This project seeks to understand how space use, resource selection, annual survival, and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer (adults and fawns) differ along an urban-rural gradient in the Triangle area. In January 2022, our team began capturing and GPS-radio-collaring white-tailed deer in Durham and Orange Counties. Capture efforts occur annually from January-August and will wrap up in 2
024. Deer are captured using drop nets and dart projector rifles. When captured, deer are fitted with a GPS collar and a yellow numbered ear tag. Collars are not permanent and will break off on a predetermined date. Therefore, you may come across deer with an ear tag and no collar. Are you interested in assisting with research? To meet our research objectives, we are always looking for new capture locations. If you own property in the Durham County or eastern Orange County area, have noticeable deer activity, and would allow us to either dart deer or place a 40' x 40' drop net on your property, please send us a message. Additionally, if you find a fawn near your home, please reach out to us as we are interested in collaring fawns in the spring and summer. If you are interested in assisting with this research but are unsure if your land meets the capture criteria, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Data from our research will provide science-based information to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to inform effective management plans for white-tailed deer in North Carolina.
