Michael McMahon

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasing in popularity and use within the wildlife profession.  My research is focused on developing successful methods to maximize the utility of UAV platforms for wildlife research and management.  It is my goal to better understand how UAVs can most effectively be utilized to address and answer ecological questions. Focusing on white-tailed deer, I will be comparing conventional methodologies of population density estimation with UAV gathered data.  Expanding upon these findings, my research will also include examining the feasibility of employing UAVs to monitor moose calf survival in northern Minnesota.