Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

cases where population levels are at CC, increases in habitat quality
are generally negated because coinciding reproductive increases may
add additional deer to the herd, further compounding the problem of
too many deer.
POPULATION BIOLOGY
Many factors of population dynamics affect deer populations—
sex and age structure, mortality, reproductive success, and dispersal.
There are contributing variables for each of these factors. For example,
physical condition and age of a doe affect reproductive output. Overall
sex and age structure are influenced by selective mortality factors, primarily
in the form of hunting. Deer hunters and managers can
significantly influence many of these factors, while others are more or
less beyond their control.
POPULATION STRUCTURE
With the exception of the breeding season, adult males and females
have little contact throughout the year. Bucks typically form
small bachelor groups, while does tend to be less social than bucks,
rarely forming associations with unrelated herd members of similar
age and standing. The bachelor groups of bucks remain intact until the
onset of the breeding season. Then the groups temporarily disband
until the breeding season is over. During late summer and fall, doe
groups typically include an adult doe, her female offspring from the
previous year, and her fawns of the year. Several doe groups may feed
together. Shortly before the birth of her fawns, a doe may forcibly drive
away her fawns from the previous year. Yearling does may rejoin their
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