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.