The Mule and Black-tailed Deer Program
Mule and black-tailed deer have been declining in western states for several decades. Our past and ongoing research has focused on the following areas:
- Survival of mule deer fawns in eastern Washington (Tamara Johnstone-Yellin, Lisa Shipley, and Woody Myers)
- Validating predictive models of nutritional condition for mule deer. (Rachel Cook, John Cook, Lisa Shipley, Tom Stephenson and Woody Myers)
- The effects of summer and autumn nutrition on lactating does and their fawns (Troy Tollefson, Lisa Shipley, and Woody Myers)
- The effects of cattle grazing on the nutritional ecology of mule deer in southeastern Washington (Sara Wagoner and Lisa Shipley)
- Examining the effects of maternal body condition on the birth sex ratios of mule deer. (Tamara Johnstone-Yellin and Lisa Shipley)
- Effects of starch and fiber in pelleted diets on behavior, physiology, and growth in mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fawns (Sarah McCusker, Lisa Shipley, Elizabeth Koustos)
- The effects of forest herbicides on the nutritional ecology of black-tailed deer in western Washington (planned for 2011 – 2013).
Donation Package Selections
We offer donation packages at several levels of support
I. Deer for a Year: $200
This package provides food and keeper care for one animal a year. Perfect for individuals, families, school groups, businesses and civic organizations. You receive:
- Personal tour by a wildlife biologist of the Wild Ungulate Facility and a chance to pet and interact with deer
- Thank you letter from WSU for your tax-deductible donation
- Your name on our website
II. Deerleaders: $1000+
This package pays for veterinary care of the herd, facility improvements, and /or research. You receive:
- Personal tours by a wildlife biologist of the Wild Ungulate Facility and a chance to pet and interact with deer
- Thank you letter from WSU for your tax-deductible donation
- Membership in WSU's President's Associates, which entitles donor to a free parking permit, and access to President's Associates events
- Your name on our website
III. Deer Supporter: $100 - $200
Any amount donated will go directly to care of our mule deer herd. You receive:
- Thank you letter from WSU for your tax-deductible donation
- Your name on our website
Thank You to Our Donors!
Deer for a Year:
- Stephanie and Doug Savell - Germany
- Hunter Savell - Germany
- Nikki and Bryan Thines - Pullman, WA
Deer Leaders:
- Lisa and Mark Shipley - Moscow, ID
- Michell and Gary Radamaker - Clarkston, WA
Deer Supporters:
- Richard and Diana Ransom - Pasco, WA
Meet the Deer!
Click here to meet the deer!
How to Donate
To donate to our program, please send a check made out and sent to:
Department of
Natural Resource Sciences, WSU
Memo: Animal Care Fund
Pullman, WA 99164-6410
Please include your name, address and email or phone number.
You can also pay by credit card by calling WSU University Foundation at 1-800-448-2978 and specify Natural Resource Sciences Animal Care Fund.
A follow-up email to Lisa Shipley at shipley@wsu.edu will allow us to send out your materials sooner. You may also contact us via phone at
(509) 335-9182 to obtain further information.