INFRARED TRIGGERED CAMERA VERSUS HELICOPTER COUNTS OF WHITE-TAILED DEER

We compared data from infrared-triggered cameras and replicated helico pter counts to estimate prehunt population size and sex and age ratios of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on La Copita Research A rea, Texas. La Copita is an 1,103-ha area in south Texas with an open deer population of unknown size and composition. Number of fork-antler ed bucks and total number of bucks estimated by the 2 techniques was s imilar. The camera technique estimated fewer does and fawns and thus a lower total population estimate than the helicopter survey. Fawn:doe ratios were similar and remained relatively stable after Day 3 of the camera census. Stocking rate of cattle at 10.1 and 12.6 ha/animal unit year precluded deer use of bait sites when cattle were present. Likew ise, collared peccary (Dicotyles tajacu) precluded use by deer at some sites. At other sites, use by the 2 species was segregated in time. A lthough no tests for accuracy could be conducted, both techniques resu lted in a reasonable population estimate for the area indicating the c amera technique may be a viable option for counting deer in south Texa s.