2026 Elk Capture for Monitoring in Southern Blue Mountains

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is soliciting proposals for a contractor to provide helicopter services, including an experienced pilot, gunner, mugger, and support services such as a fuel service truck and licensed driver. The primary objective is to capture, restrain, and deploy GPS collars on up to 60 adult female elk within the Silvies, Maury, Ochoco, and Murderer’s Creek Wildlife Management Units across Grant, Crook, and Harney counties. Key deliverables include net-gunning animals, drawing blood samples for disease testing, providing precise capture coordinates via portable GPS, and maintaining detailed flight logs. The contractor is also responsible for the humane euthanasia of injured animals using a penetrating captive bolt and must ensure all operations adhere to strict safety and animal welfare standards. Proposals are evaluated based on the contractor's understanding of the requested services and the qualifications of the pilots, with a specific emphasis on experience in mountainous terrain. Required documentation includes FAR 133 or 135 certifications, a Safety Management System, and detailed resumes for key personnel. Pricing is structured on a unit-price basis covering adult elk captured, ferry flights, mobilization, fuel truck hours and mileage, and crew per diem. The contract requires compliance with various state and federal regulations, including COBID certification, pay equity requirements for larger firms, and adherence to the Davis-Bacon Act for applicable labor standards. Payment is made monthly for completed and accepted deliverables, subject to agency review and Oregon state law.