Evaluating risks associated with capture and handling of mule deer for individual‐based, long‐term research

Abstract Capture and handling techniques for individual‐based, long‐term research that tracks the life history of animals by recapturing same individuals several years has vastly improved study inferences our understanding animal ecology. Yet there are corresponding risks to associated with physical trauma or capture myopathy can occur during following events. Rarely empirical evidence existed guide decisions magnitude capture‐related risks, how reduce these when possible, implications mortality censoring survival estimates. We used data collected from 2,399 events mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) via helicopter net‐gunning compare daily probabilities within a 10‐week period centered on event evaluated age, nutritional condition (body fat), various methods influenced before, during, event. Direct resulting efforts was 1.59%. Mean 0.9993 ± 0.0001 (SE) 5‐week pre‐capture window, depressed day at 0.9841 0.0004, rebounded 0.9990 0.0008 post‐capture window. Neither nor had detectable effect survival, including time = 13.30 1.87 min), year (i.e., Dec Mar), tooth extraction, number times an been recaptured (2–17 times). Although rate slightly elevated (resulting capture), age did not influence probability Following event, survival; however, relationship consistent expected effects winter independent handling. Overall rates 5 weeks before after were different. A specified window evident, which contradicts implementation predetermined often researchers managers mortalities capture. Previous notions censorship all in 2 is unwarranted removal meaningful data. With previous guiding protocols (e.g., reduced chase time) temperature mitigation), low direct almost undetectable indirect post reinforces efficacy recapture long‐term, individual‐based studies.