ABSTRACT
Deer density and impact are affected by deer reproductive behavior regarding how reproduction and recruitment contribute to annual increases in deer density. Managing deer density includes estimating annual recruitment so as to balance it with deer harvest—managers must have some appreciation for the size of herd increase from reproduction to balance it with mortality to retain deer density and impact at desired levels. Managers must be able to anticipate at least qualitatively how herds will increase annually so they can manage deer density and impact through hunter harvest. Production of fawns, and survival to adulthood, are affected by habitat quality and quantity, including forage and ratio of adult bucks to adult does—too few bucks means not all does will be bred and produce offspring, resulting in a reduced rate of recruitment. Managing forage production and recruitment are tools managers should at least be aware of as they plan for managing deer density and impact.
