16 November 2024

Manitoba Aerial Survey Plans

WILDLIFE BRANCH

Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures

Box 24 – 14 Fultz Boulevard

Winnipeg MB R3Y 0L6

November 15, 2024

Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association

Box 70084, RPO Kenaston

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 0X6

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Greetings!

Manitoba’s Wildlife Branch is pleased to announce the aerial survey plans for this winter (2024/2025). The Wildlife Branch plans to conduct aerial surveys in various regions of the province to collect valuable wildlife population data. This year’s surveys will focus primarily on moose while collecting data for multiple big game species, using fixed-wing airplanes equipped with infrared and colour imaging cameras. These surveys are scheduled to occur from late October 2024 to March 2025, in several Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) throughout the province. Specifically, surveys are planned to occur in GHAs 6, 8, 9A, 10, 15, 15A, 16 and 20, as indicated in the attached map (APPENDIX I).

We are planning educational engagement events in the Pas and Thompson, tentatively scheduled for late February to early March. If you are interested in attending, please email the Wildlife Branch (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for additional information regarding the specific locations and dates.

The Wildlife Branch recognizes that big game species are valued by Manitobans: valued spiritually, culturally and ecologically by Indigenous communities, licensed and rights-based hunters, conservationists and the public. In order make informed management decisions regarding hunting opportunities and conservation of big game species, it is important to have reliable survey data.

Over the past several years, the Manitoba Wildlife Branch has undertaken an initiative to modernize the aerial survey program. New advances in survey methods can facilitate the efficient collection of reliable survey data while reducing costs and safety risks. The aerial surveys planned for this winter will use innovative new technology including infrared cameras and augmented-reality on-board systems, demonstrating our continued commitment to modernize the aerial survey program. The Wildlife Branch remains dedicated to obtaining accurate population data to support sustainable wildlife management.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the aerial survey program, or require additional information, please contact Dr. Kirsten Solmundson, Population Assessment Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Kind regards,