Survival of white-tailed deer in intensively farmed areas of Illinois

Survival of 265 female and 224 male greater than or equal to1-year-old whit e-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) marked on 3 study areas in central a nd northern Illinois was examined. Females lived, on average, 5.5 years and males 2.5 years from birth. Twenty-four of the 265 females lived for at le ast 10 years from birth, but only 14 males for at least 5 years. The oldest female was 18 years of age and the oldest male 9 years old when killed. Fo r both sexes, deaths were concentrated in the fall, with males more likely to die than females. Males were more likely to die from hunting and females from other causes. Known wounding deaths were 1 for every 3 retrieved deer for archers and 1 for every 8 for firearms hunters. Dispersing male and fe male yearlings and 2-year-olds suffered greater mortality than did sedentar y deer. Annual survival rates of yearling and older females ranged from 0.5 6 (dispersing 2-year-olds) to 0.92 (8-year-olds). Survival was significantl y reduced for 5-year-old females compared with those both older and younger . Annual survival of rates males ranged from 0.35 (dispersing 2-year-olds) to 0.76 (sedentary yearlings).