Social and Genetic Structure of Female Groups of White-tailed Deer: Implications for Localized Management.

Benjamin R. Laseter, Tyler A. Campbell, Karl V. Miller, David A. Osborn, D. B. Warnell School of Forest Resources, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

W. Mark Ford, USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, Timber and Watershed Lab, P.O. Box 404, Parsons, WV 26287-0404

Abstract We are currently in the third year of an investigation of the applicability of localized management on an overabundant white-tailed deer population in West Virginia. Localized management has been proposed as an efficient method of selectively removing social groups of deer near forest regeneration areas. This selective removal may create a localized reduction in deer density and browsing pressure, thereby enhancing seedling reestablishment. Successful application of localized management could ensure regeneration success, maintain diversity of forest structure and composition, as well as maintaining biodiversity within those forests. If localized management is based on social groups, it is imperative that these groups be delineated such that the group designation is biologically significant. Our objectives within this part of the investigation are to: (1) explore methods of delineating biologically significant groups of female deer by examining social structure and genetic structure; and (2) describe dynamics within and among social groups of female deer, including level of seasonal association, group size, age distributions, home range distributions, and differential habitat use. Methods used to delineate biologically significant groups include: DNA microsatellite analysis to determine parentage and assess overall genetic relatedness within and among groups; observational data used to calculate association values between all marked individuals; degree of home range overlap; and distance between core use areas.