Beginning this December, Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) will conduct helicopter surveys and wildlife capture operations across the Clearwater Region. This effort, running through the next couple of months, aims to provide critical data on big game populations, including abundance, herd composition, survival rates, and movement patterns.
Wildlife staff will focus on capturing and collaring various big game species as part of the study. The collared animals will be monitored to improve understanding of herd dynamics and support long-term management strategies.
Survey and capture schedules may be adjusted based on weather, snow cover, helicopter availability, and daily progress. IDFG emphasizes that safety—for staff, the public, and wildlife—is the top priority during these operations.
“Winter wildlife work requires flexibility and adaptation due to factors outside our control, such as weather and ground conditions,” IDFG stated. “We also strive to minimize disturbance to animals and avoid disrupting ongoing late-season hunts whenever possible.”
Special care will be taken to limit the stress and energy expenditure of the animals during captures and surveys. Wildlife staff aim to collect the necessary data quickly, often within minutes of spotting an animal, to ensure minimal impact.
These efforts will provide vital information for game management, helping IDFG monitor trends and implement conservation measures tailored to the needs of the region’s wildlife populations.