Photo surveys are conducted on both Shelter Island as well as North Haven.  On Shelter Island, infrared-triggered cameras will be used to collect information on 4-Poster device use.  Between April and November, 24 cameras will be placed at devices on a monthly basis to observe fawn recruitment, sex ratios, tagged deer movement, deer-to-deer contact, and non-target animals use.  Camera surveys conducted on North Haven, in the absence of 4-Posters, occur twice a year and are used to calculate population estimates as well as tagged deer movement.     

     The camera setup is fairly simple.  The camera is placed approximately 3-4 ft. off the ground and pointed in the direction of the device.  It is then tested to make sure it is detecting movement all around the device.  The camera is then set to "live" action mode and will now begin to take pictures when movement is detected. Cameras can also be set to "video" mode for a more enhanced wildlife-monitoring experience.

Click on the video link to view the video:    Video 1     Video 2     Video 3     Video 4

      After a week or so, the cameras are collected and the pictures are retrieved from the memory cards.  The photos are then entered into the computer and analyzed to determine device use by deer and other wildlife.