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• 3. Big Game <br />Population estimates of big game were derived from aerial census procedures <br />and pellet group census initiated by Ecology Consultants, Lnc. and carried on <br />on by Trapper Mine environmental personnel. <br />a. Aerial Census <br />Aerial counts from a fixed-wing aircraft were employed as a survey technique. <br />A Cessna 182 aircraft capable of carrying a pilot and two observers was flown <br />along standardized transects over the proposed mine plan and adjacent areas as <br />shown on Map M19. The census areas included the proposed mine plan area, Ute <br />Gulch, and Castor Gulch. Surveys of the area east of Deacon Gulch on exten- <br />sions of transects 4, 5, and 6 of the proposed mine plan area commenced in <br />late December 1974. Transect M-7 was added January 1977, [o estimate useage <br />along [he southern crest of the Williams Fork Mountains. <br />• During the census flights, two observers and the pilot counted big game ani- <br />mals as observed on both sides of [he plane. The location of animals relative <br />[o landmarks was attempted so that areas of concentration could be determined. <br />Data were recorded on cassette tapes so that constant observation of the tran- <br />sect area was possible. The average indicated air speed of the plane during <br />the censuses was approximately 75 to 85 miles per hour. Census flights were <br />planned to start approximately one-half hour after sunrise and continue until <br />all transects had been flown. At times, weather conditions precluded safe <br />flight at the designated time. When this situation occurred, [he flight was <br />conducted as soon thereafter as conditions permitted. <br />Table E-3 illustrates census results during the Winters of 1973 through 1978. <br />Results do not represent absolute numbers of animals present on census days <br />because: (1) flight lines sampled approximately 70 percent of the area tra- <br />versed; (2) visibility of game varied from date to date, dependent upon snow <br />cover; (3) even under ideal conditions, all animals could not be seen from a <br />. fixed-wing aircraft traveling a[ a safe altitude and ground speed. With a good <br />blanket of snow, i[ is estimated flight line coverage and deer visibility gave <br />E-27 <br />