| Abstrakt: |
This article examines the impact of excessive doe hunting on deer populations. It highlights that while buck hunting is often discussed, the effects of heavy doe exploitation are rarely questioned. The social structure of female whitetails is matrilineal, with family groups led by a matriarch doe. Heavy hunting can disrupt this structure by removing prime-age group leaders. However, studies have shown that heavy harvesting of doe groups does not impair reproductive performance and may even improve productivity in some cases. Orphaning fawns through doe hunting can have varying effects, with some studies showing disadvantages in finding resources and increased mortality rates, while others show no effects. The article also discusses the effects of orphaning on dispersal, predator defense, and genetic consequences. Overall, the findings suggest that excessive doe harvests can disrupt social organization and alter herd genetics, emphasizing the need for managing deer hunting to maintain natural population social structure. [Extracted from the article] |
