Mule Deer Predation
Cooke JL. 1983. Mule Deer Predation. Big Game Investigations. Federal Aid Project Number: W-109-R-6, Job 49. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Austin, TX
Surveys were conducted on the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area and western one-third of Big Bend National Park to determine the effects of predator control on desert mule deer populations. Spotlight surveys indicated comparable desert mule deer populations on the two areas, with observed fawn to doe ratios of 1.00 on Black Gap and 0.80 in the Park. Scent stake indices were similar on both areas for grey fox (non-target) while the coyote index on Black Gap was approximately 20 percent that of the Park. Predation buffer species were found to be comparable on both areas and habitat conditions as determined by vegetative surveys showed no detectable statistical differences (F=1.298, d.f.=1.3, n.s.). Predator control resulted in the removal of 15 mountain lions, 30 coyotes, and 4 grey foxes (non-target) on the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area during this segment. Cost benefits are presented.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Cooke, Jerry
- Date of Issue
- 1983-04-22
- Publisher
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- Units
- BIBE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Black Gap Wildlife Management Area TX, coyote (Canis latrans) - Carnivora - Canidae, grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) - Carnivora - Canidae, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) - Artiodactyla - Cervidae, Predation