Posted: Monday, December 10, 2012 -- 7:55 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to help researchers with a deer mortality study early next year.

The DNR is in the third year of a five-year research project examining causes of deer deaths. Each year the agency has relied on volunteers to help gather data in the field.

This time around the DNR is looking for anyone willing to spend a full day in the woods with biologists, checking traps, taking blood samples, performing ultrasounds on does and fitting deer with radio collars and ear tags before releasing them. Biologists plan to work around Winter and Shiocton in January, February and March.

Volunteers can sign up on the DNR's website or by calling project coordinator Mike Watt at 608-221-6376.

Copyright 2012: Associated Press