WVDNR – Wildlife Resources Section to Conduct Statewide Deer Spotlight Surveys

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Over the next several weeks, the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will be conducting spotlight surveys throughout 41 counties of the state to evaluate deer population densities.

“Monitoring deer population levels is an important component of the 2011-2015 West Virginia White-tailed Deer Operational Plan” said Gary Foster, supervisor of WVDNR game management. “We will be using a method called ‘spotlight distance sampling.’ It has been used by numerous state fish and wildlife agencies throughout the country to help determine deer population densities and recruitment.”

Surveys will involve sighting deer along randomly selected roads by searching adjacent fields and woods with spotlights.  Surveys will not involve the collection of live or dead animals and will not involve personnel entering onto private property.  Spotlight surveys will be completed by mid-September.

For additional information, please contact a wildlife biologist at your local DNR district office or at the DNR Elkins Operations Center.