The annual Tule elk census in Owens Valley revealed that there were approximately 90 surplus animals. The decision to chemically immobilize, capture and translocate the surplus animals was made. During November and December 1977 the largest Tule elk immobilization and translocation operation ever attempted was successfully accomplished by California Department of Fish and Game personnel. By shooting the animals from the open door of a Jet-Ranger helicopter with drug-filled darts, 72 Tule elk were chemically immobilized. Sixty-two elk were transported in horse trailers for a distance of approximately 350 miles to two holding corrals in the bay area. Of the remaining ten Tule elk immobilized, seven were radio-telemetry collared and/or ear tagged and released in the Owens Valley. Three elk died of capture-related problems.
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