Helicopter capture of Eastern Washington deer postponed

A project that will use helicopters to capture mule deer in Eastern Washington starting this weekend is being postponed.

The project, which would use nets, has been rescheduled to January because the aircraft’s operator will not be available this month.

The Washington State Fish and Wildlife project will fit GPS/satellite collars on up to 50 does captured in Columbia, Walla Walla and Garfield counties.

Plans will proceed this month to conduct a aerial survey of bucks, does and fawns in the three counties.

Information will help with management of the deer and in managing hunting seasons.

This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 4:02 PM with the headline "Helicopter capture of Eastern Washington deer postponed."