Predictors of white-tailed deer grazing intensity in fragmented deciduous forests

Article Abstract:

High-density deer populations in forest communities can have a major effect on forest structures and are of increasing concern to management agencies protecting native plant communities. The effect of deer foraging varies widely, depending upon deer numbers and availability of alternative forage plants. A new study investigates whether summer deer grazing intensity can be predicted from estimates of winter deer density and from the composition of the forest's surrounding landscape. Results show that deer density is not the only consideration in management, with low densities of forage plant species in the surrounding area making parks and preserves especially vulnerable.

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The importance of environmental variability and management control error to optimal harvest policies

Article Abstract:

The effects of two types of stochasticity, environmental variability, and management control error, on state-dependent strategies (SDSs) harvest policies for a white-tailed deer model are examined. Three rules of thumb for harvest management of long-lived vertebrates in stochastic systems are suggested.

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Winter forage selection in white-tailed deer at high density: Balsam fir is the best of a bad choice

Article Abstract:

The winter forage selection in white-tailed deer at high density shows a preference for balsam fir mainly due to its low content of tannins and fibers.

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