Immobilize/capture (dart gun via helicopter) approximately 100 adult female elk via tranquilizer guns using the BAM sedation protocol. While the adult female elk are chemically immobilized, contractors shall equip adult female elk with GPS radio collars provided by the State, collect tissue samples using an ear biopsy (or relevant tissue samples for monitoring disease prevalence), general body condition, and record location of capture. In addition, the State shall provide chemical immobilization drug kits, ear biopsy kits, study area boundaries (Appendix A), and secure all permission from public and private landowners. Contractor shall provide dart guns to immobilize adult female elk. No State staff will be in aircraft. Pilot will download flight tracks and capture point data at the end of each day from helicopter GPS unit onto GFP laptop or other device.
