JACKSON – Wildlife biologists in Mississippi have spent the past several weeks conducting annual deer herd health evaluations across the state to monitor reproduction, body condition and disease prevalence in mature female deer.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said the evaluations are being carried out in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mississippi State University.
Officials said the surveys focus on female deer ages 2.5 years and older and are conducted each year on wildlife management areas, state parks, U.S. military lands and other public and private properties.
According to the department, the evaluations are especially important in areas where updated breeding data is needed, hunting pressure is limited, or herd changes are being monitored.
During the evaluations, biologists collect breeding data to determine peak rut timing, disease data including parasite loads and testing for epizootic hemorrhagic disease and chronic wasting disease, and body condition data such as weight and Kidney Fat Index.
Officials said the information helps track deer herd health over time and identify potential concerns, including low body weights or high parasite loads.
The department said all deer harvested during the evaluations are donated to charitable organizations, including Hunters for the Hungry and local food banks.
