Aerial Survey to Gauge Deer Populations in Forests

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DCNR Bureau of Forestry in 2005 began contracting for aerial FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) surveys to gain a more complete understanding of deer populations and use of forest habitat. The latest survey results for 2006 are included on the map below. Results from 2005 are also posted. Areas targeted in 2006 include state forestland enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), the Game Commission’s Doe Study Area on Tuscarora State Forest, the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative in McKean County, the Ridley Creek State Park area, and state gamelands requested by the Game Commission. Acres flown in 2006 total 464,100 acres.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the FLIR Aerial Deer Survey

DCNR's use of FLIR Aerial Survey Data in Management Decisions

News Release - Final Aerial Deer Survey Results Help Better Guage Deer Populations

Tracts targeted for deer counts are listed below. Click the area name for survey results.

To the right is an example of aerial survey imagery. In this picture, five deer are seen in forested habitat. Their body heat is captured by aircraft equipped with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) cameras.

Vision Air Research, based in Boise, ID, was contracted to complete the surveys. A leader in the use of FLIR for wildlife surveys since 1996, the company has monitored deer, elk, bighorn sheep, moose and sage grouse throughout the country.

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