Show Elk Elt Surveys Pilot and observes observers are rushing rushing rush rush- ing to t complete aerial surveys on rile elk units around the state Aerial surveys are Important to the elk manag management ment program of or the Division of Fish and Game Flying since late In December December Decem ber whenever weather conditions conditions conditions condi condi- would permit fish and game pilots with their observers observers vers have eom completed classification classification counts on on all of nf the major units ONLY Y THE Daggett Mt I Dutton Dutton Dutton Dut- Dut ton and La Sal areas remain to be surveyed before game managers begin to compile this trend information along with other data collected on the elk herds and prepare their recommendations for the fall hunting seasons Because of the frequent storms hitting Utah this winter and the few good flying days available two planes have been assigned to each elk unit whenever when ever possible to get the work done quickly and accurately ELK APPEAR to be wintering wintering winter winter- ing lower in many areas this winter sometimes as much as 1000 feet lower than past years' years wintering areas Observers fl flying with the pilots have classified the elk as asto asto asto to bulls or animals providing a portion of the picture pic plc ture tore as to to what animals can be harvested from the herd without without without with with- out hurting the reproductive capacity The aerial elk classification date will be given to the Board of Big Game Control the group making the final determination of all big game seasons In Utah |