Description of Checklist Items:

• Organize the specimens by species. Because of size and morphology differences, specimens of each species are processed separately. Package specimens of each species separately.
  
  
  • Matson's cementum aging models are species-specific. For example, white-tailed deer I1 and mule deer I1 are aged by different models because the teeth erupt at different ages in the two species.
    
    
• Teeth should be packaged dry in small paper envelopes of approximately 8 x 14 cm (coin envelopes work well). Do not use preservative liquids, plastic bags, or vials. Put envelopes in serial order by identification number. Use rubber bands to bundle the envelopes together in groups of 10 or 20 so they will remain in serial order during transit.
  
  
• Prepare an Inventory List using Microsoft Excel. The serial order of the list should correspond exactly with the serial order of envelope packaging so technicians can use it to confirm specimen identification at the start of laboratory processing. Include the list in the parcel, on a diskette or CD, or send it as an e-mail attachment.
  
  
• The inventory list should also include species identification of the specimens and an indication of date of kill. Exact dates should be recorded for days between February 1 and August 31.
  
  
• The cementum age of an unidentified non-standard tooth type may be incorrect because the animal's age at the time of tooth eruption may differ from that of the standard type. Technicians may not always recognize a non-standard tooth, so each should be plainly designated on both the tooth envelope and on the master inventory list. View photo of recommended sample organization.
  
  
• Package specimens only in containers of the strongest cardboard or, for small orders, in padded envelopes. Light cardboard cartons will often be crushed and torn during postal handling. Paper envelopes will be torn by postal service canceling machines and the contents will by lost. Pad the shipments with shipping "popcorn" or paper to help keep the envelope bundles intact. View photo of recommended packaging technique.
  
  
• Ship packages properly. US shipments sent by the US Postal Service should use "PO Box 308, Milltown MT 59851" as the shipping address. Shipment sent by other carriers such as UPS and FedEx should use "8140 Flagler Road, Milltown MT 59851" as the shipping address. View photo of recommended shipping container.

Adding late additions to a sample:

Return to top