Deer movement study begins

[Lee Borgersen]

  ..    Deer movement study begins in southeastern Minnesota's CWD zone

  ...
A Department of Natural Resources research project that will examine how deer move across the landscape in southeastern Minnesota's chronic wasting disease management area is scheduled to begin on Monday, 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, a 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.

The DNR's private contractor plans to 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 will 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 in Minnesota 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.
More information about CWD can be found at mndnr.gov/cwd.
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  Deer feeding bans continue in 16 Minnesota counties

A deer feeding ban remains in effect for 16 counties located in central, north-central and southeastern Minnesota, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

This time of year, we start to hear of people interested in feeding deer, especially when they see deer searching for food before plants start to green up, said Erik Thorson, acting big game program leader with the DNR. People can help deer by being aware of and following the feeding bans that still are in place  they aid in preventing the spread of disease.

Feeding bans in central and north-central Minnesota 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.

Central Minnesota counties affected by the ban are Kandiyohi; McLeod; Meeker; Stearns; Wright; and the portion of Renville County north of U.S. Highway 212.
North-central Minnesota counties affected are Aitkin; Crow Wing; Morrison; the portion of Cass County south of Minnesota highways 34 and 200; and the portion of Mille Lacs County north of County Road 11.
In the southeastern Minnesota counties of Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Mower and Winona, a ban on deer feeding and deer attractants remains in effect through Wednesday, June 27, and will likely be extended because of ongoing disease issues. In Fillmore County, 17 wild deer have been found to have CWD since fall 2016, when the disease was first discovered near Preston.
Feed includes corn, grain, salt, mineral blocks, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay and other food that is capable of attracting or enticing deer.

People who feed birds or small mammals must do so in a manner that prevents access by deer, or place the food at least 6 feet above the ground.

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.
One of the probable mechanisms for CWD spread among deer is over a food or attractant source that concentrates animals. Feeding bans are intended to reduce the number of areas where deer can come into close contact, either directly or indirectly.
 
Even though people have good intentions, feeding often does more harm than good, said Thorson. In addition to spreading disease, feeding can lead to death when deer abruptly shift their diet or cause behavioral changes that end up harming the animals.

More information about the precautionary feeding ban is available on the DNRs website at mndnr.gov/cwd.

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[Dotch]

Speaking of good intentions, the DNR is full of them and full of it. Seriously, how many cattle guys do they think will actually do something/anything so the deer can't come in contact with their herds? Or for that matter pick up spilled grain on the end of a field when corn is under $3? The deer have been digging down through the snow to get at it in these parts.

Deer are like flies around here this winter. Not unusual to see groups of 20 - 30 moseying around at dusk. Lots of new roadkill in the past week locally. Will be curious to see how many places they've knocked our fences down. The cattle raising neighbor has had one helluva time keeping his fences up. I just hope they haven't destroyed my hay!   

[Rebel SS]

Perhaps you could ask the Donald for a special incentive to "build a wall". In the meantime, mayhap  you could post some proper signs, per the DNR advice.... 

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[Dotch]

Love it! Just as effective as dem boat stickers! 

[Rebel SS]

Love it! Just as effective as dem boat stickers! 

Ya! Wash yer zebras off! 

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