Deer Habitat Potential of Pine-Hardwood Forests in Louisiana

Abstract

For three to four years after logging, an all-aged pine-hardwoodforest in Central Louisiana appeared capable of supporting one deer on each 12 to 18 acres. Capability declined rapidly thereafter as overstory competition increased and preferred foods diminished. Within seven years after timber harvest the capability was approaching 40 acres per animal and after 10 years over 40 acres were needed to support one deer year-long.

Keywords

White-tailed deer, loblolly-shortleaf pine, secondary succession, forage yield, forage quality, nutrients, deer enclosures

Citation

Blair, Robert M.; Brunett, Louis E. 1977. Deer Habitat Potential of Pine-Hardwood Forests in Louisiana. Res. Pap. SO-136. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 11 p.