The University of Wyoming in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be conducting aerial captures of mule deer in the Riverton area in late January involving low-level helicopter flights.

This is the third year of a research project focused on the reasons behind the high prevalence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the Project Deer Herd (Hunt Areas 157 and 171). 82 mule deer were collared in the previous two years, including two collars with cameras. This year an additional 52 collars will be placed on deer 32 on mule deer and 20 on white-tailed deer). 

Captures will happen over several days. Animals will be netted from a helicopter by a professional wildlife capture crew, fitted with the GPS collar and an ear tissue sample will be collected to test for CWD. Deer will then be released at the capture site. 

Habitat use and animal movements will be compared between deer where CWD is detected and not detected. Data gathered from the project may be used to identify disease management strategies.

Other project partners include the Shoshone and Arapahoe Fish and Game, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more information, contact Daryl Lutz at 307-332-2688.

The image shows an aerial map of potential capture locations (inside red-lined areas).