Well.. I find your first paragraph hard to read Jeff. Are you talking about dispersal.. or home range? And then are you talking core area or home range in paragraph 2..??
Duke:
Honestly....the little (very little) "article" doesn't mention "core area". They mention dispersal and home range, though.
Now dispersal of young bucks is totally different. Interestingly enough its for the benefit of the herd.. or natures way of less inbreeding which would impair whitetails over generations.
Funny you should mention this....because I was surprised at what was written, too. I read it to learn about dispersal. They are saying that if all of a buck's needs are met where he is reared.....he won't disperse. This goes against everyhting I've ever heard. That's a reason I thought it was interesting. There was another question regarding "inbreeding", also. They say that it will NOT adversely affect the herd as much as one would think.....because of the fact that does are generally bred by multiple mates. In the event of twins.....2 sires is common. Triplets and three sires is also the norm. Take into account "some" dispersal.....some die-off....and a bloodline quickly becomes diluted.
But I do not believe any whitetail buck.. no matter where.. to have a home range of just several dozen acres. He would have to have adequate amounts of food, water, cover, and females. Not to mention a social hierarchy.. which he simply won't just have on 30 acres. No way.. no how. A core bedding area of 30 acres.. sure.. absolutely... but not a home range.
"Outside the rut"....the article would disagree with you. That's why I thought you'd find it interesting. I'd be happy to quote the entire thing and send it to you when I get some time, this weekend. More "nerd" stuff we love.
Have a great weekend.