The annual spring wildlife survey is underway with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The survey began in the late 1970s to collect information on the raccoon population but was expanded to include deer and other furbearers. The annual survey is conducted from mid-march to mid-April in each county, beginning an hour after sunset, preferably on nights with low wind, good visibility, and humidity. The routes cover different habitats from river bottoms to farm fields, parries, woodlots, pastures, and timber stands. DNR staff will shine a spotlight on each side of the vehicle going below 20 miles per hour and record the number of deer and furbearers they see. Deer research specialist with the Iowa DNR, Jace Elliott, says, “This survey produces really valuable information on our deer and furbearer population both locally and at the state level, allowing us to see population trends over time.” The survey will be posted later this summer on the DNR’s website. A link to the website can be found included with this story on our website.
