A population dynamics model of the deer herd in Mendocino County, California is presented. Environmental influences are modeled as density dependent birth and death rate functions. The development of the model and preparation of input from herd composition, hunter kill, productivity and other field data are discussed. The output shows the impact of selected hunting strategies on productivity, natural mortality, and other population parameters. Tests of alternative hunting strategies are summarized. Maximum yield will be achieved with a hunting removal of 20-25% of the does, 15-30% of the fawns, and over 50% of the bucks annually. Population size is not affected by buck hunting but decreases as doe bunting increases. The model is applicable to other big game populations without major alterations.
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