Deer capture for CWD study starts Jan. 4

CSU researchers will launch their new study of chronic wasting disease in northern Larimer County on Jan. 4.

Helicopters using a technique called netgunning will capture deer in the Red Mountain area, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, the Maxwell Ranch, Lone Pine State Wildlife Area and on private land where landowners have agreed to participate in the project.

Researchers will spend about one day in each of the sites, aiming to capture 12 to 20 adult female deer each day. Blood and tissue samples will be taken from each deer to determine its genetic makeup and to test for chronic wasting disease. Researchers will fit the deer with radio-telemetry collars that will allow them to track the deer throughout the year.

Animals that die will be located by the researches to determine their disease status and to investigate the cause of death. Animals that live through the year will be recaptured in 2011.