 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||
Wildlife Management Services — General Services
— Wildlife Management Services —
Helicopter Net-Gun Capture
Helicopter net-gun capture is Pathfinder’s specialty. Pathfinder animal handlers are sufficiently experienced and knowledgeable to be able to capture, restrain and handle almost any animal by themselves without any assistance. This experience makes for fast, efficient, quiet, and less stressful handling of animals. Crews have adapted their skills and equipment to enable the capture and handling of thousands of different wildlife species that exist today.Collection of Biological Samples and Collar Deployment
Pathfinder crews have a broad range of experience in the techniques for identification, collection of samples and gathering information from wild animals. Crews are continually trained and monitored. Their techniques have been developed to ensure these skills, while not comprising the integrity of the animals.
Pathfinder crews have successfully placed thousands of VHF, GPS and Satellite collars on a wide variety of wild animals. Their methods and experience ensure collars are placed and sized to avoid collars falling off, legs becoming caught, excessive hair loss, damage to necks, or collars becoming tight as animals grow or enter the breeding season. Ear tags and other methods of identification are applied quickly and properly.
Pathfinder crews have experience in biological data and sample collection. This experience includes preparation, collection and record keeping of blood, tissue, hair and fecal samples, as well as data collection such as size, weight and animal condition. Sample quality and accurate identification are of critical importance. Damaged and/or inadequate samples are of little use, and waste critical opportunities.
Animals that have been subjected to lengthy and harassing sample collection procedures are more likely to change their habits, and in the worst cases die due to complications. Pathfinder crews are trained to work quickly and effectively to reduce time but guarantee results
Transportation of Wildlife for Relocation
When transporting smaller animals, they are generally carried inside the helicopter resulting in shorter transport times to processing sites. Depending on animal species, the alternative to this method is to carry animals in transport bags. In some circumstances, larger animals can be slung by their legs for short distances if it will reduce handling time and stress on the animal.
Corralling and Mustering Big Game
Pathfinder has the background and extensive experience to corral and muster wild animals. These techniques are used in situations where large numbers of animals (suitable for this type of capture) such as wild horses, can be captured and handled more efficiently and at less cost than by helicopter net-gun capture.Wildlife Surveys and Classification
Pathfinder pilots are unique in their ability to ‘hunt’ and find wildlife. Wildlife census flights are often conducted by pilots who have little knowledge of ‘hunting’ or of animal behavior, as this skill is not a requirement for their careers. However Pathfinder crews are dependent on their ability to ‘hunt’ and find wild animals for their livelihoods. Pathfinder pilots have exceptional experience and knowledge in hunting for wildlife with helicopters. These skills enable Pathfinder pilots to conduct more accurate and meaningful surveys.Culling and Eradication
The need for efficient and humane culling and eradication methodologies has increased over the years in North America as Wildlife Management Agencies attempt to deal with serious diseases and over-population issues in free ranging wildlife populations. In other parts of the world, in particular some isolated islands with insular ecosystems they are increasingly being placed under threat from introduced feral species.
Pathfinder pilots and crews predominantly originate from New Zealand where the helicopter animal capture, harvesting and eradication business has been very successful in controlling some of the country's introduced species such as red deer, thar, chamois, pigs and rabbits. Pilots and crews have many years and thousands of hours of experience in harvesting and eradicating these animals, providing them with the necessary skills required in the helicopter wildlife capture and management industry.
— General Services —
Introduction
Pathfinder Helicopters has worked in many aspects of commercial helicopter operations, including Transport, External Load, Wildlife Management, Seismic, Mining, Oil and Gas Exploration, VIP Shuttle Services.
Our Aircraft
MD 500 D Technical Specs
Empty Weight of Standard Aircraft
1,414 lbs
Maximum Takeoff Weight
3,000 lbs
Useful Load
1,586 lbs
Maximum External Load
1,500 lbs
Usable Fuel Capacity - Standard Tank
64 gallons
Power Plant
Allison 250 – C20B
Performance Data
Cruise speed
120 kts
Maximum Range with no reserves
220 nm
Out of Ground Effect Ceiling Hover
6,000 feet
Hover In Ground Effect
8,500 feet
Maximum Ceiling
16,000 feet
Maximum Endurance with no reserves
2.0 hours
