Vendor shall be able to provide 4-seat (Robinson R44 or equivalent) helicopter(s) equipped with comfortable seating in the front opposite of pilot and both back seats. Helicopter(s) must be equipped with noise cancelling headsets for all passengers. Vendor shall be able to provide a minimum of two (2) helicopters and pilots to be flown simultaneously, if requested by the Department. Due to the large area to be surveyed and possible short timeframe in which weather is conducive to conduct surveys, the Department may request the Vendor to provide up to two helicopters with pilots at the same time on any given day. Vendor shall provide fuel for the helicopter(s) and noise cancelling headsets for all passengers. Vendor shall provide experienced helicopter pilot(s) with low-level flight experience and shall transport passengers over the required areas in such a manner that facilitates counting of deer on the ground below. IDNR shall provide two (2) biologists per helicopter and any additional equipment necessary for counting deer. IDNR shall provide GPS units. IDNR biologists will direct the pilot(s) where to fly. Biologists will count observed deer at 200-300 feet above ground and enter data into a GIS database while in route. Flights shall be conducted during winter when suitable snow cover (greater than four inches) exists to facilitate counting deer against a light background. Surveys shall originate and terminate at or in close proximity to airports in Rockford, Morris, Freeport, Lake in the Hills, and Peru. Daily flight routes and locations where surveys will begin and end shall be determined by the IDNR biologist.
