Quality White-tailed Deer Management on an East Texas Hunting Club

A management plan was implemented for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on a 1,781-ha East Texas hunting club. Objectives included the improvement of the herd's age structure and antler quality by reducing the population density and by selective harvest. During the 3-year study, 145 antlerless deer and 60 antlered deer were harvested. In spite of the accelerated antlerless harvest, the population increased approximately 15% each year. These increases apparently were because of increased fawn production. The buck population increased 48% during the study and noticeable improvements in quality were observed. Results of the study were used to exhibit methods of deer management to hunters and area landowners.

Publication date
Starting page
118
Ending page
126
ID
30104