The Influence of Hunting on Deer Proximity to Roads

Abstract

I tested the null hypothesis that hunting does not influence the average distance of whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from roads. Ten radio-collared, adult female white-tailed deer were located daily beginning 12 days prior to the opening day of the Montana general firearn season and ending 14 days after opening day. Four deer occurred on land that was hunted; six did not. Hunted deer stayed significantly further from roads during the hunting season ( x=540 m) than just prior to the season (x=210 m). Non-hunted deer were closer to roads during the hunting season (x =180) than before (x =270). Distances of deer to forest openings between the two time periods were not significantly different for either group. I concluded that the hunted deer perceived and responded to intensive road-based hunting pressure, while the non-hunted deer did not.