An automated device for training white‐tailed deer to visual stimuli

Abstract

Although many aspects of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) biology and physiology have been studied thoroughly, few studies have confirmed deer cognitive perception, partly because of the difficulty of efficiently training sufficient numbers of deer to respond behaviorally in controlled experiments. We present a system that trains white-tailed deer to associate a supra-threshold, white-light stimulus with a food reward through operant conditioning techniques. The ''deer training apparatus'' (DTA) automatically dispenses food, rings a start buzzer, randomly assigns a stimulus light over 1 of 2 troughs, and registers a deer's choice. If a deer goes to a trough with the light illuminated, then a correct choice is registered. All 6 deer tested met successful training criteria by Day 19, and a performance of 88.2% AE 3.9% correct choices by Day 25. We conclude that the DTA presents an effective and efficient way of training white-tailed deer, and provides an experimental platform for future research on behavior, perception, and preference. Thus, the DTA should be useful to researchers evaluating behavioral response of deer, and possibly other wild and domestic species, to various visual and auditory stimuli. ß 2012 The Wildlife Society.

Behavioral measure of the light‐adapted visual sensitivity of white‐tailed deer

“…Before the experiment began, deer achieved performance levels of about 90% when trained to the white light. Deer achieved these levels approximately 24 days into training (Cohen et al ) and maintained them for 8 consecutive days before testing began (Fig. ).…”

“…Deer were housed separately in (3 m × 5 m) stalls throughout the duration of the study. Each stall was equipped with an interactive deer‐training apparatus as described by Cohen et al () and deer were allowed ad libitum access to water. We controlled light conditions by placing shade cloth around the stalls and using ceiling‐mounted fluorescent lights (75 W, color temp = 5,973 K) to illuminate the test chamber in a 12 hours:12 hours (light:dark) cycle.…”

“…We used appetitive conditioning techniques to train 7 semi‐tame adult (ages 2.5–5.5 yr) female deer in a forced‐choice test using a food‐reward‐based apparatus (Cohen et al ). Males were not included in the study because antlers would hinder their ability to utilize the training apparatus.…”