Wow, what a bunch of whining about a real first world problem. I truly hope some of the comments in this thread come from ignorance rather than just pure stupidity.
An aerial survey is hardly a Covid risk averse activity. You all do realize that it isn't just a pilot up there counting the waterfowl. It involves a pilot flying the plane at low altitudes while a spotter does the identification and counting. And, there are different spotters used in different parts of the state.
With the current conditions of the covid outbreak, how many of you would want to sit inches away from a non-family member for several hours in a small cockpit breathing and exchanging the same air? There is risk on both sides, but especially for the pilot who would be getting potentially exposed to multiple folks every week. Yes, it sucks that we are missing a years worth of data. But, I would put some people's health above that data. But, that is just me.
And, on the TWRA side, the TWRA pilot retired a couple of months ago after a long and illustrious career. I had the pleasure of hiring her many years ago, and, without a doubt, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Barbara did a tremendous job for TWRA.
It is my understanding that a new pilot hasn't been hired. With an aging airplane likely in need of replacement sometime soon, I suspect TWRA will evaluate what direction they want to go for aerial services.
Hope you all get to kill some ducks. It is obviously more important to some of you than people's health.
