SEDL / STP / STP974-EB / STP26183S

A Review of Some Mule Deer Capture Operations

Godfrey, MER
Visiting scientistdirector of Research & Development, Washington State UniversityJ. T. Eaton & Co., Inc., WenatcheeTwinsburg, WAOH

Browne, RW
Agricultural technologist, Washington State University, Wenatchee, WA

Smith, LO
Agricultural technologist, Washington State University, Wenatchee, WA

Pages: 7    Published: Jan 1988

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Abstract

Wild mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were successfully captured for use in trials to evaluate the hazard presented by their exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides. All captures were at night with 30 to 50 cm of snow on the ground and temperatures from −12 to 5°C. Panel traps proved unsatisfactory as the deer suffered injuries from “panic” behavior. A modified Palmer Cap-Chur rifle was used with considerable success; disposable darts contained a mixture of Vetalar and Rompun at 15 mg and 1.4 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Variations of over 35% in the explosive charges used to fire the darts were the major cause of injuries to the deer or missed shots. Weighing cartridges and selecting those within a narrow range reduced variation to about 10%.