Research Interests
Dr. Haus’ Deer Ecology Lab studies the movement ecology, survival, and management of white-tailed deer and other large mammals in northern Minnesota. Research focuses on understanding how animals respond to environmental conditions, habitat availability, harvest pressure, predation risk, and human activity across spatial and temporal scales.
Using GPS telemetry and spatial ecology approaches, the lab investigates animal movement behavior, habitat selection, survival, and population dynamics. Current projects examine seasonal movement patterns, mortality risk, disease ecology, and harvest management in both urban and rural systems. Much of this work is conducted in collaboration with Tribal natural resource departments, state agencies, and local communities to address applied wildlife management questions.
A central goal of the Deer Ecology Lab is to connect ecological research with practical management applications. Students and technicians involved in the lab gain experience in wildlife capture and handling, telemetry, spatial and statistical analysis, scientific communication, and collaborative field research designed to address real-world management challenges. Prospective lab members are encouraged to contact Dr. Haus via email.
Information on current research can be found on the Projects page.
Information on previous research can be found on the Publications and Presentations pages.
Study Deer and Hunter Harvest
Tagged or collared deer from ongoing research projects are generally located in either the Bemidji region or near the Fond du Lac Reservation. Deer with tags or collars are available for harvest. A research priority for the Deer Ecology Lab is to estimate rates of hunting mortality, so we encourage hunters to neither selectively target nor avoid the harvest of marked deer. Please make harvest decisions as if the collar or tags were not present.
All study animals will have white, 1” diameter, circular ear tags with black numbers. The ear tags will have the text “BSU DEER PROJECT”, a 3-digit ID number, and a phone number to contact. Study animals may or may not have GPS tracking collars as well.
Did you harvest a tagged or collared deer? Please contact Dr. Haus via email (preferred) or phone. If leaving a voicemail please give your name, the tag ID number, and a phone number where you can be reached.
Email: jacob.haus@bemidjistate.edu; Office Phone: (218) 755-4372
Animal Welfare and Permitting
All research involving wild animals is conducted in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, with all required permits from state/federal/Tribal wildlife agencies, and with approval from Bemidji State University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.