Regional Differences in Breeding Potential of White-Tailed Deer in New York

Abstract
Differences in the potential yearly increase of young among deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the northern as compared with the southern region of New York State were studied by examining [female] speci- mens collected between Jan. and May during 4 yrs. (1939-42). A larger % of successful breeding and a larger av. number of embryos per doe were indicated for the southern region. In this region the most frequent number of embryos for adult [female] [female] was 2, whereas in the northern region it was 1. Salient ecological features of the 2 regions are discussed. Differences in the essential nutrients available to deer are indicated as an important contributory factor to the disparities observed in breeding potential.