Northwest Missouri is one of two locations for a five-year deer research project conducted by the Conservation Department and the University of Missouri. Coordinator Jon McRoberts of MU says the project will help do three important things: manage the deer population in the future, provide localized management recommendations, and respond to any issues that might come up with management.

The Northwest Missouri study area includes parts of Nodaway, Gentry, Andrew, and DeKalb counties. The Ozarks study area also includes four counties: Wright, Texas, Douglas, and Howell.

The study will evaluate deer survival, reproduction, and movement patterns. Officials say the findings will influence deer management in Missouri for decades.