Fish and Game begins helicopter surveys and big game harvesting in the Clearwater area

Starting in December, wildlife staff will be busy conducting aerial surveys and trapping operations throughout the Clearwater region over the next few months. The purpose is to collect information on abundance and herd composition that will help game managers understand population numbers and trends. In addition to the surveys, the department will trap and collar many large game animals. Teams then monitor the collared animals to get a better idea of ​​the herd’s survival and movements.

Mule deer surveys are planned for the month of December for Game Management Unit (GMU) 14 and 18 (Grangeville to Riggins areas) to determine herd composition ratios (fawn/doe, buck/doe). Staff will also harvest elk in GMU Areas 8, 8A and 10A throughout December. Additionally, bighorn sheep are harvested in GMU areas 11, 13 and 18.

The collection and survey plan may need to be adjusted depending on snow cover/weather conditions, helicopter availability and the number of areas personnel can cover daily (progress achieved). The safety of our employees, our public and our wildlife is our top priority. As you can see, several factors are taken into account when planning winter wildlife work. Some of these variables are beyond our control, so it is important to be flexible and adapt as necessary. While we understand that there will still be some hunting in the late season, we will do our best to temporarily avoid areas where we see people.

Care is taken to keep disruption to the animals as low as possible and to prevent the consumption of valuable energy reserves. Generally, the information collected can be captured within minutes or less of an animal being discovered.

For questions or additional information, contact the Clearwater Regional Office at (208) 799-5010.