Mississippi wildlife officials conduct annual deer health evaluations

Mississippi wildlife biologists, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, and Mississippi State University researchers have been conducting Deer Herd Health Evaluations across the state over the past few weeks.

These annual evaluations monitor reproduction, body condition, and disease prevalence in female deer aged 2.5 years and older. The assessments occur on Wildlife Management Areas, state parks, military lands, and other public and private properties.

The evaluations focus on areas needing updated breeding data, limited hunting, or herd change tracking. During HHEs, biologists collect breeding data to determine peak rut timing, as well as disease data, including parasite loads and tests for epizootic hemorrhagic disease and chronic wasting disease.

They also gather body condition measurements such as weight and Kidney Fat Index. This information helps track herd health over time and identify potential concerns like low body weights or high parasite loads.

All deer harvested during HHEs are donated to charitable organizations, including Hunters for the Hungry and local food banks, according to officials.

Source: Original Article