Overview

Aerial surveys are the primary method used to assess the population size, distribution, population trends and herd composition of ungulates in Alberta.

These pieces of information are crucial to the effective management and conservation of ungulates, and are used by the Government of Alberta to set hunting licence allocations, identify areas with agricultural depredation problems, and determine priority areas for recovery actions.

Aerial surveys of ungulates have a long history in Alberta, and have continuously evolved to take advantage of new analytical techniques, aircraft, and knowledge of the abundance and distribution of ungulate species.

Currently, aerial surveys are used to monitor all species of ungulates in the province, including:

  • bighorn sheep
  • bison
  • caribou
  • elk
  • moose
  • mountain goats
  • mule and white-tailed deer
  • pronghorn antelope

Aerial surveys by season

2019 only

2018-2019

2018 only

2017-2018

2017 only

2016-2017

2016 only

2015-2016

2015 only

2014-2015

2013-2014

2012-2013