Mason Mountain WMA

Wildlife Research

Comparative Mating Success Of Male White-Tailed Deer In Relation To Body Size And Perceived Antler Quality

This research project will explore the effects on body size and antler quality on the breeding success of male white-tailed deer. The design of the study is simple. A deer herd with known densities, sex ratios, and male age structure will be established in each of two study pastures on Mason Mountain WMA - the North Voca and West pastures. The male component of the herd will be selected so that 25% of the bucks will fall into each of four categories - yearling, low antler quality; yearling, high antler quality; 5+ years, low quality (<100 B&C); and 5+ year, high antler quality (>120 B&C). All males will be DNA typed and radio collared prior to release.

The deer herds will be introduced into the study pastures in late winter 1999. The herds will remain in the pastures until the conclusion of the 1999-2000 breeding season. At that time, the does will be removed from the pastures and the embryos they are carrying will be DNA typed to determine paternity.

The study is based on the premise that if age and/or antler quality does not impact mating success, males will mate in proportion to their presence in the herd (i.e. 25% of matings will be by representatives of each of the aforementioned groups). If matings occur disproportionately, then it can be inferred that age and/or antler quality does indeed affect mating success.

All field work has been completed. Tissue samples are currently undergoing laboratory analysis. Preliminary findings should be available by late-2002.