SUPERIOR SIZE AND ANTLER DEVELOPMENT IN POPULATIONS OF WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) FROM THE NORTH TEXAS ROLLING PLAINS

摘要

The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the most widespread and abundant of big game mammals in Texas. Its current range includes all ecogeographic regions of the state, except the short-grass prairies of the High Plains and the lower flats of the Trans-Pecos. However, in historical times, Texas deer were largely extirpated over much of the former range, including the mesquite savannas of the Rolling Plains in north-central Texas. The species has made a comeback in north-central Texas over the past few decades. This study examines these re-established populations in an effort to determine the validity of anecdotal reports by hunters and taxidermists that Rolling Plains specimens were superior in antler development when compared to other Texas animals. Comparisons were made by analyzing features of the skull and antlers from 234 specimens of comparable ages. Rolling Plains specimens averaged larger for all characters examined in this study, and significantly so for most comparisons. Larger size and superior antler development in Rolling Plains deer is most likely attributed to a combination of favorable foraging conditions and low population densities.