The great mule deer roundup is coming to an East Kootenay community near you this winter.

Authorities have ordered coloured ear tags for up to 80 urban deer to be relocated to more natural wild settings as a part of an experimental program to avoid the unpopular killing of nuisance deer.

Either traps or darts will be used to capture the deer in Elkford, Cranbrook, Kimberley and Invermere, and relocate them to winter ranges where mule deer populations have been in decline in recent years.

Twenty of the captured deer, mainly adult does and their young who won’t be subject to hunting season, will be fitted with satellite radio-collars to help monitor their movements, including their ability to defend themselves against natural predators.

For the project to prove successful, relocated deer also must not return to either their home community or any other urban area.

Source: Vancouver Sun

Photos: ODN contributing photographers