##  [Experimental Design for Estimating White-Tailed Deer Occupancy, Density, and Habitat Selection in Alberta’s Boreal Forest](/resource/experimental-design-estimating-white-tailed-deer-occupancy-density-and-habitat-selection) 

Organization

[InnoTech Alberta (ITA)](/organization/innotech-alberta-ita)

[Government of Alberta (GoA)](/organization/government-alberta-goa)

[Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC)](/organization/petroleum-technology-alliance-canada-ptac)

 

 

Project

[The Alberta Boreal Deer Project](/project/alberta-boreal-deer-project)

 

Resource Type

[Report](/taxonomy/term/38)

 

 

Author(s)

Jason Fisher

 

 

Original Authors

Jason Fisher

 

 

Resource Date:

2012

 

Page Length

26

 

 

In this year we analyzed the study landscape using GIS, reclassified AVI data into deer habitat categories, and created the experimental design for sampling deer occupancy using remote cameras. We conducted a pilot study to assess the best deployment strategy – on trails and/or using lures to maximize detectability of deer. Informed by this pilot, in October we deployed 60 remote cameras within our study area, and checked all cameras three months later. Cameras continue to be monitored with quarterly camera checks. We also received, programmed, and tested satellite telemetry collars. In October we conducted an experiment and analysis to determine whether telemetry locations were missed more often in some habitats than others — referred to as GPS bias. No locations were missed in any habitat, suggesting there is no GPS bias in our study landscape in winter (during leaf off).