Download or read book Foraging Behavior Social Interactions and Predation Risk of White tailed Deer Odocoileus Virginianus at a Concentrated Resource written by David Bledsoe Stone and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Wildlife feeding is undertaken for a variety of reasons including increasing viewing opportunities, improving body condition, preventing starvation, and facilitating hunter harvest. I investigated anti-predator and foraging behavior at bait sites, the role of competition on bait site visitation, and spatio-temporal responses to baiting. During 2013 and 2014, I used global positioning system (GPS) telemetry and camera traps to assess white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) behavior at bait sites and implications for harvest susceptibility. Camera trap data indicated that foraging behavior was influenced by social interactions and breeding chronology. Co-occurrence of mature and immature males at a bait site negatively impacted feeding rates for immature males. I used a multi-state modeling approach to determine if deer temporally partitioned their use of bait sites based on dominance status and how the resulting patterns in bait site visitation would potentially expose deer to different sources of predation risk, depending on the activity patterns of the predator. I found that subordinate (yearling males and adult females) and dominant (adult males) cohorts avoided each other temporally at the patch level. Subordinates were more likely to use bait sites during diurnal hours during the pre- and post-breeding phases of the breeding season than dominants. Bait site visitation for dominants and subordinates did not differ during nocturnal hours in any phase of the breeding season. Lastly, I used dynamic Brownian bridge movement models and camera traps to assess harvest suscpetibility. I determined that hunters were less likely to encounter a deer at a bait site than non-baited areas in their home range, regardless of sex, age class, or phase of the breeding season. Although no sex-age class selected for bait sites over other portions of their home range during legal hunting hours, adult females were more susceptible to harvest at bait sites during the pre-breeding season than the breeding or post-breeding seasons. Conversely, adult and yearling males were more likely to visit a bait site during hunting hours in the post-breeding season than the pre- or breeding seasons. Social interactions, competitive status, and reproductive behaviors are important drivers of deer behavior and harvest susceptibility at bait sites.
Download or read book Advanced White Tailed Deer Management written by Timothy Edward Fulbright and published by Texas A&M University Press. This book was released on 2023-03-31 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2003, a cadre of researchers set out to determine what combination of supplemental or natural nutrition and white-tailed deer population density would produce the largest antlers on bucks without harming vegetation. They would come to call this combination “the sweet spot.” Over the course of their 15-year experiment, conducted through the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, Timothy E. Fulbright, Charles A. DeYoung, David G. Hewitt, Don A. Draeger, and 25 graduate students tracked the effects of deer density and enhanced versus natural nutrition on vegetation conditions. Through wet years and dry, in a semiarid environment with frequent droughts, they observed deer nutrition and food habits and analyzed population dynamics. Containing the results of this landmark, longitudinal study, in keeping with the Kleberg Institute’s mission, this volume provides science-based information for enhancing the conservation and management of Texas wildlife. Advanced White-Tailed Deer Management: The Nutrition–Population Density Sweet Spot presents this critical research for the first time as a reference for hunters, landowners, wildlife managers, and all those who work closely with white-tailed deer populations. It explains the findings of the Comanche-Faith Project and the implications of these findings for white-tailed deer ecology and management throughout the range of the species with the goal of improving management.
Download or read book Reproduction Behavior and Social Interactions of White tailed Deer Odocoileus Virginianus on the Edwin S George Reserve written by Anna Bess Sorin and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 458 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Human Predation Risk Effects on Adult Male White tailed Deer Antipredator Behavior written by Andrew Richard Little and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recreational hunters play an important role in managing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus); however, the potential for deer to alter behaviors to avoid hunters has not been addressed within the risk-allocation hypothesis. I evaluated magnitude (i.e., hunter density) and temporal variation (i.e., time of day and initial and prolonged exposure) in human predation risk on movements, resource selection, and observation rates of 37 adult male deer in southern Oklahoma. Deer recognized human predation risk by increasing diel path complexity and use of security cover with greater hunter density. Moreover, deer reduced movement rates and tortuosity while seeking out areas with security cover during prolonged exposure. However, tortuosity and use of security cover remained elevated with greater hunter density. These alterations in behaviors subsequently led to a decrease in observation rates during prolonged exposure. My results clearly support the predation risk-allocation hypothesis by the behavioral responses observed with greater hunter density.
Download or read book Topical Bibliography for the White tailed Deer Odocoileus Virginianus in Nine U S National Park Service Regions and Parts of Canada written by Jonathan E. Hoeldtke and published by . This book was released on 1992 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Ecology and Behavior of White tailed Deer in Southern Illinois written by Marie Irene Tosa and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An understanding of the ecology and behavior of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is necessary for proper conservation and management, especially in the face of emerging infectious diseases. The objectives of my study were to estimate juvenile survival, compare methods of quantifying contact rates (simultaneous GPS locations vs. proximity loggers [PLs]), and investigate the impact of group depopulation on contact rates of remnant adult female and juvenile deer. To achieve these goals, I captured, radiotracked, and monitored adult female and juvenile white-tailed deer in southern Illinois during 2011-2014. Survival analysis of juveniles revealed that main causes of mortality were capture related and predation, though some dead animals also showed signs of hemorrhagic disease. Comparison between simultaneous GPS locations and PLs showed evidence that deer coming within the general vicinity of each other are less likely to come in close contact if they are in neighboring social groups than deer whose home ranges overlap little, if at all. Finally, experimental removal of group members caused few if any remnant adult females to alter their contact rates or space-use, but caused remnant juveniles to have lower space-use fidelity compared to control deer and to increase their direct contact rates with other groups temporarily. Using these results, I discuss the large effects that severe weather events can have on juvenile survival, the importance of social structure on the potential transmission of disease agents among female and juvenile deer, and the difference between adult females and juvenile deer in their need for social interactions. My research provides ecologists, wildlife biologists, and managers with valuable information concerning the potential impacts of the environment, infectious diseases, and management strategies on white-tailed deer populations.
Download or read book White tailed Deer in Eastern Ecosystems written by William F. Porter and published by . This book was released on 1991 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Nutritional Ecology of White tailed Deer written by Robert Gene Osborn and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Ecology and Management of White tailed Deer in Northeastern Coastal Habitats written by Brian L. Cypher and published by . This book was released on 1988 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Biology and Management of White tailed Deer written by David G. Hewitt and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2011-06-24 with total page 668 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of the Wildlife Society Outstanding Edited Book Award for 2013! Winner of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Outstanding Book Award for 2011! Winner of a CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Award for 2011! Biology and Management of White-tailed Deer organizes and presents information on the most studied large mammal species in the world. The book covers the evolutionary history of the species, its anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, population dynamics, and ecology across its vast range (from central Canada through northern South America). The book then discusses the history of management of white-tailed deer, beginning with early Native Americans and progressing through management by Europeans and examining population lows in the early 1900s, restocking efforts through the mid 1900s, and recent, overabundant populations that are becoming difficult to manage in many areas. Features: Co-published with the Quality Deer Management Association Compiles valuable information for white-tailed deer enthusiasts, managers, and biologists Written by an authoritative author team from diverse backgrounds Integrates white-tailed deer biology and management into a single volume Provides a thorough treatment of white-tailed deer antler biology Includes downloadable resources with color images The backbone of many state wildlife management agencies' policies and a featured hunting species through much of their range, white-tailed deer are an important species ecologically, socially, and scientifically in most areas of North America. Highly adaptable and now living in close proximity to humans in many areas, white-tailed deer are both the face of nature and the source of conflict with motorists, home-owners, and agricultural producers. Capturing the diverse aspects of white-tailed deer research, Biology and Management of White-tailed Deer is a reflection of the resources invested in the study of the species’ effects on ecosystems, predator-prey dynamics, population regulation, foraging behavior, and browser physiology.
Download or read book Foraging Behaviors of White tailed Deer Odocoileus Virginianus Consuming Acorns written by Jacob Smith and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Odocoileus virginianus readily consume acorns. Acorns are large (1 - 5 g), high in lipids, and dietary lipid content affects deer survival and fecundity. Deer might also ingest acorns because of a high short-term food intake. Leaves of dicotyledous plants (browse) is the forage type commonly consumed by O. virginianus and models of browse food intake reveal that larger bite sizes increase food intake. Deer consuming browse appear to have a maximum bite size and food intake of 1.2 g/bite and 9.8 g/min, respectively. My first objective was to determine whether food intake of acorns exceeded 9.8 g/min. Interestingly, limited data indicated that food intake might decline with increasing acorn (Quercus sp.) mass. I also investigated whether larger acorns reduced food intake because of increased chews per gram of ingested material (chewing investment) and lower bite rates. I measured foraging behaviors of free-ranging deer consuming Q. virginianus (Live oak) or Q. buckleyi (Texas oak) acorns in San Marcos, Texas. I set out 200 acorns in a 1-m2 area at four feeding locations and recorded the time deer spent feeding on acorns and the number of bites and chews taken. Food intake was the product of acorn mass and bite rate. Five observers collected 92 foraging observations that ranged in length from 1 to 24 minutes from September to December 2020 - 2022. Acorn mass was measured in 57 of those observations. Observation length, time of day, and observer influenced bite and chew rates, and these variables were included in subsequent analyses. The mean acorn mass of Q. virginianus was 1.5 gm (s = 0.7) and 2.8 gm (s = 1.5) for Q. buckleyi. Using linear mixed effects models I estimated a mean food intake on Q. virginianus acorns of 27.22 g/min (SE = 5.1) and 24.55 (4.9) for Q. buckleyi. Deer can ingest acorns faster than the maximum ingestion rate of browse. Analyses of mixed-effects models indicated that bite rate was higher on Q. virginianus acorns but chewing rate was higher on Q. buckleyi acorns. Food intake was also lower for Texas than Q. virginianus acorns. An inverse relationship, however, between chewing rate and food intake meant that chewing investment declined with food intake. Elevated chewing rate when deer consumed Q. buckleyi acorns appeared to reduce food intake. In addition to acorn mass, species specific characteristics of acorns such as pliability, texture, and chemical composition might impact deer ingestive behavior. Deer behavior dictating acorn ingestion is complex and requires further investigation.
Download or read book Outwitting Whitetails written by Barrett Williams and published by Barrett Williams. This book was released on 2024-08-16 with total page 113 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: **Outwitting Whitetails Decoding the Secrets of Deer Behavior** Unlock the secrets of the whitetail deer with "Outwitting Whitetails," an insightful and comprehensive guide that will transform your understanding of these elusive creatures. This eBook delves deep into the fascinating world of whitetail deer behavior, offering readers unparalleled insights that can turn any outdoor enthusiast into a whitetail expert. Explore the depths of deer intelligence, starting with their evolutionary adaptations and intricate instinctual behaviors. Learn how their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing grant them the unparalleled awareness needed to navigate their environment and evade predators. Discover the complex social structures and dynamics that govern their interactions, from dominance hierarchies to territorial claims. Seasonal changes play a critical role in the life of a whitetail, and this guide captures how spring, summer, fall, and winter each uniquely impact deer behaviorâfrom mating rituals to survival strategies. Examine the intricacies of their feeding patterns, navigational skills, and territory management, which enable these majestic animals to thrive in diverse environments. Predator evasion is an art perfected by whitetails, making them masters of camouflage, escape, and use of terrain. Learn how they adapt to human-dominated landscapes, whether urban, agricultural, or hunting grounds, and how their communication methods, including vocalizations, body language, and scent marking, play an essential role in their survival. Delve into the cognitive aspects of deer behavior by understanding their memory, learning abilities, and problem-solving skills. Weather's impact on their actions, the drama of the rut, and the upbringing of fawns are all broken down with scientific precision. For hunters, this eBook bridges the gap between knowledge and application, offering practical tips on reading deer signs, effective hunting techniques, and ethical practices. Conservation-minded readers will appreciate the thoughtful discussion on population control and habitat management. "Outwitting Whitetails" is not just a book; itâs an invitation to see the world through the eyes of one of natureâs most remarkable creatures. Elevate your outdoor experience and deepen your appreciation for the whitetail deer with this indispensable resource.
Download or read book Ecological Relationships Between Columbian White tailed and Black tailed Deer in Southwest Oregon written by Lowell W. Whitney and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: I examined ecological relationships and mechanisms of coexistence for sympatric populations of Columbian white-tailed (Odocoileus virginianus leucurus) and black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) in Douglas County, Oregon, from September 1997 to August 1998. Horseback transects were used to describe spatial distributions, population overlap, and habitat use for both species. Behavioral observations were conducted to examine intraspecific and interspecific social interactions. Diets were studied with microhistological analysis, and fecal nitrogen and neutral detergent fiber in fecal samples were used as indices of diet quality. Interspecific differences in foraging micro-site use and selection were investigated using vegetative surveys. Distribution patterns indicated that white-tailed and black-tailed deer maintained a degree spatial separation during most seasons, with spatial overlap ranging from 5 to 40% seasonally. White-tailed deer were more concentrated and tended to occur in the southern portions of the study area, which was characterized by lower elevations, more gradual slopes, and closer proximity to streams. Black-tailed deer were more wide ranging and tended to occur in the northern portions of the study area, which had higher elevations and greater topological relief. Coefficients of species association were negative suggesting that the species maintained spatial separation through mutual avoidance. In regions of population overlap, the species maintained separation by choosing different micro-sites in which to forage. Habitat use patterns were similar seasonally between white-tailed and black-tailed deer with overlap ranging from 89 to 96%. White-tailed deer used nearly all habitats available on the study area except those associated with conifers. They used oak-hardwood savanna shrub, open grassland, oak-hardwood savanna and riparian habitats the most. Black-tailed deer exhibited high use for open grassland and oak-hardwood savanna shrub habitats and lower use of all others. Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer exhibited strong seasonal similarities in diets with overlap ranging from 89 to 95%. White-tailed deer diets were dominated by forbs, shrubs, grasses, and other food sources (e.g., nuts, lichens). Columbian black-tailed deer diets were dominated mostly by forbs and other food sources. Seasonal diet diversity followed similar patterns for both species with the most diverse diets occurring in the fall and the least diverse diets in the spring. Detailed observation of behavioral interactions among white-tailed and black-tailed deer groups revealed that intraspecific interactions were more likely than interspecific interactions. Interactions among white-tailed deer groups were equally likely to be passive or active, while those among black-tailed groups were more likely to be passive. Interspecific interactions between white-tailed and black-tailed deer were infrequent. When they did occur, little aggression was observed and evidence of consistent dominance by either species was lacking. High overlap in habitat use and diets resulted in high trophic overlap (81 to 85% seasonally) between white-tailed and black-tailed deer; however, the low spatial overlap reduced the potential for exploitative competition between the species. High habitat heterogeneity on the study area created diverse niche characteristics that allowed white-tailed and black-tailed deer to have strong similarities in diets and habitat use, while coexisting. I hypothesized that the two species were competitively excluding each other.
Download or read book Managing Habitats for White tailed Deer in the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains of South Dakota and Wyoming written by Carolyn Hull Sieg and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Ecology and Interactions of White tailed Deer and Eastern Coyotes as Influenced by Human Activities in Nova Scotia a Summary of the Final Report written by Nova Scotia. Department of Natural Resources and published by [Halifax, N.S.] : The Department. This book was released on 1999 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This document summarizes a report of research on deer wintering behaviour and the effects of coyote predation & forest harvesting on deer herds in Nova Scotia. The first section describes aspects of the ecology of white-tailed deer in the province, including population trends, causes & rates of mortality, distribution & movements, habitat use, and deer physical condition. Section 2 covers aspects of the ecology of the eastern coyote in Nova Scotia, including social organization, geographic distribution, movements & activity patterns, food habits & predation on deer, winter condition in relation to prey density, and factors influencing deer kill rates. Section 3 presents conclusions regarding the management of deer, coyotes, and forests in Nova Scotia.
Download or read book The Impacts of White tailed Deer Odocoileus Virginianus Herbivory on the Forage Quality of Forest Vegetation written by Jonathan David Becker and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 49 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are abundant across North America. Deer impact ecosystems, both directly and indirectly. These impacts are driven by the foraging preferences of deer. The energy, protein, mineral, fiber, and secondary metabolite content of plants are important factors that inform the selective herbivory of deer. I examined the interactions between forage quality and deer impacts in northern Wisconsin using deer exclosures. I examined the forage quality of four focal species (Acer saccharum, Maianthemum canadense, Dryopteris intermedia and Carex pensylvanica) in both control and exclosure plots. Forage quality parameters measured were energy, protein, ash, phosphorus, silica, fiber, and saponins. I found that deer herbivory did not uniformly decrease the forage quality within individual species. This study provides preliminary support for a predicted increase in low forage quality plants in response to heavy deer herbivory. Further research is necessary to support this trend, including a focus on defensive secondary metabolites.
Download or read book Sexual Segregation in Vertebrates written by Kathreen Ruckstuhl and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 512 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Males and females of many species can, and do, live separately for long periods of time. This sexual segregation is widespread and can be on social, spatial or habitat scales. An understanding of sexual segregation is important in the explanation of life history and social preference, population dynamics and the conservation of rare species. Sexual Segregation in Vertebrates explores the reasons why this behaviour has evolved and what factors contribute to it.
