Lab  : Deer and Elk

PA Game Commission Materials

Directions : Make a lab document on a Google Doc. Share it with your partners. Make sure that they can edit. You will be recording data on tables that you create. Be sure to include proper labels.

You will be comparing Elk and Deer

A. Skulls :

1. Measure the length , width and height of the deer and elk skulls. Use both cm and inches. Create a data table to record this.

2. Take a photo of the skulls from the front, overhead and the side.

3. Look at the deer skull : a. Count the total number of teeth. Record on a data table.  Repeat with the Elk Skull.

             b. Observe the teeth. Record what you see.  How are the teeth different from predators like the wolf , or coyote?

                  c. Take a picture of the skull- showing the teeth , so that each type can be labelled in a photo.

                   d. Identify the incisors, premolars, and molars. Identify them later on your photos.

                   e. Identify the Sagittal Crest. Label that on your photos.

                   f. Identify the Zygomatic arch. Label it on your photos.

                   g. Compare the deer and Elk skulls to a predator skull,; the wolf or coyote.  

B. Tanned Hides:

4. Measure the length and width of the deer pelt. Record it in cm and inches on a data table.  Repeat with the Elk skin.

5. Take a photo of the pelt.

C. Hooves and Prints:

6. a. Measure the length of the leg bone . Record on a data table in cm and inches.

           b. Make a tracing of the deer and elk prints take a photo to include in your report.

D. Taxedermy: 

7. Observe the taxidermic deer Heads.  Measure the spread of the antlers of the buck head.  Write a few sentences of observations about the taxidermy. 

E. Antlers : 

8. Score the antlers of the Elk and deer.  Follow the instructions for completing the Boone and Crockett Club Score : Web Calculator        Papers are available that explain how to measure.   Measure in inches.

F. Qualitative Data Summary : 

9.Complete the picture : Find one picture of each animal.  Also use the web to find their weights and heights to include and any other physical characteristics which distinguish them. Compare the Elk and Deer....Make a T-Chart to summarize concisely what has been observed.

Scat, foot, track are provided.