Document Type

Research

Abstract

Home ranges of nine radio-equipped white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were determined during the winters of 1969-70 through 1971-72. For does and female fawns, the winter ranges varied from 145 to 307 acres, the major (longest) axes from 1.00 to 1.19 miles, and minimum daily movement from 0.78 to 1.00 mile. Home range sizes of adult does were more consistent than those of female fawns or bucks, varying from 198 to 215 acres. Their major (longest) axes ranged from 1.00 to 1.12 miles and minimum daily movement varied from 0.78 to 0.88 mile. Bucks exhibited the greatest variation in movement, with home ranges varying from 49 to 504 acres, major axes from 0.62 to 1.90 miles, and minimum daily movement, from 0.50 to 1.25 miles. Most major axes of movement led from the southeastern comer of the park, where deer bedded during daylight hours, to the croplands north of the western half of the park, where deer fed during nocturnal hours. The park provides one of few large stands of timber in a 4-county area. This timber serves as permanent cover and is used by deer for bedding during daylight. The park also serves as a refuge for deer which are highly vulnerable to hunting in the intensively farmed regions of Iowa.

Publication Date

August 1972

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

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application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Zagata, Michael D. and Haugen, Arnold O. (1972) "Winter Movement and Home Range of White-Tailed Deer at Pilot Knob State Park, Iowa," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 79(2), 74-78.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol79/iss2/11

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Winter Movement and Home Range of White-Tailed Deer at Pilot Knob State Park, Iowa

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