Capture of white-tailed deer fawns using thermal imaging technology

Capture of neonatal white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) often is hampered by inherent difficulties in locating study animals. A variety of techniques have been described for location and capture of fawns, including foot searches, female behavioral cues, spotlighting, and vaginal transmitter implants. However, each technique has certain limitations imposed by such factors as habitat structure or logistical difficulties. We describe a new technique for locating deer fawns in which thermal imaging technology was employed. Only 3.3 person-hours were required per fawn located and 9.4 person-hours required per fawn captured. We suggest that this technique is equally or more efficient than other reported capture techniques for neonatal white-tailed deer.