On November 8, 2018

Hunters asked to help collect deer data

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is asking hunters for help in a statewide initiative to gather more biological data on the state’s deer population.  Hunters who get a deer during the Nov. 10-25 rifle season are asked to provide an incisor tooth from their deer when they go to a reporting station.

Biologists are collecting middle incisor teeth from all rifle season deer in order to evaluate regional differences in ages and antler characteristics of bucks as well as to help estimate population size, growth rate, health, and mortality rates.  Each tooth will be cross-sectioned to accurately determine the deer’s age, and the results will be posted on the Fish & Wildlife website next spring.

Hunters are asked to obtain a tooth envelope from the reporting agent.  Write your name, Conservation ID number and date of kill on it.  Remove one of the middle incisor teeth, being careful to include the root.  Place the tooth in the envelope and give it to the reporting agent.

Instructions on removing the tooth will be posted at reporting stations, and a video showing how will be available on Fish & Wildlife’s website vtfishandwildlife.com.

“Knowing the ages of harvested deer is critically important, and more information allows us to make better management decisions,” said Nick Fortin, Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s deer project leader.  “To produce accurate population estimates, and to better assess our current management strategies, we really need to get teeth from as many deer as possible.”

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Long-time Killington clerk is retiring

December 11, 2024
By Curt Peterson No one will ever call Lucrecia Wonsor a “nine-to-fiver.” The veteran Killington clerk (20 years, 4 months) and treasurer (11 years, 10 months) is known for her dedication to her responsibilities, working long hours and some weekends to successfully manage the official and financial affairs of this resort town of about 1,500…

Healthcare, housing take center stage with new Vt legislative leaders

December 11, 2024
Vermont’s legislative focus is sharpening on healthcare and housing as Representative Lori Houghton (D-Essex Junction) and Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D-Chittenden County) take on their new roles as House and Senate majority leaders, respectively. Both leaders transitioned from key committee chair roles, marking the first in at least two decades for Vermont’s Legislature. Houghton, a…

Vermont State Historic Sites attendancehits 22-year high, more to open

December 11, 2024
2024 was a banner year at Vermont State Historic Sites. New data released Dec. 3 by the Vermont Dept. of Housing and Community Development’s Division for Historic Preservation shows 80,678 people spent $512,053 at seven Vermont State Historic Sites during the 2024 season. Spending is the result of admission fees (charged at six sites) and sales at six…

House leadership prepares to tackle property tax

December 11, 2024
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Speaker Jill Krowinski and the Chairs of House Education and Ways and Means outlined the groundwork for the upcoming legislative session to address the rising property taxes and the future of public education in Vermont. Governor Scott issued the administration’s “December 1 Letter” which projected a property tax increase next year…