1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
Develop, field test, and refine technologies to control ticks feeding on white-tailed deer and other wild ungulate species.

1b.Approach (from AD-416)
Determine comparative palatability of ivermectin and doramectin medicated corn. Demonstrate proportional free daily intake of macrocyclic lactone medicated baits vs. high protein pelleted deer ration. Field test and continue development of the 3rd generation automatic collaring device. Conduct efficacy trial of automatically applied neckbands in controlling ticks feeding on white-tailed deer. Field test and continue development of devices to exclude non-target animals from accessing '4-Poster' Deer Treatment Bait Stations. Determine behavioral interactions of white-tailed deer with medicated molasses licks intended for cattle.

3.Progress Report
This report serves to document research conducted under a Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement (58-6205-6-016) between ARS and the Kerr Wildlife Management Area (KWMA), Hunt, TX. Additional information on details of the research can be found in the report for the parent project, 6205-32000-027-00D, Technology to Control Ticks Affecting Livestock and Humans. During FY2007, the 4th generation automatic deer collaring device fabricated with a CRADA partner was transported to KBUSLIRL for initial field testing with unconfined white-tailed deer to take place at the KWMA. Preliminary test sites and least-rugged routes to these sites in deer fenced plots at KWMA were selected, counts were made of deer in each plot, and continuous baiting of deer with whole kernel corn was implemented. In preparation for field trials with the collaring device, infrared 24-hour time-lapse video-recording was used at KBUSLIRL to monitor deer acceptance and interaction with the device, and based on these observations; significant improvements were made in the design to prevent access to the collaring apparatus by more than a single deer at a time. This was necessary to permit proper access of as large a variety of different sized deer as possible. Significant structural changes also were made to the wheeled support undercarriage and towing apparatus to permit installation of the device in the very rough and rocky terrain at the KWMA. Radio-tracking devices and directional signal readers were purchased, field tested, and sent to the CRADA partner for retrofitting to prototype collars to be attached to deer during initial trials using the automatic collaring device. A height/weight video recording system was developed, built, and field tested to permit time-and-date stamped recording of individual deer height at the withers, weight, and for sex determination. The ADODR monitored progress of the project through site visits, email, and both telephone and direct conversations with the collaborator.