of days of the archery antelope season that begins on August 15th. According to Regional Wildlife Manager Brad Compton: "we apologize for any inconvenience that our surveys will cause the antelope hunting public and our goal in the future is that this work can be accomplished well before hunting seasons begin." The surveys normally occur in late July or early August, but this year a lack of helicopter availability delayed the survey dates. Brad stated "we were prepared to begin the surveys earlier but couldn't locate a qualified helicopter pilot available to do the work. Eventually, we found a contractor in Wyoming who was both qualified and available." The Department is trying to improve information on regional antelope herds and these surveys are critical to understanding population levels and recommending the appropriate level of harvest permits. The surveys provide a total population estimate, productivity information such as fawns per 100 does, bucks per 100 does, and relative abundance of small and large bucks. Anybody interested in learning about the results after the survey is completed is encouraged to call the Upper Snake Regional Office in Idaho Falls.