Scientific deer study continues

A scientific study of Pennsylvania's deer population enters its third year. Results will be used to help the Pa. Game Commission decide how many antlerless deer-hunting licenses to sell.

Researchers from Penn State University and the Pa. Game Commission are researching deer survival rates and behavior of deer, as well as hunter activity.

Starting almost two years ago, field crews captured more than 250 female deer in Potter, Cameron, McKean and several other counties. They were equipped with radio collars to monitor their movements.

At the same time, researchers conducted aerial surveys of hunter distribution and densities.

Preliminary results indicate non-hunting survival rates exceed 80 percent. Hunters killed the larger proportion deer, followed by vehicle collisions. Predators killed two adult female deer; one by a bobcat and the other by a bear.

Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission deer management supervisor, said the research will yield information on "the relationship between female deer harvest vulnerability and biological factors - for example, establishing to what degree a deer's age influences its susceptibility to harvest."

Several partners, including the Quality Deer Management Association and Pennsylvania Deer Association, have provided more than $57,000 in funding and equipment to support the ongoing deer research.