Wildlife Habitat_Content Page_Assist in Wisconsin's Deer Management Program

Summer Deer Observations for DNR Staff and Cooperators

Deer fawn and doe

 

Members of the public can contribute deer observations via Operation Deer Watch, please go to the Operation Deer Watch page for more information.

The Summer Deer Observation (SDO) survey is used by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and cooperating federal, state and county agency personnel to record deer observations from August to September during daylight hours. Data collected from the survey plays an important role in the state’s deer management program by estimating deer production throughout the state. Deer observed during daylight hours are recorded by month (August-September) and management unit (county). Deer observations are classified as adult bucks, does without fawns, does with one, two, and three fawns, fawns without does and unidentified. Observations can be reported by smartphone, desktop, or mail. See below for further instructions.

Smartphone

Observations are collected using the Survey123 smartphone app. Currently on your smartphone? Use this direct link instead of steps 1-3 below to install the survey.

Step 1) Download and install Survey123 on your device. Go to Google Play (Android) or DNR App Catalog (iOS) to install.

  • Note: after installation, the app may open and ask you to log in. Close the app and go to step 2.

Step 2) Scan the QR code below with the phone's camera and click on the link that appears, or open Survey123 and use the QR code reader in the Search bar. This will load and open the Summer Deer Survey in Survey123. If prompted to log in, click 'Continue without signing in' to proceed.

Step 3) Once the survey is installed, go to the X at the top left of the screen, then select "Close survey and lose changes". The Survey123 app and the Summer Deer Survey are now loaded onto your phone and ready for you to record your observations. Upon your next sighting, open Survey123 and the Summer Deer Survey to record your sighting.

  • You can use your phone's GPS to record your sighting location or the map to pin your sightings.

** DO NOT use the app while driving! **

Desktop

You can enter your survey data here (the link works using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome).

Mail

Observations are collected using the Summer Deer Observation form and then mailed to Paul Frater at the end of the month.

U.S. Mail:
Paul Frater - Wildlife Surveys
2801 Progress Rd.
Madison, WI 53716

Inter-D:
Paul Frater/WM-SOC

Additional Information