Responses of urban deer to a 50% reduction in local herd density

Herd reduction is often proposed as a solution to the conflicts between hum ans and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in urban and suburban ar eas. However, the effects of herd reductions on the remaining deer have not been documented. We used radiotelemetry to study the effects of a 50% loca lized herd reduction by examining the winter (January) and spring (March) h ome range sizes of 21 adult does in 2 areas tone treated, one control) on H ilton Head Island, South Carolina, during 2 years (pre-treatment vs. post-t reatment). Because of public opposition to lethal methods, most deer (n=40) were removed by live-capture, transport, and confinement. Repeated measure ANOVA revealed significant (P=0.006) seasonal differences in home range si ze; January home range sizes were larger than March home range sizes for de er in both areas and in both years. The analysis also indicated that within seasons, home range sizes between the treated and control areas did not di ffer (P=0.17) in 1996 (pre-treatment) but did differ (P=0.008) in 1997 (pos t-treatment). Seasonal home range sizes for adult does in the treated area increased an average of 30%; home ranges for does in the control area remai ned relatively unchanged. Managers should be aware of the potential for inc reased home range sizes following deer-herd reduction