Deer University Episode 080 – Buck Antler Size and Landscape Context

In this third episode with Dr. Mark Turner, we discuss Mark's research exploring the factors that contribute to the variation in population-level buck antler size. He explains that deer tend to be larger in areas further north due to heat retention and dissipation. He also highlights the importance of landscape characteristics, such as row crop agriculture, in influencing deer size. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of managing forage availability on individual properties, including improving early successional plant communities and implementing holistic food plotting approaches. Overall, the key takeaways are the importance of considering the context of a property within the larger landscape, the potential for incremental improvements in deer management, and the need to manage both habitat and deer density to optimize deer quality.
Check out the MSU Deer Lab’s online seminar series (here) and choose the Natural Resources option from the Categories drop down menu. You will have to create an account to view the seminars. The seminars are free unless you are seeking professional educational credits.
Also, be sure to visit our YouTube channel (here)
Takeaways
Deer tend to be larger in areas further north due to heat retention and dissipation.
Row crop agriculture and early successional plant communities are positively associated with deer size.
Managing forage availability on individual properties can lead to significant improvements in deer quality.
Improving early successional plant communities and implementing holistic food plotting approaches are effective strategies for increasing forage availability.
Managing both habitat and deer density is crucial for optimizing deer quality.