Resource Partitioning between Sexes in White-Tailed Deer

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Abstract
We tested resource partitioning between sexes of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by analyzing spatial and temporal distribution of each sex on the George Reserve, Michigan [USA]. Mean overlap of sexes by season was approximately 56%. Overlap was greatest during severe weather in January and least during fawning in May. Areas of concentration of each sex shifted between seasons. Females showed greater dispersion than males. There was differential use of habitats by the sexes at some seasons. Differential use of habitats was greatest when spatial overlap of sexes was highest, and vice versa. Differential use of space and habitats, in conjunction with differences in diets and diet quality, help explain the apparent lack of competition between sexes.