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Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) are working together on a new white-tailed deer research project in south-central Michigan. This project, which began in 2003 and continues through 2007, will examine deer movement patterns, impacts of hunting and other factors that contribute to deer mortality, and outcomes of deer-human interactions (e.g., deer consumption of crops, wildlife (deer) viewing; deer-vehicle collisions).
Why is this research important?
This research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of deer management in south-central Michigan by taking into account the public's attitude relating to deer and matching those attitudes with deer management objectives developed by the MDNR. Understanding deer-human interactions in south-central Michigan today can enable us to predict future interactions across all of southern Michigan.
1. We will examine the relationships between current land use (e.g., state game and recreation areas, cropland, residential, etc.), deer movement and mortality patterns, and hunter harvest.
HOW? Adult and fawn white-tailed deer will be captured and fitted with radio-collars in order to track their movement patterns and survival. Computer models will be used to assess relationships between deer movement patterns and vegetation composition and structure of the landscape. Surveys will be used to characterize variation in hunting intensity and rates of deer harvest.
2. We will assess relationships between deer management and human values, beliefs, and attitudes toward deer.
HOW? Individuals within the study area will be interviewed and surveyed to assess impacts from deer experienced by people in southern Michigan. Information gained from these interviews will help reveal factors affecting people's tolerance for deer and acceptability of different techniques used in deer management.
3. We will communicate research results to stakeholders and deer managers, and develop ways to better involve people in deer management.
HOW? Communication strategies and outreach activities associated with this project will provide information on deer and deer management in southern Michigan in the form of brochures, workshops, speakers, fact sheets, and informational web sites.
Jackson County
Washtenaw County
Click on the counties for a detailed map of the study areaThis project is taking place within the mixed forested and agricultural landscape of public and private lands in eastern Jackson and western Washtenaw counties.
This was chosen as the study area because the future southern Michigan landscape is projected to resemble the current landscape of south-central Michigan (scattered suburbanization of rural areas).
The research will be carried out over 5 years.
Year 1 (2003): Project initiation, selection of study area;Year 2-4 (2004-2006): Gather field data, begin outreach activities;
Year 4-5 (2006-2007): Develop progress reports; continue outreach activities.
Project Results |
"Living with Deer in Southern Michigan" survey results
For questions or comments regarding this web site,
please contact: Jordan Pusateri Burroughs at pusater3@msu.edu