Abstracts

Abstract: A "deer crush" designed after the New Zealand type used on deer farms to restrain fallow deer (Damma dama) and red deer (Cervus ele~husw) as constructed at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area's research deer pens to restrain and handle white-tailed deer (Qdocoileus virainianud for antler data collection, blood collection, drug administration and other handling needs. The "crush" is an enclosed chute that is 54 inches in length with a hinged drop floor 28 inches from ground level. The width of the top 2/3 portion is 24 inches in width while the bottom portion can be set at widths of 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 inches, depending upon the size of the deer being restrained. A deer enters the "crush" and immediately the operator releases the hinged floor latch and the deer falls into a "V" wedge. Two side doors are then opened and two straps are then secured across the deer's back to apply downward pressure. A handler then subdues the head either by the antlers or the ears and positions the deer for data collection or blood collecting. Upon completion of data collection and antler removal, the side doors are closed, a vertical front sliding door is raised, the hinged side is released and the deer drops to the ground and moves forward into an enclosed box. Between October 9-1 1, 1989, personnel sorted and collected data from 245 deer using the "crush" and rotunda facilities. Antlers were removed from 59 bucks (24 yearlings and 32 - 2.5 years old or older) that ranged in size from 91 to 204 pounds and blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of 54 bucks and 72 does while they were restrained in the "crush". No injuries or fatalities occurred as a result of restraining deer with the "crush". This device and the use of a rotunda has expedited the working and handling of penned white-tailed dramatically and is highly recommended where data collection from large numbers of deer are necessary.