Aerial Counting of Two Montana Elk Herds

Abstract

Repeated aerial counts of elk (Cervus canadensis) were made during three winters in the Gallatin elk range, a narrow mountain canyon, and during one winter in the Sun River elk range, which covers a broad mountain front. Wide discrepancies in the results, within and between years, influenced mainly by snow conditions, were encountered in both areas. It is believed not feasible to apply statistical methods or reliability standards to the count results, and they are considered useful chiefly for following population trends, if evaluated in the light of weather conditions. When sportsman representatives were included with the counting crews they were made aware of the inherent unreliability of the technique, but the practice required supplementary counts and aircraft, greatly increasing costs.