In an attempt to gain a better understanding of the decline of mule deer populations across the West, biologists from the University of Wyoming have launched a new research project.
Titled the Deer-Elk Ecology Research Project, or D.E.E.R. project, this fast-paced study will see researchers capture and collar 50 female mule deer and 35 elk in the high desert south of Rock Springs, Wyoming. In addition to the collaring of these animals, university biologists will also be tracking newborn fawns, gathering data on diet composition and the nutritional condition of the animals at key times throughout the year.
The research derived from the study aims to reveal interactions between the declining populations of mule deer and the ever-increasing populations of elk. Utilizing GPS collar data, fawn survival, spring and fall body fat assessments, fecal analysis and habitat changes to determine if and how deer and elk are competing for resources where populations overlap.
Project leader and Ph.D. student Matthew Hayes will also be investigation the affects of predation from coyotes and mountain lions could be having on the deer populations.
The study will see researchers collect and analyze detailed movement, survival and nutritional data for nearly every demographic of the deer population and will only be the second study in Wyoming to monitor both survival and mortality for newborn deer.
The project, currently funded in part by contributions from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and fundraising efforts by the Muley Fanatic Foundation is still in need of additional funding. One such way to get involved is through the project’s Adopt-A-Deer program.
In exchange for adoption funds, which will provide the necessary resources to study that particular animal, key information will be available for these high-level sponsors. In addition to recognition, sponsors enrolled in the Adopt-A-Deer program will gain access to their adopted deer’s profile, laid out much the same as an athlete’s playing card.
To contribute to the project or adopt a deer, please visit www.deerproject.org for more information.
Feature Image: Muley Fanatic Foundation Facebook