Distribution and movements of white-tailed deer in southern New Brunswick in relation to environmental factors

Abstract

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) [S New Brunswick, Canada] were marked and followed by telemetry between Dec. 1969-May 1972 to determine their seasonal home ranges, distribution by forest cover types and their movements in response to snow depth, precipitation, barometric pressure, temperature, wind, windchill and time of day. Deer (28) were radio-equipped and 22 (12 adults, 5 yearlings and 5 fawns) were relocated. Sizes of home ranges were measured by computerized movement maps: 949 ha for 3 deer in a snowfree winter; 88 ha for 7 deer in a winter of deep snow, 341 ha for 5 deer in a winter of average snowfall and 266 ha for 5 deer in 2 summers. In a winter of deep snow, the area used declined to 7.3% and distance traveled per hour declined to 76% of their respective values in a snowless winter. Windchill, barometric pressure and temperature had less effect on deer movements as snow accumulated. Deer moved mostly in later afternoon evening and early morning in winter, and mid-day and evening at other times of the year. Relocations indicated a preference of deer for mixedwood cover throughout the year, but as snow accumulated use of softwood increased. Deer moved to winter ranges when snow accumulated to 30 cm in hardwood stands and returned to summer ranges after several days of temperatures above 5.5.degree. C. Some deer moved up to 20 km from summer to winter ranges. Improved interspersion obtained by modifying silvicultural practices could provide ample winter habitat in areas considerably smaller than the 300-400 ha measured. Areas of 300-400 ha with many small clear-cuts provided adequate summer habitat.