Douglass, Kevin A. 2003. The effects of supplemental feeding on
white-tailed deer behavior in relation to energetics and reproductive biology.
M.S. Thesis, SUNY-ESF, 80 pp.
The well being of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in northern
regions depends primarily upon their winter nutritional status. Supplemental
feeding programs are popular among various public and private groups, yet
a complete understanding of long-term impacts on deer is lacking. This
study evaluated the effects of winter supplemental feeding on a white-tailed
deer herd in the north-central Adirondacks. During the winter of 2001-2002,
over 80 hours of behavior sampling was performed in order to determine time
spent in both feeding and non-feeding activities. Data indicates that
both male and female adults, yearlings, and fawns spend approximately 80%
of their time feeding on hay and corn during morning hours. However,
calculated energy benefits indicate that adult males do not meet daily energetic
requirements. In addition, fawns and yearlings are only marginally
within range of meeting daily energy requirements. Because energy expenditures
used in this study are conservative, fawns and yearlings likely fall short
of meeting energetic needs. Additionally, long-term supplemental feeding
may also affect migration patterns, social structure, and reproductive behavior.
Daily protein requirements were exceeded in all age and sex classes.
Fawn-only designed feeders may alleviate some stress for smaller deer, ensuring
these deer access to supplements.