Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

tural crops may be used heavily as well. During this time, deer will
utilize the fruits of many browse species such as muscadine, blackberry,
and dewberry. Selecting for these species in habitat management efforts
is important to ensure sufficient quantities of these food items.
Late summer is probably the most critical stress period. It is during
this time when protein requirements are highest, yet habitat quality is
at its lowest. Periods of drought may serve to further reduce habitat
quality during this time.
FALL
In Alabama, there often is no clear delineation between the late
summer and early fall in terms of weather and climate. Consequently,
there generally is no reprieve relative to browse quality. Honeysuckle,
jessamine, rattan vine, and greenbriar often are heavily browsed during
this period. However, some soft mast, such as persimmons,
crabapples, black gum fruits, and honey locust pods, become available
and are fed upon heavily. This also is the time when acorns begin to
fall. White oak species usually produce abundant acorns in years with
adequate rainfall. Red or black oak species also produce to some degree.
While red oaks have a two-year fruiting cycle, there are generally
a substantial number of these oaks producing in any given year. Deer
may utilize acorns almost exclusively when found in abundance in late
fall and early winter.
Streamside management zones (SMZs) can provide adequate
hardwood mast during the fall in managed forests. SMZs are corridors
of uncut timber along streams, creeks, and drainage areas. SMZs are
used to control erosion and stream sedimentation following timber har-
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