Wis. officials to count deer by air

FITCHBURG, Wis. (AP) - State conservation officials are planning to count deer by helicopter over southern Wisconsin through the end of January.

Department of Natural Resources biologists will ride in blue and white helicopters over the chronic wasting disease zone, encompassing much of Iowa County and western Dane County. The survey is expected to last through the end of the month.

The choppers will fly about 100 feet to 150 feet above the tree tops around 35 mph. If they come across livestock, they’ll increase their altitude to avoid spooking them.

The DNR frequently uses aircraft to survey wildlife populations, including bald eagles and wolves.