State Wildlife Officials Collaring Fawns in Black Hills Area

SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) — State wildlife officials are working to put collars on newborn deer in the Black Hills region to track how many survive.

The Black Hills Pioneer reports that last weekend likely was the peak of birthing activity by does. State Game, Fish and Parks Resource Biologist Chris Cudmore says the goal is to collar 150 fawns for the study.

The survey will provide an estimate of how many fawns survive their first year. By that age, they can find food on their own.

That information combined with other data such as harvest estimates and deer surveys provides a population estimate, and helps determine how many tags are issued to hunters.

The collars are designed to gradually break down and come loose. Researchers can then retrieve small transponders inside.

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