2026 Northeast Mule Deer Populations Survey

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a contractor to provide one or two helicopters, experienced pilots, fuel trucks, and licensed drivers to fly Agency employees to survey mule deer on wintering range in NE Oregon. The survey will be conducted using the SightRat methodology, which involves random sampling and weighted random selection of sample units. The contractor will be required to provide a helicopter with a minimum of 300 horsepower, radio communication, GPS navigation, and remote aircraft tracking. The contractor will also be responsible for determining safety conditions prior to and during flights and for replacing any grounded pilots. The project is expected to take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete, with a total of 145 flight hours. • The contractor will provide up to two helicopters, fuel service trucks, and licensed drivers. • The contractor will conduct approximately 145 hours of mule deer surveys along established survey areas. • The contractor will transport up to three Agency observers per flight who will be counting deer and determining group sizes. • The contractor will provide a helicopter with a minimum of 300 horsepower, radio communication, GPS navigation, and remote aircraft tracking. • The contractor will determine all conditions regarding safety prior to and during flights.