The exciting and perilous life of an airborne cowboy, or muster pilot, involves wrangling, herding, and protecting cattle from a vantage point 500 feet above the ground. Seated in a helicopter, these daring individuals navigate vast areas of up to 300,000 acres, overseeing approximately 20,000 head of cattle as they graze in preparation for export to Asia.
Muster pilots face the daunting task of rounding up 2,000 cattle in less than a week. This requires them to fly exceedingly slow and at low altitudes to effectively direct the herds. The work is both dangerous and thrilling, with several pilots losing their lives every year in cattle ranching accidents.
To successfully maneuver the herds, muster pilots must fly at speeds of around 30 miles per hour, dodging trees and other obstacles in their path. Engine failure can be catastrophic, as pilots may crash to the ground without time to escape or execute a safe landing.
The muster pilot’s role begins by meeting ground or chase crews, who typically move about on horseback or four-wheelers, several meters away from the herding location. These crews maintain radio contact with the pilots and follow their instructions throughout the herding process. Sometimes, multiple muster pilots work together, dipping and diving to guide the animals home.
To qualify as a muster pilot, applicants must possess a standard helicopter pilot’s license and have logged approximately 100 or more hours of low flying time. Many who pursue this career have extensive experience in low-flying helicopters and possess in-depth knowledge of the territories in which they operate.
Muster pilots are occasionally employed to herd other animals, such as crocodiles, which involves flying at even lower altitudes of just 9 or 10 feet to return these predators to their habitats. In these efforts, pilots effectively manage wildlife populations away from congested and overpopulated areas.
Beyond herding, helicopters are widely used for wildlife surveys and population counts for various species like deer, elk, sheep, and caribou. Muster pilots play a crucial role in protecting herds from predators and locating stragglers that may have become separated. They often collaborate with researchers to leverage advanced technologies, such as thermal imaging, to find and locate animals that have wandered off, are injured, or are difficult to spot due to dense forestry and tree canopies. Thermal imaging also enables them to track predators after nightfall.
Helicopters are frequently used for tracking and tagging animals to monitor their migratory patterns and maintain awareness of their movements. This data is invaluable for wildlife conservation efforts and helps inform decision-making around land management, resource allocation, and the implementation of policies to protect these species and their habitats.
The high-stakes and demanding world of muster pilots is not for the faint of heart. These aerial cowboys expertly navigate treacherous terrains and face life-threatening risks to manage cattle herds and protect wildlife populations. Their unique skill set and dedication to their craft not only contribute to the agricultural sector but also play a vital role in wildlife conservation and maintaining ecological balance.