62 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2018
P
art of being a
NEBRASKAland Magazine
writer includes documenting
interesting studies that go on
in our state that many people
don't realize are taking place but
have an influence on wildlife and
wildlife management in our state.
Many of these studies are
partnerships between the Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission and
the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
or other entities. One particular
study that started this February
involving a UNL student is focusing
on adult female and fawn mule deer
survival rates, their movements,
and habitat use in the southwestern
portion of the state.
Tracking collars were placed
on the does and fawns when they
were captured. These collars allow
researchers to track movements,
determine habitat use and help
identify cause-specific mortality.
The study sites include both
high and low-density mule
deer populations separated
geographically by short distances,
which will allow biologists to better
understand the differences in herd
dynamics.
Data will be analyzed throughout
the next two years with a final
conclusion slated to be complete
in December of 2020. Nebraska
Game and Parks will be able to use
this data to help guide future mule
deer management in southwestern
Nebraska. Furthermore, this study
will provide crucial population
information that will enhance
our ability to make harvest
recommendations based on up-to-
date scientific data. ■
Julie Geiser
July 17, 2018
Mule Deer Study
