Dr. Jerrold Belant, Dr. Dean Beyer and their research team are working to figure that out. Belant, an associate professor at Mississippi State University and Beyer, a research wildlife biologist with the DNR, have launched an in-depth long-range research project that is studying whitetail mortality in a 350-square mile stretch of mixed forests and agricultural lands in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Their main goal is to find out how doe and fawn survival rates (the cornerstones of deer population), are affected by predation, winter weather and habitat condition. Pictured here is PHD student Nathan Svoboda. Photo: Heather Stricker
The wolf debate has grown venomous around the country. The abbreviated version of the current dilemma goes something like this: Hunters see less game in their hunting area and believe wolves are the problem. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're not. When they bring their issues to a state wildlife agency they feel like they're either being ignored or deceived. Photo: Lacey Kreinesieck
In a fairly short period of time the research team has been able to record incredible amounts of data. Here are there numbers: -As of March 2011, the team handled 52 black bears (16 cubs, 9 yearlings, 27 adults), 6 bobcats, 23 coyotes, and 7 wolves. Photo: Mike Olsen
Does this research mean that wolves aren't a big factor when it comes to deer populations? No … Photo: Nathan Svoboda
Early data from a research study in Upper Michigan hints that wolves might not be the biggest deer killers.