Operation Deer Watch 2011In 2010 the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources launched Operation Deer Watch, a new summer deer observation effort involving outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. The department is interested in sightings of bucks, does, and fawns. The number of deer seen and the number of fawns seen with each doe are indicators of annual deer herd production. Data from Operation Deer Watch will be used with DNR observations to help determine the fawn-to-doe ratio. The vast amount of observation data that citizens can provide will help the Department of Natural Resources effectively and accurately monitor Wisconsin?s deer reproduction.
The survey period begins August 1st and continues until September 30th 2011. To participate in the survey, go to the DNR Operation Deer Watch webpage.
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/harvest/summerdeer.htm Once on the webpage, watch the video survey instructions and then click on the link to the survey to record your sightings. A tally sheet has been provided to record information about your deer observations for when you do not have access to a computer. It is important that all information be filled out for each observation. A report summarizing the results of your 2011 deer observations will be produced at the end of the survey period and sent to all individuals who enter their email address on every observation form.
Questions about Operation Deer Watch, accessing the tally sheet, reporting your observation, or the results of the survey, can be referred to Brian Dhuey at (608) 221-6342 or Jes Rees at (608) 221-6360.
