Helicopters to be used to capture Eastern Washington deer

State biologists will be surveying mule deer populations and using nets fired from a helicopter to capture some of them starting Saturday.

The work will be done in Walla Walla, Columbia and Garfield counties. It could continue for a few weeks, depending on the weather.

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists will be gathering data to learn more about mule deer populations, including the percentages of bucks, does and fawns.

Information could be used to inform future management of the deer population and hunting seasons.

As many as 50 does will be captured and fitted with GPS/satellite collars to allow biologists to monitor migration patterns and doe survival.

Nets will be fired from a helicopter to capture the does. They will be collared and released where they are captured.

They may be captured on public land or private land, with the permission of landowners.

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