Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

vest, but also have
proven to be valuable
habitat components
for many wildlife species.
Mast producing
hardwoods
often
comprise the majority
of species found in
these
locations.
Hardwood timber
Streamside management zones (SMZs) reduce
erosion, protect water quality, and provide
hardwood mast for deer and other wildlife.
stand improvement
cuttings can also increase
mast
production. Selecting
for dominant mast producers and important mid-story species is a
good way to enhance this particular habitat component when developing
forest management plans.
WINTER
Food shortages and starvation generally are not a problem with
the mild winters occurring in most of Alabama. However, this can be a
stressful period for deer in terms of availability of quality foods. Deer
are able to utilize acorns and other mast well into the winter in years of
abundant hardwood mast. However, in years having poor mast crops,
deer must rely heavily on native winter forbs, honeysuckle, greenbriar,
and cool-season plants and grasses. Cool-season forage crops become
very important during years of a mast failure. For the deer manager,
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