Is That Santa And His Sleigh? No, That IDFG's And Its Rented Helicopter

IDAHO FALLS - Santa has his red sleigh and contrary to popular rumors IDFG doesn't own any black helicopters, but they do lease helicopters and airplanes for wildlife management purposes. Starting next week, IDFG will begin using helicopters to not only perform population surveys for elk and deer, but will also use them to assist in the trapping of mule deer fawns for research purposes. Because aerial surveys and trapping require low-level flights that often draw the attention of the public, it is Department policy that the public is informed when such activities are scheduled to be undertaken. Because of the variety of factors involved ranging from weather conditions to available airships, scheduled is the operative word. Department staff involved with survey flights and ground volunteers for trapping work need to be ready to go at a moment's notice and equally willing to understand that some things are beyond control. In light of the tragic crash that occurred last year in the Clearwater Region that resulted in the death of Department Research Biologist Michael Gratson and his hired pilot, the Department has completely reviewed its flight safety policies in order to minimize the risk for those factors that are within their control. Department staff has not only received additional training, but significant changes have been made in the survival equipment carried whenever Department personnel take to the air. Wildlife Technician Matt Lucia was fortunate to survive last year's crash, but had to spend a night exposed to the rigors of winter. New gear such as satellite telephones and global positioning system (GPS) units is intended to expedite the recovery of crew from disabled aircraft. The population information gathered and trapping activities associated with the use of aircraft are vital tools to modern wildlife managers, but like any tools there are costs associated with their acquisition and use. Most of the time they provide biologists with the data and mobility needed to make informed management decisions, but Providence is more difficult to calculate and predict. The Department salutes all those scientists worldwide that have given their lives in the pursuit of knowledge.