Temporal distribution of rubbing and scraping by a high-density White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, population in Georgia

We characterized spatial and temporal distribution of rubs and scrapes made by male White-tailed Deer in a high-density deer herd in northern Georgia. Species selected for rubbing included Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata), Easte rn Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), and sumac (Rhus spp.). Unlike previous reports, rubs were made at a relatively const ant rate throughout the breeding season. Peak scraping activity occurred 2- 3 weeks before peak breeding. Density of rubs (1423/km(2)) and scrapes (211 /km(2)) were higher than reported from previous studies, likely due to the high estimated deer density (37/km(2)) and older male age structure.