All handling methods and anesthesia protocols were carefully reviewed and approved by UW-Madison, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Research Animal Resources Center (RARC).
Captured deer are sedated with a combination of xylazine and ketamine. Induction is usually rapid and smooth and the anesthesia produced is very stable. After the handling protocol is finished (about 30-40 minutes), the xylazine is reversed using tolazoline.
 Bill Delanis (project veterinarian) inserts a catheter to administer fluids |
 A buck fawn recovers from being sedated. |
Once sedated, vital signs such as respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature are taken throughout handling. The deer is weighed and a physical exam is completed to assess its health. An ear puch, blood sample, and fecal sample are collected. Body measurements are taken and fluids and penicillin are given. Age is determined by tooth replacement and wear.
 Jean Fantle-Lepczyk takes measurements of hock to toe and chest girth |
 Jason Isabelle listens to the heart rate |
All captured deer are tagged with two metal ear tags with an identification number on each. Both xylazine and ketamine have a 30-day withdrawal time. Therefore, ear tags have a message to "Call DNR before consumption" along with a phone number. A VHF radio collar is place on each deer. Each collar is fixed to a unique frequency which is used to locate the deer on the landscape. The collars are fit to each deer allowing approximately 1.5 inches of space (e.g two finger widths) between the neck and the collar. Special attention is paid to yearlings where room is allowed for normal growth. Adult buck collars have an elastic expander that allows for growth as their neck expands entering the rut.
During winter 2003-2004, we began placing orange tape on the top of all the collars for visibility from the air during DNR aerial surveys. We also place colored tape on the sides of each collar to help us identify individual deer when seen together. These colors could be yellow, orange, red, blue, green, black, gray, or any two-color combination. If you see a radio-collared deer and can tell what color tape is on the collar, we can better identify the deer you saw.
 Tessa Smith attaches an ear tag |
 Angela Engelman puts on a VHF radio-collar |
A tonsil biopsy is taken to test for Chronic Wasting Disease.
 Ed Lindner (volunteer veterinarian) and Bill Delanis take tonsil biopsy |
 Anne Oyer (CWD research coordinator) takes a tonsil biopsy |
All photos courtesy of Anne Oyer, Vince Green, and Tessa Smith