A shotgun-archery deer hunt in a residential community: evaluation of hunt strategies and effectiveness

As problems associated with overabundant white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) become more common in urban areas, the need to develop safe and effective manage- ment strategies to reduce deer populations becomes increasingly important. Our objec- tives were to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of different hunting strategies, assess the value of shooting proficiency tests, and quantify hunter effort, attitudes, and percep- tions of hunting in an urban area. We used a rigorous hunter-selection process to select qualified shotgun and archery deer hunters. Hunt guidelines were developed by the Mumford Cove community to address concerns of residents. Hunting occurred during 3 2-day hunt periods from 20 November to 5 December 2000. Hunt periods were sepa- rated by 5-day no-hunt periods. Hunters were distributed in elevated tree stands at 1 hunter per 0.85 ha in the Bluff Point Salt Marsh and 1 hunter per 0.93 ha in the Mumford Cove open space. In the Bluff Point Salt Marsh, 12 of 12 (100%) female deer and asso- ciated offspring were removed in 6 hours of hunting. In the Mumford Cove open space, 11 of 13 (84%) female deer and associated offspring were removed in 6 days. Deer in this area exhibited a steep learning curve after hunt initiation and avoided hunted areas. Of known marked (n=16) and unmarked does (n=2) and associated offspring (n=7) in the community, 23 of 25 (92%) females and associated offspring were removed during the hunt. We concluded that dense patches of cover and cover unoccupied by hunters should be disturbed to prevent deer from seeking refuge in these areas. In addition, effec- tive hunt strategies designed to significantly reduce deer herds in urban landscapes should maximize areas open to hunting, maximize hunter density and distribution, encourage firearms hunting where possible, maximize harvest opportunities, and allow for flexibility in hunt design in response to changes in deer behavior.