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 fireann season and e nding 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.