The 21st Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group brought together the nation's top wildlife biologists, whose research is quietly shaping the future of deer hunting and conservation.
The Southeast Deer Study Group (SEDSG) serves as an annual gathering of the brightest minds in white-tailed deer research and management. Since its formation as a full committee in 1985, this forum has united managers, researchers, administrators, and wildlife enthusiasts dedicated to understanding one of America's most important game species 1 .
One of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on white-tailed deer was presented at a recent meeting—the South Florida Deer Research Project. This multi-year investigation represented one of the largest white-tailed deer studies conducted in the country 5 .
The South Florida project, which ran from 2014 through 2018, involved four years of intensive field work across three research sites.
The team captured 294 deer using net-gunning from helicopters, rocket netting, and darting 5 .
263 adult deer were fitted with GPS collars that provided over 590,000 deer locations 5 .
180 remote-sensing trail cameras collected 477,000 photos of wildlife 5 .
Predation was the leading cause of deer mortality, with panthers accounting for 72% of the 134 mortalities of collared deer 5 .
As water levels increased, survival decreased, particularly for female deer. "Female survival decreased by up to 9% when water level reached 0.5 meter, and up to 22% at 1 meter" 5 .
| Year | Male Survival Probability | Female Survival Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 44% | 60% |
| 2016 | 53% | 60% |
| 2017 | 65% | 75% |
| 2018 | 76% | 84% |
Data sourced from the South Florida Deer Research Project Final Report 5 .
Modern deer research relies on specialized equipment and methodologies to gather accurate data without unnecessarily stressing the animals.
| Research Tool | Function | Application in South Florida Study |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Collars | Track movement patterns and survival rates | Provided over 590,000 location data points 5 |
| Remote Cameras | Monitor wildlife activity and estimate populations | 180 cameras collected 477,000 photos 5 |
| Net-gunning from Helicopters | Safely capture deer in difficult terrain | One of three capture methods used 5 |
| Fecal DNA Analysis | Identify species and individuals | Not used in this study but employed in similar modern research 8 |
| Rocket Netting | Capture multiple deer at ground level | One of three capture methods used 5 |
The SEDSG meeting has become renowned for showcasing groundbreaking graduate student research. At one recent meeting, Mississippi State University students made history by "sweep[ing] the competition"—taking first, second, and third place in the annual student oral presentation competition 2 .
Dan Morina's research on mating preferences among white-tailed deer investigated whether female deer are selective about their mates 2 .
Jordan Youngmann's genetic study aimed to determine the origin of deer populations, examining whether non-native deer are genetically distinct 2 .
Jacob Dykes' research on how plant nutrients influence diet selection in white-tailed deer 2 .
While the SEDSG focuses primarily on southeastern white-tailed deer, the research principles and methodologies developed have global applications. A recent 2025 study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology demonstrated similar challenges in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil 8 .
| Location | Estimated Adult Deer Density (per square mile) |
|---|---|
| North Addition Lands | 9.1 |
| Bear Island | 13.8 |
| Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge | 16.6 |
Data from the South Florida Deer Research Project's new monitoring method 5 .
The research presented at the Southeast Deer Study Group meetings continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies and addressing emerging challenges. As one veteran researcher observed, "These awards are a marker of the excellent science conducted on Mississippi State University's campus, and the hardworking professors and graduate students who make it possible" 2 .
The implications of this research extend far beyond academic interest. Deer managers now have better tools for estimating populations, understanding survival factors, and developing targeted management strategies.