Ryan Rothstein
Texas A&M University – Kingsville
MS Candidate/ Range and Wildlife Sciences/ Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Effects of White-tailed Deer Density on Antler Growth and Buck Movement Patterns
While white-tailed deer have been intensively studied, little is known about the impact of deer density on antler growth and buck movement patterns during the rut and post-rut. My study is taking place on the Comanche and Faith ranches in Dimmit County, TX. Each ranch has six 200-acre enclosures with varying deer densities and feeders (0 deer/1 feeder; 20 deer/1 feeder; 40 deer/1 feeder; 60 deer/1 feeder; 60 deer/3 feeders; and 80 deer/4 feeders).
To evaluate antler growth, I created a photo file of all known-age (captured and tagged as a fawn or yearling) bucks from 1.5-8.5 years of age. I then uploaded the photos into the scoring software Buckscore™ to measure gross Boone & Crockett (GBC) score. Once this is completed, I will analyze the GBC scores by age class to determine if density influences antler growth.
In December 2016, I placed 35 GPS collars on bucks in 3 enclosures on each ranch. Once collars have been collected, I will analyze the data to determine what time of day and how far bucks were moving during the rut and post-rut. The results of my study should aid deer managers in making decisions concerning their buck management and harvest objectives.