WYG&F: Collared Wildlife Vital for Management Research

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding hunters across the state they may see mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose and bighorn sheep wearing radio and GPS collars as part of ongoing research projects. According to the Game and Fish, while it is legal to harvest collared animals, hunters are asked to avoid targeting them just because they have a collar. These collars are part of important studies designed to better understand habitat use, survival and herd health. This research directly shapes management decisions.

Game and Fish Supervisor of the Science, Research and Analytical Support Unit Embere Hall described one ongoing study in southeast Wyoming saying they’re researching how efforts to reduce elk numbers through hunter harvest changes how elk use the landscape, and how mule deer respond to lower elk densities.

According to the Game and Fish, now in its third year, this project will provide managers with critical information to help determine future hunting seasons.

The Department is alerting hunters that if you harvest a collared animal, do not cut or damage the collar when removing it. Most collars can be removed by loosening the bolts. Notify a Game and Fish regional office so staff can retrieve the equipment. Managers will download the data from the collar and possibly redeploy it in future studies.

Game and Fish remind the public that hunters are a vital partner in wildlife conservation. Choosing to pass on collared animals when another opportunity is available is a great way for hunters to continue supporting wildlife conservation and management efforts.

Read about past collaring projects with deer, pronghorn and bighorn sheep on the Game and Fish website.