About MSU Deer Lab

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History

The MSU Deer Lab is a premier deer research unit in the United States, addressing management issues of regional and national importance. We solve contemporary problems facing natural resource agencies, managers, and private landowners by conducting research and science-based outreach to better understand deer ecology and inform management.

The deer research program at Mississippi State University began with the arrival of Dr. Dave Guynn and Dr. Harry Jacobson in the mid-1970s. The synergism between these two young research biologists spawned many unique projects that generated national attention. Guynn left for other employment, and Dr. Jacobson expanded the breadth of deer research projects over a storied 20-year career, followed by continued interaction as Professor Emeritus.

In 1977, Jacobson initiated construction of a quarter acre pen to house bottle-raised fawns obtained from wild populations. Additional larger pens were constructed by graduate students and undergraduate workers in subsequent years to expand capacity to conduct controlled breeding experiments. Expansion continued as finances allowed, reaching five main pens, seven small holding pens, and a handling facility. This captive research facility is an integral part of the deer research program.

The deer research program continued in 1997 with the arrival of Dr. Steve Demarais. Dr. Demarais’ research program continued to focus on white-tailed deer ecology within the context of management. The program expanded in 2006 with the arrival of Dr. Bronson Strickland, who served as an extension wildlife specialist. The combination of these two scientists ensured that the applied research being conducted would not only advance our understanding of white-tailed deer ecology but would also be communicated with stakeholders, bringing the land grant mission of Mississippi State University full circle.

Drs. Demarais and Strickland established the Deer Ecology and Management Lab at Mississippi State University in 2010, with the subsequent creation of the MSU Deer Lab social media accounts, website, and Deer University podcast. Collectively, Drs. Demarais and Strickland have mentored more than 40 graduate students and countless undergraduate students, many of whom hold influential positions with state agencies and academic institutions. Their research and mentorship of these students help ensure that white-tailed deer will continue to be enjoyed as a resource for future generations.

Demarais and Strickland were recognized for their exemplary research and outreach through private funding to endow their positions, ensuring white-tailed deer research will continue in perpetuity. The Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction was endowed by Phyllis Taylor and the late Patrick F. Taylor, born out of a friendship between Taylor and Dr. Harry Jacobson. MSU alumni Drew and Kathy St. John created the St. John Endowed Professor of Wildlife Management to support wildlife education to ensure valuable resources are managed. Both endowed gifts propel MSU deer research today and into the future.

With both positions endowed, Demarais set his sights on funding a new captive deer research facility. Funding from the state legislature and private donors will be used soon to update the facilities. The facility renovation will begin in fall 2025 and include new deer pens, handling facilities, and a demonstration pen. The new Deer Research Facility will be built in phases as funding is received.

Drs. Eric Michel and Jacob Dykes took over as co-directors of the MSU Deer Lab in 2025 with Michel serving as the Coordinator of the Taylor Chair and Dykes as the Coordinator of the St. John Chair. They are both working with Demarais on the planning and preparation of the new captive deer research facility while actively pursuing funding for the next generation of MSU Deer Lab students. Their expertise will ensure that the MSU Deer Lab continues to focus on applied research and outreach, ultimately improving how we manage deer and deer habitat across the country.