Using Genetics to Match Sheds
Filed under: Ask Grant, Deer Biology
Question
Hi Grant,
I was just wondering how one would go about having samples taken from sheds to see if a deer is a match from one year to the next. Also, is this process costly or time consuming?
Thank you and keep up the great work!
Bobby
Bobby,
Most folks that attempt to use genetic testing to match sheds (bones, etc.) remove a small amount (the dust from a drilling a small hole) from the bases. The most recent cost I was quoted for such research was about $65.00 per sample. The samples must be collected, labeled, and shipped appropriately so the lab can process them efficiently.
Growing (and researching) Deer together,
Grant
