How Does Rainfall Affect White-tailed Deer Antler Circumference?

Brooke Phillips

White-tailed deer are an important game species and are harvested for subsistence and trophy purposes. Hunters often seek males with larger antlers, and antler size may be related to genetics, food quality, and age. However, food quality is often a function of other processes. We used a 25-year dataset to assess the relationship between rainfall and antler size. Our results can be used by wildlife managers to communicate factors affecting antler growth to the public.

Major: 
Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Exhibition Category: 
Health and Life Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Frances Buderman
Poster Number: 
138