CDFW to Conduct Helicopter Surveys to Monitor Big Game Populations, Inform Hunting Regulations
This is a press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is initiating annual helicopter surveys to inventory and monitor mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep populations throughout the state. Flights will be conducted in portions of Solano, Mendocino, Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties during February and March 2024.
CDFW utilizes a variety of survey methods to regularly monitor big game population size, distribution, demographics and trends over time. In more forested environments, CDFW employs the use of trail cameras and fecal DNA. In more open habitats, aerial surveys provide an efficient and rapid method of data collection, affording CDFW biologists the ability to cover larger areas in relatively shorter time periods.
CDFW scientists use the survey data in statistical models to estimate the total population size of each species in different hunt zones or management units. This information helps wildlife managers better understand population performance relative to a variety of factors including climate change, habitat quality, human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation, among others. Results are also used to make regulated harvest recommendations to the California Fish and Game Commission, which is the state regulatory authority that adopts tag quotas, hunting seasons and zone boundaries.
These efforts are important for managing California’s wildlife populations and are especially critical due to recent harsh winter conditions that may have had negative impacts on population numbers.
Big game hunters and other members of the public are encouraged to participate in the commission’s annual regulatory cycles. Information regarding upcoming meetings, including dates, locations, background documents and virtual meeting links are available at the California Fish and Game Commission website.
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No mention of lions jost global warming and science . Everything these scientists have been managing for the last 30 years has declined mabe they could start managing poison oak
Don’t forget ticks and mosquitoes!!!
And fleas
Did CDFW do a Environmental Impact report for this? A sensitive species Habitat review for the locations they will be flying?
CDFW is so heavy handed on everyone else for their Impact
They need to be held accountable for their Impact too.
Helicopter surveys are extremely intrusive and cause significant distress to all wildlife. This the same agency that “managed” the Grizzly bear on the state flag so well that they went extinct in 1924, after decades of persecution by the agency. Won’t hear a peep about that.
The department was established in 1927.
Nope, 1871.
https://kymkemp.com/2021/02/03/newest-warden-stamp-commemorates-150-years-of-wildlife-conservation-and-management-now-available-for-purchase/
“Since 1871, wildlife officers have been dedicated to being CDFW’s “boots on the ground” when it comes to maintaining the balance of the state’s many plants and animal species. During the first several decades, they worked to keep species such as tule elk, sturgeon, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep from going extinct in California”
So the “boots on the ground” oversaw the persecution and extinction of the actual animal on the state’s flag, clear and simple. Why trust them now?
Well, it was a good thing for that ! Heck… even the Indians liked it.
The reason for the smaller round doors’ on the Hoopa area dwellings.
Humans could get in and out. Grizzly bears couldn’t fit.
Native peoples were more numerous when the Grizzly bear was also more numerous. In fact, the highest densities of both people and grizzlies occurred in what is now called California. Extinction and genocide occurred simultaneously.
Yup. The Grasshopper Song is a wonderful book.
Wish more people got it.
I’m wondering how low they fly ?
I do know helicopters freak critters out!
Frankly, I think this is a total waste of time and money that could be spent in better ways. Hunters are a good source of information on the number of animals in their area, as well as their overall physical condition. I hope they will help the CDFW by giving them their information. Instead of all the negative comments try helping out!
I wonder if they’re joyrides in helicopters is part of the reason why we pay more for tags every year. Most organizations make improvements and streamline processes year after year, and become more efficient and cost-effective. But not CDFW, even with their attachment E extortion fees from the Cannabis guys, they somehow manage to spend more money every year. I always ask them when the prices of tags are gonna go down when I go into the main office to buy them every year. I say well aren’t you guys getting more efficient every year, or maybe not huh? They never think it’s that funny.
Helicopter rides and the fact that Fish and wildlife pull people over for minor vehicle code violations like they are CHP.
I think they should do animal control that would fit their job description better