Concern about aircraft disturbance of Dall sheep and other wildlife continues to grow in the Yukon. Aircraft-based tourism, both sightseeing and outdoor adventures in remote areas, has steadily increased in recent years. Mineral exploration often occurs in remote mountainous regions that can only be accessed by aircraft. These areas , or the access to them, are often in sheep range.
The Yukon Department of Environment has funded several research projects looking at how aircraft disturbance can affect Dall sheep. We found that fixed-wing aircraft cause less disturbance than helicopters, but landing requirements often don't allow their use. Both the Branch and the researchers realize that the fieldwork was limited, but feel that we learned ways to minimize the effects of aircraft on Dall sheep.