Update about game and wildlife research projects in Florida

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

As part of the FWC’s North Florida Deer Study, deer are outfitted with GPS collars and monitored with trail cameras to provide biologists with information about population size, survival, home range and movements.

Update about game wildlife research projects

The restoration of game wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey and wood ducks, is one of the most celebrated accomplishments of modern wildlife management. The comeback of these iconic species was the result of several factors – hunter/conservationist support, dedicated funding, creation of wildlife agencies, habitat conservation and introduction of game laws. Wildlife research also played a pivotal role in these conservation success stories. And research continues to be the underpinning of science-based wildlife management today. Through research, biologists have improved their understanding of wildlife ecology. However, it’s critical we continue to collect and analyze data due to changing landscapes, hunter preferences and wildlife populations. Another reason to continue investing in research is the opportunity to incorporate improvements in technology, such as the advent of satellite GPS transmitters, that can yield new and important insights beyond what was available when older technologies were used.

Ensuring we have the best available information – versus observations not supported by measurable data – is vital for wildlife managers when making decisions about season lengths, bag limits and more. Research results and hunter preferences are key factors that support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Hunting and Game Management goal of providing hunting opportunities while meeting conservation objectives and maintaining populations at acceptable levels.

HGM biologists work with the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, universities and other partners on research projects designed to increase knowledge that addresses specific management questions and improves conservation practices. HGM currently is participating in the leading-edge research efforts outlined below.

North Florida Deer Study

The FWC’s North Florida Deer Study, which began in 2020, is examining white-tailed deer population dynamics in north central Florida. Now in its second year, biologists are using state-of-the-art strategies and equipment, such as GPS collars and trail cameras, to collect data about deer survival, home range and movements. This 5-year study was initiated at Ordway-Swisher Biological Station, a 9,500-acre area in Putnam County. In cooperation with the University of Florida Deer Lab, this study is being expanded in 2022 to include the Osceola Wildlife Management Area, a public recreation area in Columbia and Baker counties. Expanding this study to a second site will allow biologists to assess the impact human activity has on deer survival, seasonal and annual movements, and use of various habitat types.

This study will provide biologists with information about how factors such as home range, movement, causes of mortality, and recruitment rates vary across habitats, management practices, and hunting regulations.

Regional Wood Duck Study

Florida is one of eight states participating in a multi-year study to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of wood duck nest boxes as a tool to increase local wood duck populations. Research teams have fitted hens and ducklings with bands and web tags so they can identify individual hens and their offspring to determine how many return to the same breeding population from which they were hatched. The project is also looking at why wood ducks choose the boxes they do and how to improve nest box placement and structure.

Snipe Study

HGM is working with the FWC’s FWRI to better understand population characteristics of Wilson’s snipe, a migratory gamebird that winters in Florida. This study is identifying the breeding regions of snipe harvested in Florida by analyzing the chemical properties of feathers collected from harvested birds. The study will then examine questions to determine if breeding regions or timing of migration have an influence on where birds overwinter in the state. Answers to these questions will inform future conservation efforts for the FWC and others to further study breeding areas, ensuring sustainable populations for Florida’s migratory game bird hunters.

Snipe hunters can support this research project by submitting the first primary feather from the right wing of snipe harvested in Florida along with the snipe harvest form. The feather and form can be mailed or dropped off at T.M. Goodwin, c/o Mark McBride, 3200 TM Goodwin Road, Fellsmere, FL 32948. Snipe season runs through February 15 on lands outside of the WMA system. The snipe harvest form and more information are available at MyFWC.com/Duck.

Woodcock Study

American woodcock, another migratory gamebird that winters in Florida, are the focus of an award-winning research project being conducted by the University of Maine. HGM and FWRI are partnering with the university to document migration patterns and habitat use, and to identify likely candidates for woodcock habitat management. University researchers and partners have fitted over 400 woodcock with satellite transmitters in 14 states and three Canadian provinces, allowing them to receive daily information about their southerly migration paths and stopovers, and reverse migration routes to northern breeding grounds. Expanding our knowledge of this popular gamebird is important, as the species has experienced population declines over the past five decades and little is known about woodcock migration.

FWC Monitoring Programs

Hunters have long been important partners in wildlife management by providing the FWC with valuable information about what is happening in the most remote parts of the state. You can continue that conservation tradition by participating in the following FWC monitoring programs:

Wild Turkey

From June 1 to Augst 31 each year, the FWC asks everyone to report wild turkey sightings. This annual summer wild turkey survey is part of a larger regional study designed to provide more insight into wild turkey reproduction, distribution and abundance. Learn more at MyFWC.com/Turkey.

Northern Bobwhite

Quail are another species FWC biologists monitor and you can support that effort by reporting sightings and even birds that are calling but not seen. Reporting your quail sightings will help FWC biologists better understand the current distribution and abundance of northern bobwhite populations in Florida. Find the link to report quail sightings at MyFWC.com/Hunting/Quail.

White-tailed Deer/CWD Monitoring

Chronic wasting disease, which has not been detected in Florida, damages the brain and central nervous system of affected members of the deer family and is always fatal. CWD has been detected in 27 states and four Canadian provinces and is one of the most serious diseases facing state wildlife agencies. It’s a contagious disease and once it’s introduced to an area, it can spread and substantially reduce infected deer populations. There’s no vaccine, no cure and it’s virtually impossible to eliminate once it’s been established.

The FWC is taking a proactive approach to reduce the risk of CWD spreading into or throughout Florida. Prevention and early detection through monitoring Florida deer are crucial. The FWC asks that anyone who sees a sick, abnormally thin deer or finds a deer dead from unknown causes call the toll-free CWD hotline, 866-CWD-WATCH (866-293-9282) to report the location of the animal. Learn more at MyFWC.com/CWD.