Article
Biological consequences of winter-feeding of mule deer in developed landscapes in Northern Utah
Wildlife Society Bulletin
(2011)
Abstract
Winter-feeding of mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) in developed landscapes is often advocated by stakeholders to compensate for lost or fragmented winter range. However the reported benefits of winter-feeding mule deer to increase survival and productivity in altered landscapes are mixed. Few studies have examined the long-term effects of winter-feeding on mule deer productivity. We studied the effects of a winter-feeding program conducted in a developed landscape in northern Utah, USA from 2001 to 2006 on the productivity, survival, and mortality of 92 adult female deer (does) that were captured and radiocollared on 4 feed and 4 nonfeed sites. We also evaluated the potential for feeding programs to impact winter-range habitat quality through increased browse utilization. Fawn production ( P = 0.36), and survival ( P = 0.12) did not differ for fed and nonfed does. Deer-vehicle collisions were the primary cause of mortality for radiocollared deer in both populations ( P = 0.97). Utilization of desired browse species was higher on sites where deer were fed ( P ≤ 0.001), although deer numbers were similar at feed and nonfeed sites. When developing big game winter-feeding policies for developed landscapes, managers must consider the full range of long-term potential population and habitat impacts to include increased anthropogenic-related mortality and increased potential for habitat degradation prior to policy implementation.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2011
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.41
Citation Information
Terry A. Messmer. "Biological consequences of winter-feeding of mule deer in developed landscapes in Northern Utah" Wildlife Society Bulletin Vol. 35 Iss. 3 (2011) p. 252 - 261 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/terry-messmer/230/