Deer Locations
We deployed 20 LOTEK Lifecycle GPS collars (Newmarket, ON, CAN) collars
on female black-tailed deer in Oak Bay. We opted for female deer as the
reproductive component of the population is expected to be most
susceptible both to risk and to available forage. Through February -
March 2018 we conducted road-based surveys every morning from sunrise to
11.00 hrs (when deer were most active). We systematically searched the
entire OB period multiple times over this span, ensuring that animals
throughout the study areas had the opportunity for capture. However,
captures are necessarily constrained to where deer occur (Fig. 2).
Female deer were captured using chemical immobilization viadarting with a Pneu-Dart - Model 389 Rifle with cartridge fired
projector, 1cc Type C darts with a 1” needle, a wire barb, and a
tri-port. Deer were immobilized by the wildlife veterinarian (AH) using
1ml of Wildpharm’s BAM II Premix (27.3mg of Butorphanol, 9.1mg of
Azaperone, and 10.9mg of Medetomidine) and reversed with 2ml of
Atipamazole (50mg) administered intramuscularly (IM), and 0.5ml of
Naltrexone (25mg) IM. Animals were moved to safety and blindfolded.
Vital parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, mucus membrane
colour, and body temperature were monitored. Supplemental oxygen was
administered via nasal cannula when needed. Collars were applied with
unique coloured tags to allow field identification.