Fish and Game conducts wildlife surveys with helicopters over southwest Idaho

Idaho Fish and Game will be sending out low-level helicopters across southwest Idaho to count and survey wildlife starting this week, according to a Fish and Game press release.

"We want to give folks a heads up regarding these operations," said Fish and Game wildlife manager Craig White in a statement. "They may see a low-flying helicopter working in their favorite area in the weeks ahead."

Fish and Game will also be doing a catch-and-release program with mule deer and elk starting in January. The data will help Fish and Game determine the health of the species and will factor into following hunting seasons, according to the release.

This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 7:11 AM with the headline "Fish and Game conducts wildlife surveys with helicopters over southwest Idaho."