Fond du Lac Deer Study
Project Description
The Fond du Lac Deer Study is a collaborative research project between Bemidji State University and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa focused on understanding white-tailed deer population dynamics in northeastern Minnesota. Deer are culturally, ecologically, and economically important to the region, but populations have declined in recent decades. At the same time, elk restoration efforts are planned for the area, creating questions about how elk may affect deer survival, habitat use, and overall population health. Researchers will track adult deer and fawns using GPS collars to collect information on movement, habitat use, survival, and causes of mortality. The project will support science-based wildlife management decisions for Tribal, state, and local partners.
Project Partners
Project Funding
The Fond du Lac Deer project is funded through a 2025 grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources.
Project Study Area
Bemidji Urban Deer Study
Project Description
This project examines the effectiveness of an urban archery hunt attempting to manage white-tailed deer populations within the City of Bemidji. Deer living in urban areas can create challenges for communities by increasing vehicle collisions, damaging landscaping, and contributing to the spread of tick-borne diseases. Many Minnesota cities use special archery hunts to reduce deer numbers, but little research has evaluated how well these programs work. During winters of 2024 and 2025, the Deer Ecology Lab placed GPS collars on 73 adult females within city limits. The study will track how deer respond to hunting pressure, estimate survival and harvest rates, and identify where and when hunting is most effective. Results from the study will help develop science-based recommendations for urban deer management programs across Minnesota, with practical guidance for designing safe, effective archery hunts that better control urban deer populations.
Project Partners
Project Funding
The Bemidji Urban Deer Project is funded through a 2023 grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources.
Project Study Area
