Training and experience increase classification accuracy in white-tailed deer camera surveys

Context. Use of camera trap data in wildlife research is reliant on accurate classification of animals at the species, sex-age category or individual level. One such example is white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) camera surveys, which are often conducted to produce demographic estimates used by managers to establish harvest goals for a population. Previous research suggests that misclassification of deer by sex-age category (e.g. adult male, adult female, fawn) is common in these surveys, and represents a source of bias that could misinform important management decisions. Aim. To examine whether training material has an effect on classification accuracy of white-tailed deer and explore other observer-based, experiential factors as they relate to classification accuracy. Methods. We developed and tested the efficacy of species-specific training material designed to reduce sex-age misclassifications associated with white-tailed deer images. Key results. Exposure to training material resulted in the greatest improvement in classification accuracy of deer images compared with any other respondent-based factors we investigated. Other factors, such as professional experience as a wildlife biologist, field experience viewing white-tailed deer and experience viewing deer images from camera traps, were positively associated with classification accuracy of deer images. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that training material has the ability to reduce misclassifications, leading to more accurate demographic estimates for white-tailed deer populations. We also found that prior experience using camera traps and familiarity with target species was positively related to classification accuracy. Implications. Species-specific training material would provide a valuable resource to wildlife managers tasked with classifying animals at the species, sex-age category or individual level.