Treaty 2 Territory – Manitoba Wildlife and Fisheries Branch is planning to conduct aerial moose surveys in Game Hunting Areas 13/13A and 18, 18A-C in January 2020. The Wildlife and Fisheries Branch would like to invite one participant from the Treaty 2 Nations to have an opportunity to become a volunteer observer on the aerial survey.
A volunteer should be someone who is willing to learn and have a better understanding of the big game aerial survey process. A volunteer should also be willing to share their experience with other Treaty 2 Nation members.
To ensure each big game aerial survey produces the best possible results all interested volunteers must attend a two day big game aerial survey training and assessment course. The training and assessment course will be held in Swan River, depending on snow conditions and weather. If conditions are not favorable this course may be delayed or rescheduled. Volunteer candidates must meet minimum criteria standards prior to being allowed to participate as a volunteer observer.
As the program can only accommodate a limited number of volunteers per survey, not all potential volunteers who have completed training will get the opportunity to be an observer on this year’s survey. However, the certification is good for five years.
Training will include:
· An overview of the aerial survey objectives and methods, and the responsibilities of the volunteer observer.
· An overview of the Operational Guidelines for aviation safety.
· Candidate observer helicopter practice and assessment flights. These flights will be used to provide survey training for the volunteer and used to assess the volunteer’s ability to observe animals and to assess their flying capabilities (i.e., susceptible to air-sickness).
Selection of volunteer observers will be based on the following criteria:
1) their ability to follow survey methodology and observe animals,
2) their ability to fly without becoming air-sick, and
3) their ability to follow aviation safety guidelines. Volunteer observers that meet the big game aerial survey observer assessment criteria will be eligible to participate on local conservation closure area surveys and local surveys of areas of population concern, for the next 5 years.
Please note that meals (to Government approved rates) and lodging will be provided for the volunteer candidate during aerial survey training and for the volunteer observer while participating on big game aerial surveys. Honorariums for participating in these activities are not available. In addition, volunteers must provide their own transportation to the assessment training and while participating on a big game aerial survey.
The surveys and training are weather dependent and require sufficient snow so observations of moose is easier. Snow conditions will be monitored and expectations are the training and surveys will commence in January 2020. If you are interested in participating in this opportunity or have any questions on this subject please express your interest as soon as you can as space is limited.
Gerald Shelemy, Regional Wildlife Biologist
(204) 734-3429
gerald.shelemy@gov.mb.ca
If Treaty 2 members require any additional information please contact Ron Missyabit.
Miigwetch,
Ron Missyabit
Natural World KeeperGovernment, First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory (FNT2T)
Tel: 204.638.3797 Ext 1008
Last modified: January 7, 2020
