Some research on supplemental feeding
05-20-2004, 10:07 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
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Join Date: Apr 2004
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Some research on supplemental feeding
Cooper, Susan M. and Tim F. Ginnett. 2000.
Potential effects of supplemental feeding of deer on nest predation.
Wildlife Society Bulletin. 28(3):660-666.
Abstract: Supplemental feeding of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has become an increasingly popular management activity, particularly on private lands. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and other small carnivores are very attracted to deer feeders and are potential predators of ground-nesting birds such as wild turkeys. We tested the hypothesis that predation on artificial ground nests was greater near deer feeders due to the increased presence of nest predators. We selected 2 ponds and 2 artificial water sources (windmills with troughs) on the basis of habitat similarity. We provided supplemental food in the form of shelled corn at one of each of the pond and windmill sites during 1997, 1998, and 1999. At each site we placed 50 artificial nests (3 chicken eggs) along a 800- x 40-m transect centered on the water source. We monitored the fate of these nests over 28 days. We identified nest predators through patterns of eggshell breakage, hair traps, and automatic cameras. We analyzed nest survival using a logit model and by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Raccoons and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were the most common predators of the artificial nests. In years with adequate ground cover to conceal the nests, presence of supplemental deer feeders at the site significantly decreased survivorship of the artificial nests. In dry years with sparse ground cover, nest survivorship was extremely poor at all sites. The lack of cover for the nests outweighed any deleterious effects of the deer feeders. Previous studies have suggested that supplementing predators may be a way to reduce nest predation; our results suggest the contrary. We suggest that managers concerned with production of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and other ground-nesting birds should avoid placing deer feeders in nesting habitat or avoid supplemental feeding during the nesting season.
Assessing dietary quality of white-tailed deer using fecal indices: effects of supplemental feeding and area.
Journal of Mammalogy. 79(2):437-447.
Abstract: Winter generally is considered the most stressful period for deer in northern latitudes, and prolonged consumption of poor-quality diets is often the primary factor increasing overwinter mortality. Although winter diets of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the northern Black Hills, South Dakota, have been documented, quality of these diets is unknown. It has been suggested that low-growing vegetation and agricultural lands are important factors in maintaining deer populations in the northern Black Hills; however, this hypothesis has not been tested. Additionally, a supplemental feeding program has been initiated in some areas of the northern Black Hills, but effects of this program are unknown. We used fecal indices to monitor changes in dietary quality in five study areas (one of which contained supplemental food plots for deer) at 2-week intervals from January to March 1992 and 1993. We tested hypotheses that concentrations of fecal nitrogen (FN) and fecal phosphorus (FP) would not differ intraseasonally or among study areas. In the mild winter of 1992, concentrations of FN and FP rose (P < 0.001) as spring approached. In 1993, FN and FP levels did not differ intraseasonally (P > 0.05) but were related inversely to snow depth. Supplementally fed deer consumed higher-quality diets (P < 0.001) than nonsupplemented animals during both years. Among nonsupplemented deer, availability of agricultural land improved quality of the winter ranges in the northern Black Hills. Fecal indices are an effective method for monitoring changes in dietary quality.
Potential effects of supplemental feeding of deer on nest predation.
Wildlife Society Bulletin. 28(3):660-666.
Abstract: Supplemental feeding of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has become an increasingly popular management activity, particularly on private lands. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and other small carnivores are very attracted to deer feeders and are potential predators of ground-nesting birds such as wild turkeys. We tested the hypothesis that predation on artificial ground nests was greater near deer feeders due to the increased presence of nest predators. We selected 2 ponds and 2 artificial water sources (windmills with troughs) on the basis of habitat similarity. We provided supplemental food in the form of shelled corn at one of each of the pond and windmill sites during 1997, 1998, and 1999. At each site we placed 50 artificial nests (3 chicken eggs) along a 800- x 40-m transect centered on the water source. We monitored the fate of these nests over 28 days. We identified nest predators through patterns of eggshell breakage, hair traps, and automatic cameras. We analyzed nest survival using a logit model and by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Raccoons and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were the most common predators of the artificial nests. In years with adequate ground cover to conceal the nests, presence of supplemental deer feeders at the site significantly decreased survivorship of the artificial nests. In dry years with sparse ground cover, nest survivorship was extremely poor at all sites. The lack of cover for the nests outweighed any deleterious effects of the deer feeders. Previous studies have suggested that supplementing predators may be a way to reduce nest predation; our results suggest the contrary. We suggest that managers concerned with production of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and other ground-nesting birds should avoid placing deer feeders in nesting habitat or avoid supplemental feeding during the nesting season.
Assessing dietary quality of white-tailed deer using fecal indices: effects of supplemental feeding and area.
Journal of Mammalogy. 79(2):437-447.
Abstract: Winter generally is considered the most stressful period for deer in northern latitudes, and prolonged consumption of poor-quality diets is often the primary factor increasing overwinter mortality. Although winter diets of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the northern Black Hills, South Dakota, have been documented, quality of these diets is unknown. It has been suggested that low-growing vegetation and agricultural lands are important factors in maintaining deer populations in the northern Black Hills; however, this hypothesis has not been tested. Additionally, a supplemental feeding program has been initiated in some areas of the northern Black Hills, but effects of this program are unknown. We used fecal indices to monitor changes in dietary quality in five study areas (one of which contained supplemental food plots for deer) at 2-week intervals from January to March 1992 and 1993. We tested hypotheses that concentrations of fecal nitrogen (FN) and fecal phosphorus (FP) would not differ intraseasonally or among study areas. In the mild winter of 1992, concentrations of FN and FP rose (P < 0.001) as spring approached. In 1993, FN and FP levels did not differ intraseasonally (P > 0.05) but were related inversely to snow depth. Supplementally fed deer consumed higher-quality diets (P < 0.001) than nonsupplemented animals during both years. Among nonsupplemented deer, availability of agricultural land improved quality of the winter ranges in the northern Black Hills. Fecal indices are an effective method for monitoring changes in dietary quality.
05-24-2004, 12:28 AM
#2
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Jenks Ok USA
Posts: 345
RE: Some research on supplemental feeding
Thanks brutal but it seems OK if I'm still feeding deer and should avoid problems with birds for several reasons. Supplemental feeding of gravity fed pellets to feeder heights of 37" will reduce bird recruitment in the area. Also feeding pellets and not corn dissuades birds. Placing feeders on ridges instead of valleys should be sufficient distance from nests. Finally live trapping and not employing snares or leg hold traps can control varmints effectively. By the way where are the varmint nests or dens anyway and maybe we can raid them instead?
