Huntscape Community and Ecology Lab
PI Ellen Candler
Alaska Offal Wildlife Watching
What is the Offal Wildlife Watching project?
The Offal Wildlife Watching project was born out of curiosity about which species were benefiting from animal remains left afield by hunters. As a hunter herself, Ellen is interested in how different hunted species, field dressing methods, and habitats influence what and when scavengers take advantage of the free meal. She is also very interested in how different scavengers, including avian, mammal, arthropod, and bacterial, influence and interact with each other. The overarching purpose of this research is to better understand what and when species use ungulate and bear remains (offal) provided by hunters. A similar project is also being conducted in Minnesota observing scavengers at hunted deer remains. Learn more here
Why?
To better understand how hunter-provided carrion affects and benefits wildlife food webs.
Who can participate?
Ungulate and bear hunters in Alaska who are willing to set up a game camera immediately after field dressing their animal AND those that would like to help identify species.
Where?
We are focusing on three main areas while piloting this study. These areas include Units 1-4, 6, and 8 for sitka black-tailed deer as well as the Fairbanks area (subunits 20B and 25C). Additional locations may be added. If you are not in these area but would like to participate, please reach out!
How?
Hunt as you normally would and contribute valuable data to wildlife research! Project cameras may be available, or you can use your own. Set up your camera to record which species visit the gut pile (sign up to receive setting information). After 1+ months, retrieve the camera (or indicate that you would prefer project personnel retrieve the camera) and send us the images. SIGN UP HERE!
When?
During your hunting season. It is the responsibility of the hunter to know the hunting regulations for the species and area that they plan to hunt.
Contact Us
If you are interested in participating, please SIGN UP HERE using the Google form to sign up and receive additional directions. If you have other questions about the project or are planning to hunt outside the pilot areas, please leave your information and a note below and I will get back to you.
