Influence of Deer Harvest Regulations on Antlerless Harvest, Abundance, and Sex and Age Composition
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Managing potential spread and localized prevalence of chronic wasting disease has proven challenging for wildlife managers nationwide. Whereas some studies have shown that localized intensive harvest of deer has been successful at maintaining low prevalence of CWD, other research has established that different sex and age classes of free-ranging deer have different prevalence rates of disease. The goal of this study is to evaluate potential change in antlerless deer harvest, deer abundance, and deer sex and age composition following the introduction of mandatory antler point restrictions within Michigan's 5-County Core CWD Area.
As part of this work, there is a concurrent study led by Dr. Sonja Christensen together with M.S. student Steven Gurney that is funded by the Michigan DNR and MSU Joint Wildlife Disease Initiative. That project is focused on conducting a methods assessment for population estimation with camera traps, and links deer abundance and demographic estimates to possible outcomes for CWD spread and prevalence. Questions about the study? Please email mi.apr.study@gmail.com or call 616-236-3415. |
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