Environmental Impact Research Program. Deer Spotlight Census. Section 6.4.3, US Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual

The spotlight technique afor censusing deer (odocoileus spp.) is provided as Section 6.4.3 of the US Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual. This is one of several methods that the Corps District or project biologist may employ to estimate deer populations on project lands. Asp...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Mitchell,Wilma A
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Biology
CENSUS
DEER
DENSITY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
POPULATION
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Spotlight counts
SURVEYS
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Description
Summary:The spotlight technique afor censusing deer (odocoileus spp.) is provided as Section 6.4.3 of the US Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual. This is one of several methods that the Corps District or project biologist may employ to estimate deer populations on project lands. Aspects of the census discussed in this report include regional application, timing, sampling design, counting procedure, and data analysis and interpretation. The spotlight census is used to inventory both white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) and mule deer (O. hemionus) in open or semiopen habitats. It is routinely conducted in Texas and Oregon to ascertain annual population trends, estimate population densities, and determine heard composition. In this report regional application and optimum seasonal timing of surveys are discussed, and transect specifications and equipment needs are defined. Detailed instructions are given for establishing transect lines, taking visibility readings for acreage determination, and counting spotlighted deer. Formulas for calculating acreage surveyed, population density, sex ratios, and fawn success are accompanied by numerical examples that illustrate each of the computations. Reproducible forms used for collecting spotlight survey data are provided in the Appendix. Keywords: Spotlight counts.