K. E. Kammermeyer

Influence of Time Lags and Population Segment in Density-physical Parameter Relationships in White-tailed Deer

Managers and biologists have long relied on relatively inexpensive and easily collected data from hunter-harvested deer to provide information for making harvest management decisions. We sought to better understand the influence of time lags and population segment (i.e., total adult and total herd density) on the density-physical parameter relationship. Nine long-term harvest data sets (15-31 years duration, median = 26 years) were acquired from populations located across the Southeastern United States which spanned several physiographic provinces and a wide range of densities (1-32 deer/...

Managing a Controversial Goose Hunt on a Suburban Reservoir

A 1993 hunt for Canada geese (Branta canadensis) on 15,390-ha Lake Sidney Lanier, near Atlanta, was the most controversial hunting event to date in Georgia. The hunt was proposed principally as an effort to reduce nuisance problems from a goose flock numbering 1,500-2,000 birds. Media and public attention was intense for several months preceding the hunt with at least 29 articles published in both local and statewide newspapers. Media attention peaked on the first day of the hunt with 4 television stations, 2 newspapers, and 1 radio station covering the hunt on site. Special regulations...

Deer Movements in Relation to Food Supplies in the Southern Appalachians

We studied seasonal movements of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in northeast Georgia in relation to agricultural food plots during years of varying oak (Quercus spp.) mast production. In total, 2,381 radio telemetry locations were collected from 12 does from 1987 through 1989. Fall and winter home ranges were larger (P < 0.1) during a high oak mast productivity year compared to a low productivity year. There were no differences (P > 0.1) in spring home range sizes under 3 different oak mast conditions. All radio-collared does had ranges which included 1 or more food plots...

Seasonal Use of Clearcuts and Food Plots by White-tailed Deer in the Southern Appalachians

We sampled forage and browse and made spotlight counts to study seasonal use of clearcuts and food plots by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Southern Appalachians. Browse production was greater in clearcuts than in adjacent forest. Deer used clearcuts most intensively during the summer when green leaves and herbs were abundant. Use of clearcuts was very low in winter. Browsing intensity was higher in clearcuts than in the forest in summer but not in winter. However, less than 4% of all twigs were browsed even in clearcuts in summer. Food plots, especially those containing...