Deer and Elk Management and Nutrition
Deer : Management
Wildlife management is both art and science. In wild populations habitat needs to be the primary source of nutrients for the resident animals.
From a management perspective, improving nutrients available from the habitat is one of the most important things that a wildlife manager can do.
Supplemental feeding is often used as part of a management plan to assure that both bucks and does are better able to achieve their genetic potential, especially during times of nutritional stress. Nutritional stress periods occur in wild populations of deer and elk when the quality or quantity of native forage is lacking, especially during times of physiological stress such as antler growth in males and gestation and lactation in females.
A buck's or bull's antler growth is directly related to his nutritional status. If nutrition is limiting anytime during the year, but especially during January through June, antler growth may not be maximized. In addition, both fawn or calf crop size and survivability is directly related to the nutrition of both the female and her offspring.
In order to make nutrition decisions which may result in a healthy, productive deer or elk herd, several factors should be considered:
A supplemental feeding program, that utilizes a high quality feed that provides all the nutrient classes in proper amounts, can help ensure a deer’s nutrient needs are being met year-round. Preventing nutritional stress by consistently meeting nutrient requirements can support optimal antler production, health and ultimately profitability.
From a management perspective, improving nutrients available from the habitat is one of the most important things that a wildlife manager can do.
Supplemental feeding is often used as part of a management plan to assure that both bucks and does are better able to achieve their genetic potential, especially during times of nutritional stress. Nutritional stress periods occur in wild populations of deer and elk when the quality or quantity of native forage is lacking, especially during times of physiological stress such as antler growth in males and gestation and lactation in females.
A buck's or bull's antler growth is directly related to his nutritional status. If nutrition is limiting anytime during the year, but especially during January through June, antler growth may not be maximized. In addition, both fawn or calf crop size and survivability is directly related to the nutrition of both the female and her offspring.
In order to make nutrition decisions which may result in a healthy, productive deer or elk herd, several factors should be considered:
- Seasonal forage availability and quality;
- Physiological state and nutritional requirements;
- Number and kinds of animal species;
- Livestock and grazing management practices; and
- Production goals.
A supplemental feeding program, that utilizes a high quality feed that provides all the nutrient classes in proper amounts, can help ensure a deer’s nutrient needs are being met year-round. Preventing nutritional stress by consistently meeting nutrient requirements can support optimal antler production, health and ultimately profitability.
