A research project to examine how deer move across the landscape in southeastern Minnesota’s chronic wasting disease management area began March 12.
“The data from this study will help us estimate male and female dispersal patterns as they relate to disease transmission and build movement models,” said Dr. Chris Jennelle, DNR research scientist. “We can use that information to predict likely pathways of potential chronic wasting disease spread and also estimate causes of death for use in population models.”
A private contractor for the DNR will capture 115 deer of varying age and sex classes and fit them with GPS radio collars. Daily movements will be tracked to determine seasonal movements and dispersal pathways.
Deer dispersal occurs when juvenile deer come of age and move away from their mothers. Exactly when that occurs during the May-to-July time frame, and how far they go, can vary.
Deer will be captured in nets launched from a helicopter. Captures occur on private land where the DNR has obtained landowner permission. Deer also may be captured on public land.
All captures will occur on and around the periphery of the disease management zone, also known as deer permit area 603. DNR staff will keep participating landowners updated on how GPS collared deer use the local landscape.
DNR scientists hope to share movement data across the upper Midwest with colleagues in Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. With that information in hand, research and management strategies can be developed that will have a better chance of slowing disease spread and benefiting the long-term viability of deer populations.
A deer feeding ban remains in effect for 16 counties located in central, north-central and southeastern Minnesota.
The bans are precautionary and were put in place surrounding two farms where multiple captive deer were infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD). Testing of hunter-harvested deer in these areas in fall 2017 did not detect CWD in the wild, but surveillance efforts will continue until the disease is not detected for three consecutive years.
The bans remain in place through February 2019.
Food placed as a result of normal agricultural practices is generally exempted from the feeding ban, but cattle operators should take steps that minimize contact between deer and cattle.
More information about the precautionary feeding ban is available on the DNR’s website.