Custom drug combinations and formulations which minimize induction times-the time from dart impact until the animal is immobilized. (Dr. Amass has drug combinations and techniques that will safely immobilize a White-tailed Deer in 64 seconds, with drug combinations now mixed according to ambient temperature!)

Safe and reliable drug and dosage recommendations for Deer, Elk, and Exotic Hoofstock in various levels of confinement-from tame animals in close captivity, to wild temperament animals that are in large enclosures or free-ranging. (One drug combination or dosage does not fit all situations!)

Proper injection sites to ensure rapid drug absorption and effects.

Capture strategies to minimize capture stress on the animal, and procedural stress of the operator.

Drug delivery technology: Advantages and disadvantages of the various commercially available darting systems including Pneu-dart, Telinject, Daninject, Palmer, Paxarms, and Distinject. Choosing the system to best fit your needs-maximizing the utility of the projector you already have.

Sighting Techniques in dart projectors to ensure accurate, atraumatic dart delivery.

Techniques and modifications which are necessary to have field accuracy and consistent results with currently manufactured darting systems and radiotracking devices.

Dosage calculation

How to re-dose animals incompletely immobilized on approach.

"Superconcentrated" drugs: Where to obtain and how to use them to give you a faster knockdown, and allow you to use smaller, less traumatic darts.

Post Immobilization Care of Deer, Elk, and Exotic Hoofstock: Species specific tips on proper body and head position to prevent aspiration, dart removal techniques to minimize tissue trauma and techniques of wound care to decrease the chance of a dart wound abscess.

Medical monitoring: Assessment techniques to ensure the immobilized animal stays physiologically stable throughout the procedure. The "Vital Signs" - how to monitor and interpret temperature, pulse, heart rate, respiratory rate, capillary refill time, pulse oximetry, capnography-with checklists provided to help keep you organized and on track in the field.

Medical emergencies associated with capture and handling: How to prevent, recognize, and treat bloat, capture myopathy, shock, hyperthermia, hypothermia, seizures, and other complications which can be avoided and managed in association with chemical immobilization.

Immune suppression associated with capture and translocation.

When not to capture: The time of the year when Cervids and most susceptible to capture-related mortality (and it's not rutting season).

Accidental human exposure to immobilizing medications: Which drugs are dangerous to humans? What can you expect with accidental human exposure? Standard Operating Procedures to prevent human exposure to immobilizing drugs. How to coordinate with your physician and local poison control to develop protocols should an accidental exposure occur.

Safe Handling and Use of Immobilization Darts: Assembly, loading, unloading, and cleaning of the various brands available in the US.

Use of Safety Equipment for Prevention of Accidental Exposure to Anesthetic Drugs

Safe Handling and Use of Short and Long Range Dart Projectors including CO2, Air, and 22 blank powered projectors

Practice and Development of Proficiency with:

• Pole Syringes

• Blowgun Delivery of Anesthetic Darts: Even if  you have never used a blowgun before, you will leave this portion of the program accurate and proficient with this safe, inexpensive, and atraumatic technique of dart delivery.

• Radio-Tracking Darts for efficient location of animals and retrieval of lost darts.