DENSITY-DEPENDENT MATRIX YIELD EQUATION FOR OPTIMAL HARVEST OF AGE-STRUCTURED WILDLIFE POPULATIONS

A density-dependent matrix model was applied to develop a harvest mode l for wildlife populations. The model links life tables, Leslie matrix models, the logistic equation, and surplus production models applied in fisheries; it is well suited for populations such as white-tailed d eer. The model was applied to determine the optimum yield of the white -tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus borealis Miller) population on th e George Reserve in southeastern Michigan. The optimum yield and the a ge structure of the optimum yield were determined by fecundity, surviv al, and the carrying capacity. The optimum yield obtained with the den sity-dependent matrix model is nearly identical to that obtained throu gh extensive biological analyses, and it did not require habitat analy ses or determination of factors limiting population growth.