Research Projects

White Mountains Deer Research Project
by Henry Coletto

Each deer is captured by use of a netgun shot from the helicopter, then is carried back to the base camp.

In early March I had the opportunity to see CDA dollars at work. It was about 5:30 AM on the first day of the White Mountains deer capture, as a group of Department of Fish and Game personnel and volunteers gathered in a motel parking lot in Bishop. Wildlife biologists Alisa Ellsworth and Tim Taylor, who head up the

White Mountain deer project, gave assignments to everyone. The first part of the operation would be to travel from Bishop to the east side of the White Mountain Range. It took about an hour and a half to get the site of the deer capture. As the base camp was set up, helicopter pilot Steve DeJesus searched the snowline for deer.

Over the three days of the capture, fifteen deer were captured by netgun, then flown into the base camp for processing. As the deer came into camp, each doe was given an ultrasound exam to determine pregnancy rates.

Volunteers and California Department of Fish and Game personnel collect data from each deer. With ultrasound, pregnancy rate is determined, body fat is measured, and condition is assessed.

Each deer was measured, and blood samples were collected. Each was fitted with a GPS collar to provide biologists with information about migratory patterns. Through radiotelemetry biologists will also collect data on fawn mortality and population density.

Biologists will monitor these deer by ground and air for any mortalities. After a year, the GPS collars will automatically drop off the deer and will be picked up by researchers.

 

 

After collaring, the deer are released back into the White Mountains, where they will be tracked over the next year.

A whole year’s worth of information about the deer movement patterns will be downloaded to computer. With these new technologies, the Department of Fish and Game biologists can gain new information needed for long-term management of this deer herd.

CDA wants to thank our membership for providing funds for the purchase of the GPS collars, and a huge “thanks” to the dedicated personnel of the Department of Fish and Game, as well as the many volunteers who made this project happen.

The White Mountain Range is home to bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lions, coyotes, quail, and chukars. Little is known about the deer herd, but CDA funding for GPS collars is helping researchers find answers.