Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

vested from the midwestern U.S., the western Canadian provinces, and
Texas. Hunters see these huge deer and have visions of regularly producing
similar sized bucks scoring 150 or more Boone and Crockett (B
& C) points on their property in Alabama. Several deer of this quality
are killed in Alabama each year, but hunters should not expect to kill
deer of this size in large quantities, on a regular basis, or in all parts of
Alabama. Such false expectations typically lead to disappointment. By
gathering the necessary data beforehand, hunters can establish attainable
goals for the area to be hunted. Depending on habitat quality and
productivity of the property, a realistic goal for 4-1/2 year old and older
bucks may be 140 B & C points or it may only be 110 B & C points. Over
the years, some bucks likely will be harvested that exceed these goals
and some will surely fall short. By understanding the limitations at the
onset, everyone involved will be more likely to stick with the program.
Hunters also should realize time constraints affect what can be
achieved with their management practices. Some areas are capable of
appreciable improvements in deer quality in a relatively short time (i.e.,
2 to 3 years). However, many areas may take five or more years before
the deer herd responds and the desired objectives begin to materialize.
A history of severe exploitation of bucks, particularly yearlings, or habitat
damage resulting from an overpopulated deer herd, will prolong the
time needed to realize improvements in herd quality.
Before an effective deer management plan can be initiated, all
of the limiting factors for the property need to be identified (Woods
1999b). These limiting factors may be directly associated with the deer
herd or its habitat. In most cases, it is both. These may include past
harvest practices, current herd conditions, habitat quality, and produc-
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