Abstracts

Abstract: After years of research, no reliable census technique has been developed for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virninianus). Infrared-triggered cameras offer potential to solve this problem. Dunng February 1992, we installed 49 of these devices on the 10,000-acre Longleaf Farm near Liberty, MS. During an on going mortality study, 27 bucks and 1 doe were radio-collared. In addition, 3 yearling bucks were marked with dog collars. Movements and home range sizes are being monitored for the life of the deer. The study area was divided into a grid of 40 acre blocks, with a camera placed within every other block. Camera sites were baited with corn and operated for 14 continuous days. Photographs were examined by exposure date for number of marked and unmarked deer, identity of marked deer, and buckdoe and doe:fawn ratios. Using antler and body traits, it was possible to individually identify unmarked antlered deer. Hence, a total number of individual bucks photographed was estimated. Preliminary results are encouraging. Of 31 marked deer available, 30 were photographed at least once. The single "uncaptured" buck was not available, as telemetry data indicated he was off the property during the study period. Using mark-recapture data and standard Lincoln Index, we estimated the population to be 752 deer. A total of 213 antlered bucks were estimated present. Buck:doe and doe:fawn ratios were 1:1.4 and 1:0.67, respectively. Using these data, we obtained an estimate of 71 1 deer.