An Evaluation of Quality Deer Management Programs in Tennessee
Members of the Hunting Club at Ames Plantation are part of a
large research project. They are integrally involved as they
participate in the QDM program. Research findings are shared
with the Membership throughout the hunting season and a complete
report is given at the annual meeting in September. The
information from this study may have bearing on deer management
programs in Tennessee and also across the south. The
research is outlined below:
Introduction
The white-tailed deer is the most popular big game animal in
Tennessee. Through restocking efforts and regulated hunting,
white-tailed deer populations have rebounded from all-time lows
in the early twentieth century to approximately 33 million
animals in the US today. A major reason for this success was a
restriction on the doe harvest, allowing only bucks to be killed
during the hunting season. This process was expedited through
extirpation of deer predators (e.g., mountain lions, red wolves,
gray wolves, black bears, and bobcats) during the nineteenth
century throughout most of the whitetail’s range, including
Tennessee. As deer populations became re-established, states
began to allow limited antlerless hunts. However, by the 1990s,
deer populations were overabundant in many areas, especially in
the South and Northeast. A continued restriction on doe harvest
created skewed populations favoring does with few mature bucks.
In Tennessee (and many other states), yearling (1½ years old)
bucks consistently comprise the vast majority (60 – 80 percent)
of the statewide buck harvest. Overpopulated deer herds with
unbalanced sex ratios have created many human/deer conflicts,
including forest and crop depredation, increased deer-vehicle
collisions, habitat destruction (negatively affecting many
wildlife species), and unnatural changes in the timing of
reproduction and parturition, altering behavior and reduced fawn
survival in some areas.
Quality deer management (QDM) is a management strategy that
involves managing deer herds in a biologically and socially
sound manner in accordance with the existing habitat conditions.
The philosophy of QDM is not trophy deer management, where
emphasis is placed on producing bucks with antlers large enough
to qualify for the Boone and Crockett Record Book. QDM promotes
managing deer populations below carrying capacity for a given
area through an active doe harvest designed to lower the
population to an acceptable level and even the sex ratio. In
addition, a balanced age structure of both bucks and does is
desired in order to maintain a socially sound herd where mature
animals establish a hierarchical order that is important for
reproductive ecology and genetic flow. This is accomplished by
educating hunters to refrain from shooting young bucks and
concentrate on killing an appropriate number of does. Hunters
also keep detailed records on all deer killed and observed in a
QDM program. This information is used to guide the progress of
the management program and assess the quality of the herd.
Also integral to QDM is an active habitat management program
that concentrates on providing optimum nutrition to the deer
herd throughout the year. Habitat management practices typically
involve timber management, manipulating oldfield habitats, and
establishing food plots. Other practices include supplemental
feeding with grains and/or salt and other minerals.
Although QDM has been implemented in many areas across the
whitetail’s range, few scientific data have been collected to
evaluate its success, especially before and after
implementation. To complicate matters further, “QDM” is rarely
practiced in the same manner in different areas. Most often,
this is a result of differences in deer herd characteristics
and/or differences in habitat quality, but in many cases,
different managers have differing views of just what QDM entails
and the correct approach to implement such a program.
Considerable confusion also surrounds habitat management
programs. There is a tremendous demand by hunters and other
landowners for knowledge about food plots. Food plots get more
publicity in the popular press than all other land management
practices combined. Many marketing and advertising campaigns
have confused hunters as to what should be planted and why.
Sound data are needed to substantiate not only what is best
nutritionally for white-tailed deer, but also what plantings
deer prefer. Prescribed fire is promoted to enhance habitat
conditions for small game and various songbirds, as well as
improve forage availability and palatability for white-tailed
deer. There is a lack of data, however, to support whether deer
prefer previously burned areas for grazing/browsing. Another
practice commonly promoted is fertilizing native vegetation for
increased/improved browse/forage. While data have been collected
that clearly show fertilization increases plant growth and
nutrition, there is a lack of data to support the claim that
fertilized vegetation—especially within closed-canopy forest
stands—receives increased browsing pressure by deer. Various
formulations of minerals and salt have been used to supplement
the availability of minerals for deer. Few data have been
collected, however, that show which formulations are preferred
or used more often by deer, especially by sex and age class.
Another major consideration with any deer management program is
hunter satisfaction, especially when mandated on public lands.
In order for QDM to be successful, hunters must embrace the
program and its approach. Usually, this level of satisfaction
comes only with considerable education efforts.
The objective of this research is to determine the impact of
Quality Deer Management (QDM) programs on several properties
across Tennessee. Specifically, the impact of such programs on
herd health and quality, as determined by density, sex ratio,
age structure, average weights per age class, and antler
characteristics, will be evaluated. In addition, several habitat
management practices will be evaluated for their effectiveness
in a QDM program. Finally, hunter satisfaction will be monitored
to assess the program’s acceptance among sportsmen.
Information gathered should help property managers across the
state and region better understand the relationships involved
(deer management, habitat management, hunter management) in a
QDM program. Findings will be applicable to both private
managers and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) in
their public lands deer management program. In addition, this
information will be most useful when making recommendations for
deer/crop depredation situations.
Cooperators
The study focuses on several properties, including: the
18,653-acre Ames Plantation in Fayette and Hardeman Counties;
the Rocky River Hunting Club—a 4,800-acre private property in
Sequatchie, Van Buren, and Warren Counties; the Jasper Mountain
Hunting Club—a 8,588-acre private property in Marion County; the
Myers Cove Hunting Club—a 2,431-acre private property in Warren
County; the 79,700-acre Catoosa Wildlife Management Area in
Cumberland and Morgan Counties; the 37,000-acre Oak Ridge
Wildlife Management Area in Roane and Anderson Counties; and the
2,500-acre Yuchi Wildlife Management Area in Rhea County.
Ames Plantation
Deer hunting at Ames has followed statewide regulations for many
years. However, in 2002, the Ames administration decided a QDM
program should be implemented on the property. Data (i.e., sex,
age, weight, evidence of lactation, number of antler points,
inside spread, main beam length and diameter, and gross antler
score) were collected from deer killed at Ames during the
2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons to determine average characteristics
among sex and age classes. Ames hunters collected observation
data in order to begin an index to population level. A census of
deer browse was collected in July of 2002 and 2003 to determine
the relationship of the deer herd with available habitat.
Additionally, hunter satisfaction was evaluated through surveys
collected at the end of the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons. In
2003, Ames Plantation began leasing hunting rights.
Pre-treatment data has provided information necessary to
recommend a sound antler restriction to protect bucks 2½ years
old and younger. Beginning with the 2004 hunting season, a gross
score of 110 inches of antler growth as measured by the Boone
and Crockett scoring system has been used as the minimum
requirement in order for a buck to be killed at Ames. The
recommended doe harvest was determined to be 180 for the first
year of QDM at Ames and 194 were taken. This was an excellent
response from hunters and, if sightings, tracks, and crop damage
are an indication, the deer herd has not been depressed by any
noticeable margin. The sex ratio should better approach a
natural form and sightings may disproportionally involve bucks,
because the 1.5-year-old class was practically untouched in
2004-05.
A check-in station was constructed prior to the 2002 season. All
hunters were required to check-in their deer during the 2002-03
and 2003-04 seasons. Beginning with the 2004-05 season, hunters
were required to check in and out before and after each hunt.
Rocky River HC, Jasper Mountain HC, and Myers Cove HC
Rocky River has operated under a QDM program since 2000. During
this time, data (i.e., sex, age, weight, evidence of lactation,
number of antler points, inside spread, main beam length and
diameter, and gross antler score) have been collected on all
deer killed. A gross score of 100 inches has been used as an
antler restriction to protect bucks 2½ years old and younger. A
deer census has been conducted each year using
infrared-triggered cameras, while hunters have collected
observation data to compare with the census. Jasper Mountain has
been operating under a QDM program since 2001 and Myers Cove has
been operating under a QDM program since 2003. Data have been
collected at these properties just as they have at Rocky River.
Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Deer hunting has occurred at Catoosa since 1955. Data (sex, age,
weight, evidence of lactation, number of antler points, and main
beam length and diameter) were collected from deer since the
first hunting seasons to determine average characteristics among
sex and age classes. Browse surveys were collected for many
years to determine a relationship of the deer herd with
available habitat. Observation data were collected during
several years to determine productivity (doe:fawn ratios) and
sex ratios. Hunter satisfaction was evaluated continually
throughout the years since 1955.
In the early 1990’s, hunters’ attitudes began to change about
deer hunting on Tennessee’s WMAs. Hunters no longer needed to
hunt a WMA to harvest a deer. From deer stocked in the 1970’s
and 1980’s and continued population growth, hunters had ample
opportunity to take deer in open county hunts across the state.
As a result, Catoosa managers and biologists decided to
implement a QDM program beginning with the 1998 hunting season.
From data collected since 1955, it was decided to implement a
4-point to one side antler restriction to protect bucks 1½ years
old and younger. The recommended doe harvest is determined each
year.
QDM results on Catoosa appear to have been successful. Results
are available from TWRA Region III in the Big Game Harvest
Report. Many hunters have been supportive of QDM on Catoosa and
often request similar management throughout the state. Catoosa
continues to lead the state in WMA hunt applications.
TWRA is committed to good game management; and hunter attitudes
and their expectations may not be consistent. As such, and with
a large land-base across Tennessee, QDM will be complicated to
implement statewide. However, the research can demonstrate QDM
results on the type of grounds listed above and the conditions
associated with each. These results will apply most closely on
private lands, although the two necessary conditions for older
deer to manifest any sort of antler characteristics may vary
from place to place: i.e., habitat and genetics. TWRA may
benefit from the research with increased insight to help
landowners manage their land and also to evaluate the future
course of deer hunting in Tennessee.
Oak Ridge Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
The Oak Ridge WMA is open to public deer hunting though all
hunters must be selected through a random drawing. Approximately
3,075 hunters are selected to hunt on the area during three
hunts held each year. The hunts are held in November and
December and each lasts for two days. Because of safety issues,
Oak Ridge is divided into archery-only hunting zones and gun
hunting zones. Slightly less than half of the hunters selected
are assigned to the gun hunting zones.
Deer hunting has occurred on Oak Ridge since 1985 with the
exception of the 2000 season when Oak Ridge was closed for
national security reasons. In 2003, a QDM program was
implemented. Under this program, antlered bucks must have at
least four one-inch antler points on one side of their rack or
have an outside antler spread of 15 or more inches to be legal
for harvest. Through the area’s one check station, data (i.e.,
sex, age, weight, number of antler points, main beam length, and
diameter) have been collected on 99 percent of all deer
harvested.
Yuchi Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Yuchi Refuge is also open to public deer hunting and, like Oak
Ridge WMA, all hunters must be selected through a random
drawing, with the exception of one hunt that is open to
handicapped hunters only. Approximately 450 hunters are selected
to hunt on the area during the six quota hunts held each year.
The hunts are held from September to November and each hunt
lasts for two days.
Prior to 2000, the area was in private ownership and deer
hunting was allowed during statewide deer season with no public
access. In 2000, Yuchi Refuge was purchased by the Tennessee
Wildlife Resources Agency and has been open to public hunting
since. A QDM program was established in 2003. Under this
program, the area has an antlered buck harvest restriction that
is the same as for Oak Ridge WMA. Through the area’s one check
station, data (i.e., sex, age, weight, number of antler points,
main beam length and diameter) have been collected on 99 percent
of all deer harvested since 2000.
Deer census and hunter observations
A deer census was conducted on Ames, Rocky River, Jasper
Mountain, and Myer’s Cove using infrared-triggered cameras. One
bait station will be positioned per 160 acres. Deer will be
attracted to bait stations with salt and shelled corn. Cameras
will be in position for 2 weeks after 1 week of pre-baiting. The
deer census will be conducted between mid-July and
mid-September.
Hunters on Ames, Rocky River, Jasper Mountain, and Myer’s Cover
fill out observation cards after each hunt and turn the cards in
at the respective check-in station immediately after each hunt.
Data (number of deer, sex, age) from observation cards will be
compared to the camera census for each property. A voluntary
system was used the first year of the program at Ames and
resulted in a total of 18 observation cards for the season.
After the sign-in policy was established the next year, over
1,800 cards were returned. These cards contain immensely
valuable information.
The impact of QDM
Effect of various antler restrictions on antler
characteristics
The proportion of bucks killed within each age class will be
compared between study sites and private lands without antler
restrictions within respective counties. The proportion of bucks
killed under the targeted age class will be evaluated on each
study area. Main beam length and diameter, spread, number of
points, and gross antler score will be compared by age class
among bucks killed at each study site and private lands without
antler restrictions within respective counties. Personnel with
the TWRA and students from the UT Chapter of The Wildlife
Society will collect data from deer killed on non-QDM private
lands at check-in stations located in the counties of the study
areas.
Effect of QDM on sex ratio harvested, average weight per sex
and age class, and lactation
The sex ratio of the deer harvest as well as weights per sex and
age class and evidence of lactation are determined from kill
record sheets at each of the study sites. These data will be
compared between study sites and with those from deer killed on
non-QDM private lands, collected at check-in stations in the
counties of the study areas on various dates through the season
determined by the TWRA.
Effect of QDM on deer visibility
Hunters at Ames, Rocky River, Jasper Mountain, and Myers Cove
will record the number and type of deer sighted per hunting
trip. Trends over time in deer density and sex ratio will be
compared to deer census data collected by infrared-triggered
cameras on each property.
Effect on hunter satisfaction
At each study site, hunters will be surveyed to determine their
level of satisfaction with the various types of QDM
restrictions. All hunters at Ames, Rocky River, Jasper Mountain,
and Myers Cove will be surveyed at the close of the deer season.
A survey will be mailed after the season to hunters drawn to
hunt at Catoosa, Oak Ridge, and Yuchi.
Food plot evaluation
This project will test both warm- and cool-season plantings in
replicated plots at Ames, Rocky River, Catoosa, and Oak Ridge to
determine plants most suitable for food plots in terms of
germination, growth and production, resistance to grazing,
nutritional quality, and timing of availability. These data will
be used to recommend desirable mixtures for food plots. Twenty
0.10-acre cells have been established at each site. Each cell
contains a “seasonal” exclusion cage, 4 feet square, made of
chicken wire to monitor growth through the growing season. In
addition, each cell contains 3 “mobile” exclusion cages, 2 feet
square, to monitor growth and deer preference at the end of each
month. Forage clipped from the mobile cages is compared to that
from 3 randomly-selected uncaged spots, 2 feet square, in each
cell. Clipped forage material is then dried and sent to the
forage lab at UT for nutritional analysis. The 20 forages that
have been used in the food plot experiment include those listed
below.
Cool-season legumes (8)
ladino clover (perennial)
red clover (perennial)
berseem clover (annual)
crimson clover (annual)
arrowleaf clover (annual)
alfalfa (perennial)
Austrian winter peas (annual)
birdsfoot trefoil (perennial)
Cool-season grasses (4)
oats (annual)
wheat (annual)
orchardgrass (perennial)
ryegrass (annual)
Cool-season forbs (2)
chicory (perennial)
dwarf essex rape (annual)
Warm-season legumes (6)
iron-clay cowpeas (annual)
lablab (annual)
soybeans (annual)
Quail Haven re-seeding soybeans (annual)
alyceclover (annual)
American jointvetch (annual)
Cool-season plots have been established in late summer 2004.
Perennial cool-season plots will be maintained and managed
through fall 2006. Warm-season plots were established in late
spring 2005 and will be again in 2006. Annual cool-season plots
will be planted in late summer 2005.
The quantity of forage consumed and deer preference will be
related to deer density. The number of deer using each field are
estimated by placing an infrared-triggered camera (baited like a
census camera) just inside the woods on each side of the field
(4 cameras total) during late August/early September. These
numbers at Ames and Rocky River will be compared to the overall
deer census.
Effect of burning and fertilization on browse quantity and
quality
Naturally occurring browse in hardwood forest stands will be
sampled for biomass and quality at Ames and Rocky River during
July 2004 and 2005. Previously unburned hardwood stands have
been selected. Sixteen 100-yard transects have been established
at each site. Browse is measured and collected along 4 sections,
every 25 yards, 5 yards in length, 4 feet in width and 4 feet in
height. Woody browse is measured and collected by species.
Herbaceous forage is measured and collected by family.
Pre-treatment data have been collected in 2004. Eight sites were
burned during February/March 2005. Four sites have been
fertilized (according to soil test to raise P and K levels to
high and with 60 pounds of N added per acre) in the burned areas
and 4 sites were fertilized in the unburned areas. Four
transects were established in unburned/unfertilized stands, 4 in
unburned/fertilized stands, 4 in burned/unfertilized stands, and
4 in burned/fertilized stands. Samples will be dried, weighed,
and analyzed for crude protein and acid detergent fiber. Data
will be compared to determine if burning and/or fertilization
actually attracts additional browsing pressure and/or increases
browse quality.
Soil samples have been collected in each area at 2 inches and 6
inches deep prior to and after burning and fertilization. This
will be conducted each season (spring, summer, fall, winter) in
each area throughout the study to determine the impact of
burning and fertilization on soil fertility.
Preference and use of various mineral formulations
Finally, various mineral formulations are being compared using
replicated sites monitored by infrared-triggered cameras at Ames
and Rocky River. Four mineral stations have been identified.
There is 1 station per 150 acres (4 stations – 600 acres total).
At each station (the middle of each 150-acre block), 4 minerals
have been positioned in a square, 50 yards apart.
Infrared-triggered cameras placed approximately 15 feet from the
mineral with a marker denoting station and mineral
identification another 15 feet beyond the mineral, 30 feet from
the camera, monitor minerals. Minerals were put in place by 1
June 2004 and were monitored for 60 days, beginning June 8.
Minerals are replenished as necessary. The 4 mineral supplements
are: Co-op Coarse Ground Trace Mineral salt, Co-op Whitetail
Deer Mineral Mix, Deer Cain, and Biologic Whitetail Addiction.
The number of deer, sex ratio, and fawns per doe using each
mineral station are evaluated from the pictures generated.
Preference for a mineral mixture is determined from the
photographs. In addition, time of use (day/night, early
summer/mid-summer) will be evaluated to determine if there is a
preferred period when deer use these sites.
The Ames Plantation provides a rich environment for forest and ecological research due to the size and diversity of sites and forest stands. The University of Tennessee Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries conducts for weeks of their Forestry Camp...