Radio telemetry is commonly used to study movements, activity, and spatial and temporal patterns of wildlife species. Successful completion and validity of wildlife telemetry studies depends upon a clearly-thought-out study design and upon equipment capable of providing the accuracy necessary to meet study objectives. The high monetary and labor costs of telemetry equipment, capture efforts, and monitoring of telemetered animals justifies the need for a carefully planned and executed study. In this paper, we presented considerations and guidelines we have found useful in designing and conducting telemetry studies of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) to determine migration patterns, home ranges, habitat use, and activity patterns. Many of these ideas were based on the literature and trial-and-error. Such considerations and guidelines have application to other wildlife species as well.
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