Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

Among bucks, two males of equal status confronting one another
may face off with heads lowered and ears pinned back. The hair
along their backs usually is bristled as well. Often these males walk
stiff-legged toward one another or circle several times. If the confrontation
escalates, the hardened antlers often are used to charge and attack
each other. These incidents may involve some light shoving, or on rare
occasions, may result in a violent or lethal fight. Outside the breeding
season, it is common for one buck to decline serious combat and accept
the role of subordinate. Bucks also will rear and flail at one another.
DEER MOVEMENT PATTERNS
Deer are considered crepuscular animals (most active at dawn
and dusk). However, new research suggests deer may be most active at
night (Jacobson 1996). Deer do move during daylight hours, but not as
much as they move at night. Interestingly enough, in this study, greatest
daylight activity was reported in the late fall and winter
months—most of which coincides with the deer hunting season in the
South.
Daily movement patterns also are affected by weather, availability
of food, various disturbances, sex and age of the animal, and
reproductive considerations. Bucks increase daily movement during
the rut while does often reduce movement during estrus and late in the
gestational period. The effect of moon phase on deer movement is poorly
understood by biologists, but there seems to be general agreement that
moon phase and position does influence the daily movement patterns of
deer.
Hunger is one of the most powerful factors affecting daily move-
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