Tranquilizing Techniques for Capturing Deer

Improvements were made in existing techniques for capturing and handling deer with the oval tranquilizing agent Tranimul. One hundred twelve wild deer were captured. Of these, 99 were transported away from the capture sites. Sika deer (Cervus nippon) and fallow deer (Dama dama) reacted to treatment very much like the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Site selection, pre-baiting, treatment rates and application of drug to bait are discussed. Recommendations are made relative to bait trays, capture nets and tying straps. Capturing, tying, carrying and hauling of tranquilized deer are discussed, las are post release treatment and mortality factors. Suggestions for further research are made.