Seasonal Use of Conservation Reserve Program Fields By White-Tailed Deer in Eastern South Dakota

Seasonal use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was investigated in eastern South Dakota by systematically relocating radio-marked deer from 15 September 1989 to 31 December 1990. Seasonal core areas and low use areas were determined from 40 home range maps of 14 radio-collared deer. Proportion of CRP lands within core areas of deer did not differ (P > 0. 05) from that in low use areas during each season. Pooled habitat availability within deer home ranges was similar between seasons. Habitat use varied among seasons (P < 0.01) and was disproportional to habitat availability (P < 0.10). Overall, CRP lands were used in greater proportions than their availability during spring, summer and fall 1990. Deer selected CRP lands during active periods in the spring and summer 1990, and during bedded periods in the summer and fall 1990. Deer avoided CRP lands during active periods in the fall 1989. Habitat selection data indicate that CRP lands provide important forage and cover values except during winter. During winter deer selected primarily wetland and wooded habitats. Partial mowing for controlling weeds, rejuvenating CRP fields, or providing emergency hay are recommended to maintain high interspersion of forage regrowth and standing cover in CRP fields.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - University Access Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Year

1991

Author dc:creator

• Gould, Jeffrey Hallet

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kurt J. Jenkins

• south dakota
• white-tailed deer
• conservation
• reserve program
• seasonal
• Natural Resources and Conservation

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 1991 Jeffrey Hallett Gould. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/437

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1437