Bighorn Sheep Capture 2026

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is requesting proposals for helicopter-based Bighorn sheep capture, restraint, and collaring services for the 2026 Northeast Oregon project, with proposals due October 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

The scope requires a contractor to provide a helicopter certified under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135, an experienced pilot with a minimum of 1,000 helicopter flight hours (including at least 100 hours at low elevation) and certified gunner, mugger, and support personnel, plus a fuel service truck with licensed driver. The project spans approximately 3–6 flight days between December 1, 2026, and March 15, 2027, across two Wallowa County locations: surveying and locating (approximately 1 flight day), capturing approximately 30 sheep in the Bear Creek area with on-site processing (2 full capture days), and capturing approximately 20 sheep in the Imnaha area with transport to central processing (1 full capture day). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will provide biologists, collars, disease sampling supplies, and animal processing. Animal welfare is a stated priority, requiring core body temperature checks at initial capture and before release. Pricing is structured as an hourly rate for contractor services, not per-animal.

Aircraft must be equipped with radio communications, GPS navigation, and remote aircraft tracking systems. The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance including Commercial General Liability at $2,000,000 per occurrence / $4,000,000 aggregate, Automobile Liability at $1,000,000 combined single limit, and Aircraft Liability at $2,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate, with the State of Oregon named as additional insured. Liquidated damages of $500 per day apply if equipment repairs exceed 48 hours or if pilot replacement is necessary within 48 hours. The contract maximum not-to-exceed amount is pending. Questions are due September 24, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., with answers issued by September 28. Notice of Intent to Award is anticipated October 6, 2026.