— Newsletter —

2006/2007 Pathfinder Winter Capture Season

Pathfinder is glad to announce the launch of our new website:
www.pathfinderhelicopters.com

There were a few brisk days in the -25 degree temperatures throughout the Western States this season which we are sure was challenging for many. However the turnout of staff and volunteers throughout this time was fantastic. Especially for the coolest days in Nevada on the antelope capture project in January. Pathfinder really appreciates the great turnout of people for those two bitter days and thank you all for your great combined effort. In total about 220 antelope were caught, handled and relocated over the two days making the project a huge success.

Also this season Pathfinder has worked with Nevada DOW on the capture and relocation of approximately 85 Bighorn Sheep, the capture, collaring and sampling of 16 Bighorn Sheep for a disease study and the capture and collaring of 10 mule deer for a movement/migration study following vast habitat damage due to fires.

For January this season Pathfinder has had two 500D model helicopters operating. One helicopter was based in Montana for 2 ½ weeks of January to collar 50 mule deer fawns for a Chronic Wasting Disease study and for the relocation of approximately 230 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep to Utah, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota and instate. The Montana ‘tour’ was once again a great success and we look forward to working with you all again next season.

Pathfinder has been busy in Utah this season starting with the capture of 24 moose, including 4 cow-calf pairs for relocation to Colorado. This project went really well with all moose remaining healthy throughout capture and their long journey to Colorado. Throughout Utah Pathfinder has also captured and collared 65 mule deer for a survivability study in the Cache and Rich Counties. The same crew captured and collared 34 mule deer for a Chronic Wasting Disease study in Eastern Utah along the Colorado boarder. 30 Desert Bighorn Sheep near Lake Powel were relocated instate as well as 3 Bighorn Rams in central Utah. Thanks Utah DOW for your continued support this year.

Pathfinder has enjoyed their work throughout Arizona this season. Firstly with the capture, collaring and sampling of 35 Desert Bighorn Sheep near the Colorado River for a survival study. Secondly with the capture, collaring and sampling of 12 Mule Deer Bucks for a movement/ migration study in the White Tank Mountains near Phoenix.

It has been great working with the Taos Pueblo Game & Fish Department on tribal land in New Mexico over the past few months. In late 2006, the relocation of 24 Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at approximately 12,500 feet, followed by a wildlife survey in the same area.

Baja California and Sonora Mexico were a nice climate change this season. 30 Desert Bighorn Sheep were relocated from Carmen Island back to the mainland. These replaced the 30 sheep that were originally taken from the mainland to start a new population on the Island where numbers now exceed 300 animals.

The journey to British Columbia to capture, collar and sample 27 Woodland Caribou this season was a great trip for the crew, with waist-deep snow the boys managed to capture, collar and sample the caribou in 2 days.

In early March Mark and Jonathon arrived in Attawapiskat, Ontario after a 15 hour flight from Utah. This began a 3 week Canadian tour. 11 Woodland Caribou were sampled and collared for the De Beers Mining Company for a movement study. The weather was there was a bit cooler than the boys were used to - Cheers Mark for the warm suit! The helicopter then travelled west to Manitoba where 19 Woodland Caribou were sampled and collared near Bissett and Snow Lake. Next was Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan where 5 wolves were sampled and collared for a study on how the wolves are interacting with the bison herd. The crew then removed 18 collars from pronghorn antelope near Medicine Hat, Alberta. We really enjoyed our time in Canada and appreciate the effort and cooperation from everybody involved.

Thanks again to all the agencies and individuals we have worked with over this past winter season. We look forward to working with you all again soon!

From all the team at Pathfinder.