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<br />1 <br /> <br /> <br />and a numbered ear tag in each ear of adult or yearling cows. Calves and <br />bulls received ear tags only. If the animal had antlers, the antlers were <br />removed with a bone saw so the animal could be released without getting <br />tangled in the nylon netting. Down time averaged approximately 5 minutes and <br />ranged from approximately 2 to 15 minutes. Elk in corral traps were run into <br />a chute where they were physically restrained prior to tagging. <br />1 Monitoring <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br />1 <br />Aerial and ground surveys were conducted in order to monitor and locate <br />animals equipped with radio transmitters and observe animals with nontele- <br />metry, conventional markings. Fixed-wing aircraft (Cessna 182 or 206) were <br />used once monthly, twice in May and 4 times in June to conduct aerial surveys. <br />Receiving equipment for the aircraft included 2 two-element directional, H- <br />shaped antennas (Telonics RA-2A), one mounted on each wing strut, with a <br />switching system between them. Locations of transmitter equipped elk were <br />determined as described by Colorado Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit (1979). <br />Aerial surveys were flown in the early morning starting approximately at <br />sunrise. The major emphasis during flights was to record the exact location <br />of all elk equipped with radio transmitters, however, conventionally collared <br />elk and untagged elk were also counted and their locations plotted on topo- <br />graphic maps. <br />Ground surveys were conducted both on foot and from four-wheel drive <br />' vehicles. Although again the major emphasis was to locate radio-collared <br />animals by triangulation and by homing, conventionally collared elk and un- <br />' tagged elk sighted were recorded and plotted on topographic maps. Sex, age, <br />activity and habitat types were recorded when possible. Ground surveys were <br />' conducted 2 or 3 times per week in the mining permit area during the calving <br />period (May 15 - June 30). <br />' Productivit <br />In order to determine if productivity differed between elk using areas <br />being mined versus control areas, helicopter surveys were conducted in mid- <br />July. These flights were conducted during the first 2 hours of light in the <br />-5- <br />1 <br />