How to Census Deer Using Infrared Cameras
From wildlife preserves to managed hunting grounds, property managers often struggle with keeping an accurate tally of the wildlife living on their property. Census by infrared camera is a method of obtaining a wildlife count, especially for white-tailed deer. Setting up an infrared camera to conduct a census requires understanding the basic habits of deer and how the camera functions. Once the photographs have been gathered, a simple calculation yields a scientifically accurate total of the number of deer on the property.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Position the infrared camera in a zone highly trafficked by deer. To determine your best options, observe the area first before setting up the camera. Select a naturally abundant area, such as a stream or forested glen, that provides a wealth of natural food options.
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Conduct your census for at least seven days to allow enough time to gather sufficient data. Studies conducted in the mid-1990s in a controlled experiment at Mississippi State University indicate that 80 percent of the deer will be photographed within a seven-day period.
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Look at each photo to identify each individual deer. Markings on the fur and the shape of the antlers will help you identify individuals. Most likely, you will have photographed the same deer more than once. Remove duplicate photos and blank photographs. (See the Warnings section for information on blank photographs.)
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Calculate the deer population. Multiply the total number of individual deer by 100, and then divide that amount by 80. The number of individual deer represents 80 percent of your total deer population. Therefore, if you photographed 20 deer, your total deer population is 25.
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Tips & Warnings
An artificial bait, made from food, occasionally is used to lure deer to the camera. Arranging artificial food baits when there is a natural food source nearby will not necessarily yield accurate census results because the deer will be more attracted to the natural food source and ignore the artificial bait. Bucks and does, however, do not necessarily respond to the same food types. An artificial bait is likely to unevenly attract one sex and potentially skew the results of the census. The types of food that deer respond to also vary by season; while deer can eat herbs and grasses, in another season they may prefer fruits and fungi. If you choose to use an artificial bait, factor in the time of year you plan to conduct the census and adjust your food selection accordingly.
An infrared camera is a self-contained unit that sends out steady infrared pulses. When these infrared pulses are interrupted, the camera responds by taking a picture. Therefore, your census photos will undoubtedly feature other creatures who interrupted the infrared beam. Infrared cameras also detect body heat, which unfortunately can be confused with solar energy, leading to false triggers and blank photographs.
