Wildlife Survey and Capture on Kofa NWR

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Unique Qualifications - The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon the specific need in which the work is accomplished. Eligible applicants are limited to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). The AGFD tion provides the needed service by utilizing their trained and experienced personnel and department-owned and contracted aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopters. Annual surveys of desert bighorn sheep and desert mule deer are needed to monitor the health of the animals and to jointly set harvest (hunting) goals. Numbers of desert bighorn sheep have decreased dramatically on Kofa National Wildlife Refuge since 2000, and annual capture of some these animals is needed to place radio-collars assess the health of the bighorn sheep through biological samples, including bloodwork. AGFD has worked closely with the Kofa NWR staff to complete the surveys and captures and provide an effective economical means to meet this need. Project and Purpose - The principal purpose of this agreement is to complete annual aerial surveys of desert bighorn sheep and mule deer populations on Kofa NWR, and to capture and release desert bighorn sheep. All efforts would roccur on Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Results of the surveys would all the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the AGFD, who are jointly responsible for the management of the wildlife, to assess the condition and population trends of the animals. The results of the captures would allow the animals' movements and the ultimate causes of their mortality to be determined, as well as their health to be assessed at the time of collaring, and re-collaring.

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