23TDRRSD929 - Wood Bison Population Surveys – Northwest Region 2022/23

The objective of this work is to safely complete aerial surveys of the Hay Zama and Wabasca wood bison populations within Wildlife Management Units 536, 539, 540 and neighbouring WMUs if required (Figure 1). Two separate minimum count surveys will be conducted and are anticipated to occur between early February and late March, 2023. Survey #1 will focus on the Hay-Zama bison population (3-5 flight days), while survey #2 focuses on the Wabasca bison population (2-3 flight days) and occurs immediately following survey #1, for a total of up to 8 days of flying.

Each survey will utilize a single helicopter (Bell 206B3) with rear bubble windows or an equivalent intermediate (e.g., AS350, Bell 206L, Bell 407), etc.) and crews composed of a pilot and up to 3 EPA-supplied observers/data recorders. Flight profile will consist of aerial transects with low-level manoeuvering at low air speeds in order to count and classify animals in forested and non-forested environments. Qualified pilots will have sufficient experience on the selected aircraft type, operating in remote and cold weather environments and the ability to safely and effectively manipulate large herds of animals. The base of operations will be High Level however, any alternative bases and associated price adjustments should be reflected in Table 1.

There is no guarantee that all surveys will be flown as planned. Suitable weather conditions are a limiting factor for these surveys (e.g. adequate snow cover, appropriate temperatures and visibility, and wind conditions). Surveys will not necessarily occur consecutively and may be spaced out to account for weather or to accommodate other conflicting work priorities. To ensure safe and effective delivery of surveys, we expect the successful applicant(s) to communicate regularly throughout the survey season to identify suitable opportunities to achieve project objectives.

Survey efficiency will also impact survey duration as inexperience can result in increased search times and greater direct impacts on bison due to additional stress and exertion. Smaller groups of bison can be found in heavy tree cover, thus opportunities to observe the animals are fleeting. As a result an experienced pilot is required to maneuve the aircraft to capitalize on these opportunities. Pilots with experience surveying herding ungulates is considered an asset to limit overexertion of the animals.