Impacts of human hunting on spatial behavior of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Sierra A. Marantz, Jed A. Long, Stephen L. Webb, Kenneth L. Gee, Andrew R. Little, Stephen Demarais

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Predators can influence populations through top-down effects, but most large predators have been extirpated from the white-tailed deer’s (Odocoileus virginianus) range. Hunters have filled this predatory role, but also can indirectly influence prey species. Indirect behavioral responses can include altered resource selection, space use, or movement patterns. Herein, we developed a controlled study that contained both temporal and spatial risk levels to assess how deer behavior changes in space relative to temporal periods of risk. Total distance travelled (m) and micro-range area (m²) were calculated over two-day periods to determine the general effects of hunting season on deer spatial behavior. Generally, distance travelled, micro-range area, and exploratory behavior decreased during the course of the study, with the greatest decrease occurring during the active 16-day hunting period. Despite potential risk and disturbance from hunters, deer maintained site fidelity to previously established ranges and did not expand micro-range areas. These data indicate that deer recognize threats from humans on the landscape and adapt behavioral strategies by minimizing movement and exhibiting high residency times in well-established ranges, factors known to influence harvest susceptibility. This information can be used to assess potential impacts from hunting for management purposes, but also to test the adaptive ability of animals to risk.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)853-861
Number of pages9
JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology
Volume94
Issue number12
Early online date27 Oct 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2016

Keywords

  • Altered behavior
  • Fidelity
  • Home range
  • White-tailed deer
  • Odocoileus virginianus
  • Predation risk
  • GPS tracking

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