Abstracts

Abstract: We compared Chinese privet (Limstrum sinense) forage availability and utilization by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus vir~nianus) in dense understory privet stands in northwestern Georgia following 3 mechanical treatments--cutting to ground level (CGL) in January, CGL in March, and uncut control-during 2 growing seasons post treatment. Treatments were replicated 2 times on one-tenth-acre plots. We determined privet forage availability and utilization by clipping and weighing current year's growth in 0.75-m2 subplots inside and outside of randomly located 1-m2ex closures. After 1 growing season, privet forage production was 719 kgiha (dry weight) and 997 kgha on the January and March CGL treatments, respectively, whereas privet forage utilization during winter was 65.8% and 60.7%. respectively. Neither production nor utilization differed significantly between treatments. After this intensive privet forage utilization and a second growing season, privet forage production then averaged 192 kg/ha and 228 kgfha on the January and March CGL treatments, respectively, versus 124 kglha on the uncut control. We also collected privet forage samples for crude protein analysis; these results will be included in our presentation. In conclusion, privet resprouts on CGL plots produced abundant forage under closed-canopy forests, even after utilization exceeded 60%. Privet's high shade tolerance and ability to withstand intensive utilization may make it an important deer forage in some areas. We previously documented that deer readily use privet leaves and fruit during autumn and winter. Dense stands of privet in forest understory could be subdivided and alternately cut to increase deer forage as an alternative to traditional food plot management. These cuttings also would open the shrub layer for increased visibility