Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

weights by respective age class and lactation rates prove useful in assessing
deer densities. Biologists must consider influences such as soil
fertility, habitat type, and past management practices when using harvest
data to evaluate deer densities for a given area.
Other techniques, such as the abomasal parasite count (APC),
kidney fat index (KFI), and reproductive data collection, also assist in
determining relative deer densities. High APC counts generally indicate
overpopulation, as does a low volume of kidney fat. Reproduction
studies showing reduced pregnancy rates and low fetal production usually
are indicative of excessive deer densities.
Poor physical condition is normally the result of an inadequate
food supply. Deer often are not able to reach their full potential in
terms of body size, antler development, and reproductive success in
overpopulated herds. Each deer competes for a limited amount of nutritious
forage in overpopulated herds. The majority of deer in this
situation are not afforded the full benefit of the habitat’s nutritional
plane. Without adequate nutrition, a deer cannot express its genetic
potential for attributes such as antler or body size. In extreme cases,
over a long period of time, nature may select for smaller body size.
While it is common for those with an interest in deer to want to
know the exact number of deer on their lands, a precise number is irrelevant
and would be erroneously determined unless each deer could be
rounded up and counted. It is the job of the deer manager to use a
variety of techniques to determine if the relative deer density
exceeds relative habitat quality. In terms of population management,
this relationship is far more important than
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