Movement and Habitat Use of White-Tailed Deer in Southcentral Wisconsin

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Abstract
A tamarack swamp (Larix laricina) in southcentral Wisconsin with a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) density of 30-40/km2 was studied to determine the reason for the high density. Radio-transmitters were placed on 49 does and 2 bucks during 3 winters between 1971 and 1974. Average home ranges of 15 deer were 77 and 178 ha depending on method used. The tamarack swamp was the most used habitat at all times of the year but was used less in summer than in winter. The present high deer density has resulted because of inaccessibility of the swamp to hunters and because of posted land. A differential mortality rate between animals that move versus animals that remained in the same area year round has probably helped create a non-migratory population.

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