EDD

Experimental Design Diagram Template      

1. State your question: 

When do deer most often come by this area? Are there any patterns or inferences we can find?

2. Research to find quality background information on things already known about the relationship between your chosen variables.  Always be thinking in terms of CLAIM, EVIDENCE, REASONING!

When it is warmer out it is easier for deer to find water so they will likely not be held to a schedule, but as things begin to freeze and get colder the deer will need to adapt and find good and consistent areas to feed and drink - https://www.whitetailproperties.com/knowledge-center/major-feeding-times-for-whitetail-deer

There are many variables, but white tail deer often feed Early Evening, Mid Night,  Early Morning, Late Morning and Mid Day. 

https://www.whitetailhabitatsolutions.com/blog/food-plots-critical-evening-deer-feeding-pattern 

3. Based on your own background knowledge and your research, make your prediction (What do you think will happen in the experiment.)

1. on a clear, “regular” day_ Then_deer will show up on a regular pattern_  Because_whitetail deer are known to have a schedule, especially as resources becomes harder to find as winter approaches.

4. Create a data table.  (created separately, will add to as time goes on)

5. List 5 (at least!) controlled variables important for this specific experiment. 

• Not a ton of noise

• Bird feeder nearby always full/maintained

• No disturbance of habitat

• No lights on outside at night

• Trails cameras will not move or startle the deer

• We don't feed or lure the deer

6. List the materials needed for the experiment. 

• Stealth Cam Model STC-SXP36W

1. Write out a step-by-step procedure for carrying out the experiment INCLUDING PICTURES/VIDEO!  *Someone should be able to repeat your experiment from your procedure. 

1. Choose your area of land, 25x25 yards

2. Choose an area that you think deer will consistently pass by, for me it was an already beaten down path in the far East side of my area.

3. Take your Steal Cam Model STC-SXP36WC make sure it has sufficient batteries and storage space, and set it up to your phone to automatically download the images (will require a subscription with a small fee)

4. Take your Steal Cam Model STC-SXP36WC and use the straps to secure it onto a tree, facing the area you will track the deer.

5. If it's necessary to change the batteries or clear up storage in the camera, do so. Otherwise you should automatically get notified when deer or other animals pass by this area.

6. Note the times that the deer come, date, and the temperature it was at this time (shown in camera shot in the bottom right)

7. Make appropriate conclusions after you gather enough data.