Abstracts Category : Other

An Evaluation of Deer and Pronghorn Surveys in South Dakota

by Kristopher W Cudmore

To properly manage white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and the American pronghorn antelope (Antilocapridae americana), wildlife managers must identify population perimeters, sample size, age and sex ratios of these three species. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate age and sex ratios and determine a minimum sample size for each study area for all deer species and pronghorn, in addition to deriving a methodology and population estimate for white-tailed deer in the Black Hills. Sample size needed for both species of deer and pronghorn ranged from 60-70 groups of does. Age ratios calculated from daylight counts did not differ between September and October (P =0.13) for white-tailed deer. Comparison of September and October differed (P Advisors/Committee Members: Jonathan A. Jenks.