Ortega, A. C., Dwinnell, S. P., Lasharr, T. N., Jakopak, R. P., Denryter, K., Huggler, K. S., … & Kauffman, M. J. (2020). Effectiveness of Partial Sedation to Reduce Stress in Captured Mule Deer. The Journal of Wildlife Management.

Study Highlights:

Evaluated the effects of partial sedation on physiological, biochemical, and behavioral indicators of acute stress and probability of survival post‐capture for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) that were captured via helicopter net‐gunning in the eastern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Wyoming, USA.

Administered 10–30 mg of midazolam and 15 mg of azaperone IM to 32 mule deer in 2016 and 53 mule deer in 2017

Control group (captured but not sedated) consisted of of 38 mule deer in 2016 and 54 mule deer in 2017.

Midazolam and azaperone did not reduce physiological, biochemical, or behavioral indicators of acute stress or influence probability of survival post‐capture.

Findings suggest that midazolam and azaperone may not yield physiological or demographic benefits for captured mule deer as previously assumed and may pose adverse effects including drug‐induced lethargy.