CHARLESTON – Spotlight surveys to monitor white-tailed deer populations will be conducted in August and September by biologists with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the division announced Monday.

The nighttime surveys are part of the agency’s deer management plan and help wildlife managers estimate local deer numbers, track population trends and make informed decisions about future hunting seasons and habitat conservation efforts.

This year’s surveys will take place from Aug. 18-29 and Sept. 15-26 and will start 30 minutes after sunset. During the survey period, division staff will drive predetermined routes along county roads using spotlights to count deer.

During the survey period, residents may notice marked division vehicles using spotlights at night along these routes. All surveys are conducted safely and responsibly, with precautions in place to limit disturbance to landowners and wildlife.

For more information about the surveys or local survey routes, contact a division district office.