CDFW conducts mule deer helicopter captures to collect critical data for management of the state’s deer populations. During these captures, staff collect physiological (bodily functions) and morphometric (size/shape) measurements, samples for disease surveillance, and body condition in a way that can predict population performance. Animals are also fitted with GPS collars for geospatial tracking. The collars help CDFW understand movement and survival of the animals. They also are instrumental for conducting population estimates during surveys. The culmination of these efforts is aimed at conserving California’s deer population
