PALOUSE – On Monday, January 9, the Idaho Fish and Game will begin aerial elk surveys on the Palouse in big game management units 8 and 8A.
While survey’s are being completed, residents may observe helicopter(s) flying low and slow over areas throughout the units. Surveys will continue until they can be completed (dependent on weather and helicopter availability).
According to a release from the IDFG, the goal of these surveys is to compare population trends, and age and sex ratios.
“A helicopter flying low and slow over remote areas of the state is the most efficient tool for gathering big game herd information,” read the IDFG release.
Aerial surveys are conducted mostly during winter months when the animals are congregated on lower elevation winter ranges. Results from these aerial surveys will be available during big game season setting in February.
