DEER HUNT RESULTS ON ALABAMA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS ANNUAL REPORT, CHRISTOPHER W. COOK STUDY LEADER AUGUST 2012

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1 DEER HUNT RESULTS ON ALABAMA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS ANNUAL REPORT, CHRISTOPHER W. COOK STUDY LEADER AUGUST 2012 ALABAMA DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES Federal Aid Project funded by your purchase of hunting licenses and equipment WILDLIFE RESTORATION PROGRAM Grant Number W-35, Study 2.

2 Annual Report, Job II-A: Kill Studies of Deer on Alabama Wildlife Management Areas Study Leader: Christopher W. Cook Objective: To measure, record, and evaluate the deer harvest on Alabama Wildlife Management Areas. Procedures: Project personnel recorded hunter participation and success on each of the 33 wildlife management areas (WMAs) and 19 physically disabled hunting areas (PDHAs) having deer hunting during the season. For reporting purposes, Black Warrior Zone A, Black Warrior Zone B, Upper Delta Zone A, and Upper Delta Zone B are considered separate WMAs. The Jackson County Waterfowl Areas are considered a single WMA, as are Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek WMAs and W. L. Holland & Mobile-Tensaw Delta WMAs. Deer were examined and records were made of their sex, age, weight, and antler development when possible. Portions of this information were compiled and computed by project cooperators and submitted to the project leader for further analysis. Discussion: Hunter Participation and Success: The number of deer killed on each WMA, the hunting method, and the man-days of participation are compared in Table I. The figures in Tables I through IX are considered estimates since season permits are issued on many of the areas. Hunter participation and success can vary due to weather, date of hunt, and length of the season. To better understand overall trends, Tables III through VIII compare this past season s participation and success with an average of prior years, as well as last year, only for the WMAs offering deer hunting during the hunting season. Twenty WMAs scheduled either-sex deer hunts for youth hunters during the hunting season. Each hunter participating on one of these special hunts had to be less than 16 years of age and had to be accompanied by a non-hunting, licensed adult 25 years of age or older, or a

3 Man-Days Per Deer Harvested parent. Total participation on these hunts decreased slightly from last year s total of 1,037 youth hunters to 1,032 youth hunters for The number of deer killed on these hunts also decreased from 135 in to 92 for These totals (hunters and deer killed) are included in the stalk hunt totals in the following tables. The numbers also are shown in Table II. The primary purpose of the youth hunts is to acquaint young hunters with deer hunting. These hunts will continue on WMAs where there is sufficient interest. Participation in stalk hunts on the WMAs that offered stalk hunts during the hunting season was down nearly 2,000 man-days when compared to last year s total. Only thirteen of the 29 WMAs offering stalk hunts during the hunting season had increases in hunter mandays for stalk hunts during the hunting season. Average man-days hunted per deer killed decreased from 16.9 in to 16.0 in This success rate still was better than the average of 16.6 man-days per deer killed for the period of on these same WMAs (Table III). Figure 1 shows estimated success rates for all WMAs offering stalk hunts during the hunting season. Figure 1: Man-Days Per Deer Harvested for Stalk Hunts, Hunting Season

4 Participation in managed dog hunts increased sharply from the totals (Table IV). Hunter success rates were lower this year, going from 15.7 man-days of hunting per deer killed in to 18.1 man-days per deer killed in Hunter success was higher than the average of 20.5 man-days per deer killed. Dog hunting participation was 8.8% of the total deer hunting effort on WMAs during the season and accounted for 8.6% of the total deer kill. Archery hunting participation increased in , increasing by over 4,000 man-days from the hunting season totals (Table V). The process for estimating archery participation and harvests was standardized for all WMAs prior to the hunting season. The new methodology likely caused the increases for estimated man-days of hunting seen on many WMAs during the season. Hunter success declined, going from 14.3 man-days per deer killed during the hunting season to 25.2 man-days per deer killed during the season (Table V). The success rate for was lower than the average of 17.1 man-days per deer killed. The significant decrease in hunter success rates most likely was due to the change in methodology for estimating participation and harvests. A very good acorn crop across most of Alabama also contributed to a drop in success rate. Archery hunting continues to provide a large portion of the deer hunting recreation on WMAs, representing 29.1% of the total deer hunting effort and 20.6% of the total deer kill. Figure 2 shows estimated success rates for all WMAs offering archery hunts during the hunting season. Participation in primitive weapons (PW) hunts on the WMAs offering PW hunts during the and seasons decreased from 3,541 man-days of hunting to 3,309 man-days of hunting. The success rate on PW hunts was lower, going from 9.9 man-days per deer killed during the season to 11.9 man-days per deer killed for (Table VI). Participation on PW hunts represented 4.0% of the total deer hunting effort and 6.0% of the total deer killed on WMAs during the season.

5 Man-Days Per Deer Harvested 70.0 Figure 2: Estimated Man-Days Per Deer Harvested on Archery Hunts, Hunting Season The total hunting effort on the WMAs offering deer hunting during the seasons, as shown in Table VII, increased by nearly 3,700 man-days when compared to totals from the hunting season. This year s hunting effort was only 778 man-days below the average of the previous five years ( through ) for these same WMAs. This year s hunter success ratio of one deer killed per 17.8 man-days of effort for all deer hunts was higher than last year s (15.6 man-days per deer killed) and the average for the previous five seasons (16.7 mandays per deer killed) on these WMAs. Hunting Pressure and Kill Per Square Mile: Total man-days of deer hunting per square mile, as shown in Table VIII, was highest on St. Clair, Riverton, Little River, Geneva State Forest, Blue Spring, Lowndes, Frank W. and Rob M.

6 Man-Days Per Square Mile Boykin, Barbour, Grand Bay Savanna, and Scotch WMAs, respectively. Total man-days of hunting per square mile was lowest on Seven-Mile Island (archery only), Fred T. Stimpson (youth only), Upper Delta Zone B, W. L. Holland & Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Black Warrior Zone A, Choccolocco, the Jackson County Waterfowl Areas (archery only), Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek (archery only), Black Warrior Zone B, and Yates Lake West WMAs, respectively. Stalk hunting made up the largest portion of total use per square mile on most areas (25 of 34). Archery hunts made up the largest portion of use per square mile on Geneva State Forest, Frank W. and Rob M. Boykin, Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek (archery only), the Jackson County Waterfowl Areas (archery only), Upper Delta Zone A, and Seven-Mile Island (archery only) WMAs. Dog hunts made up the largest portion of use on Blue Spring, Scotch, and Upper Delta Zone B WMAs. Figure 3 ranks WMAs based on hunting pressure for all deer hunts Figure 3: Man-Days of Hunting Pressure Per Square Mile, Hunting Season

7 Deer Harvested Per Square Mile Most areas of Alabama can support a balanced deer kill (bucks and does) of ten or more deer per square mile annually, depending on habitat quality. Only four WMAs achieved this level during the hunting season, mainly because of the limited amount of hunting pressure on most WMAs (Table IX). St. Clair WMA had the highest estimated number of deer killed per square mile (17.0), followed by David K. Nelson (11.7), Barbour (11.0), and Sam R. Murphy (10.0) WMAs. W. L. Holland & Mobile-Tensaw Delta WMAs had the lowest estimated number of deer killed per square mile (0.6), followed by Black Warrior Zone B (1.1), Black Warrior Zone A (1.1), the Jackson County Waterfowl Areas (1.2), Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek (1.2), and Upper Delta Zone B (1.5) WMAs. WMAs are ranked based on the estimated number of deer harvested per square mile in Figure Figure 4: Deer Harvested Per Square Mile, Hunting Season Weights and Condition of Deer: Average weights of deer within specific age classes are one of the best indicators of overall herd condition (Table X). An average live weight under 95 pounds for 1-½ year old males (i.e.,

8 Live Weight (lbs.) yearlings) can be an indicator of poor physical condition caused by insufficient nutrition, either from poor habitat, heavy competition for food from other deer, or both. Where the yearling males have an average body weight of 95 to 105 pounds on areas with good soils, there should be concern the deer population exceeds the capacity of the land to support the herd in good condition. The deer population should be reduced to a more healthy level in any situation where competition for food is the cause of low body weights in deer. Areas in Alabama with yearling males averaging above 110 pounds live weight usually are not carrying an excess of deer and efforts should be made to keep those populations at current levels. Average yearling male body weights among all WMAs averaged 102 pounds for the hunting season, which is higher than the average for the season (98 pounds). The Jackson County Waterfowl Areas (120 pounds), Wolf Creek (118 pounds), and Sam R. Murphy (111 pounds) WMAs reported average yearling male body weights that exceeded 110 pounds. Thirteen other WMAs reported average yearling male body weights between 100 and 110 pounds. Choccolocco (83 pounds), Fred T. Stimpson (84 pounds), Black Warrior Zone B (87 pounds, Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin (88 pounds), Perdido River (91 pounds), Oakmulgee ( Figure 5: Average Live Weights for Bucks, Hunting Season Years Old 2.5 Years Old 3.5 Years Old 4.5+ Years Old *Check stations not operated during all gun deer hunts on these WMAs so sample sizes in each age class are small. Average weights may not accurately represent the population.

9 pounds), Geneva State Forest (96 pounds), and Mulberry Fork (99 pounds) WMAs had average yearling male body weights less than 100 pounds. Figure 5 shows the average body weights for 1-½ through 4-½+ years old and older bucks harvested on each WMA. Antler Development: Antler development (i.e., number of antler points, antler base circumference, main antler beam length, and inside antler spread) for all age classes of bucks was very good on some areas, such as Barbour, Black Warrior Zones A & B, Hollins, Sam R. Murphy, Scotch, William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River, and Wolf Creek, but remains poor on others (Tables XI and XII). Figure 6 shows the percentage of 2-½ year old and older bucks harvested on WMAs with 8 or more points, 18-inch or longer main beam lengths, and 15-inch or wider inside spreads for areas where these data were collected. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Figure 6: Antler Characteristics of 2.5+ Years Old Bucks Harvested on WMAs, Hunting Season 8 or More Points 18" or Longer Main Beams 15" or Wider Inside Spread *Check stations not operated during all gun deer hunts on these WMAs so sample sizes in each age class are small. Average anler sizes may not accurately represent the population.

10 In most situations, a high percentage of spikes in the yearling age class and a significant occurrence of spikes in the older age classes are a reflection of poor habitat conditions and/or an overcrowded population. The heavy harvest of yearling bucks on some WMAs prevents significant numbers of bucks from reaching the older age classes. This alone continues to limit the harvest of bucks 2-½ years old and older on these WMAs. Corrections to both nutritional deficiencies and buck age structure are necessary in order to bring about improvements in the quality of bucks harvested. However, on areas with poor soil fertility and/or habitat quality, reducing competition for food by reducing deer populations may require the removal of more deer than may be acceptable to many WMA hunters. On very poor quality sites, even a significant reduction in deer numbers may not produce improvements in deer quality. For this reason, some areas may not be suited for this type of management. Seven WMAs utilized an antler point restriction (APR) for antlered buck harvests during the hunting season. These included Barbour, Black Warrior Zone B, Freedom Hill, Geneva State Forest, Lauderdale, Lowndes, and Riverton WMAs. Bucks must have at least 4- points on one antler to be legal for harvest on Black Warrior Zone B. Bucks must have at least 3-points on one antler to be legal for harvest on the other six areas. All six WMAs managed using APRs where age-specific deer harvest data are collected have shown improvements in the age structure of the antlered buck harvest since implementing the APR, with Barbour, Freedom Hills, Geneva State Forest, Lauderdale, and Lowndes WMAs showing the most improvement. This was the primary reason for using APRs on these areas. Prior to the APRs, 1-½ year olds were the largest single age class in the annual buck harvest on all of these areas. For the hunting season, 89% of the reported antlered buck harvest on areas with APRs were 2-½ years old and older, while only 59% of the reported antlered buck harvest on areas without APRs were 2 ½ years old or older (Figure 7). The current management strategies on all seven areas also should produce a higher percentage of adult bucks (2-½ years old and older) in the population, as well as a more balanced adult sex ratio, more intense rutting behavior, and many other traits characteristic of a healthy, balanced deer herd managed under quality deer management (QDM) guidelines. Biologists on these areas will continue to collect biological data, as well as public opinion data, to monitor the status of the deer herd and the hunters using these WMAs. These data are used to evaluate the effectiveness of current management practices used on the areas and

11 Percentage of Antlered Buck Harvest aid biologists in making decisions to help achieve their long-term management objectives. As the public s demand for more WMAs managed for better quality deer becomes stronger, the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries may decide to initiate QDM programs on other public hunting areas in the future. The majority of Alabama s WMAs will continue to be managed for maximum opportunity for buck harvest until that time. 100% Figure 7: Age Structure of Antlered Buck Harvest, Hunting Season 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% >4.5 *Antler Point Restriction (APR) in place. **Check stations not operated extensively during deer hunts on these WMAs so sample sizes in each age class are small. Age structure may not accurately represent the overall harvest. Physically Disabled Hunting Areas: Alabama s Physically Disabled Hunting Trail is a network of public and private recreational sites throughout the state providing accessible deer hunting opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. The trail has been developed by the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in cooperation with a broad range of sponsors. The seventeen PDHAs open for deer hunting by physically disabled hunters during the

12 hunting season provided 948 man-days of deer hunting opportunity, which was more than the hunting season (846 man-days). Hunters killed 106 deer (53 bucks and 53 does) on these areas. Hunters killed one deer for every 8.9 man-days of hunting effort expended, which was much better than last year s success rate of 11.4 man-days of hunting effort per deer killed. The number of man-days of hunting effort expended, number of deer killed, and hunter success rates are summarized in Table XV. Remarks: Wildlife management areas provide a significant portion of the deer hunting opportunity in Alabama. This year a 51.7% sample of the total deer harvest on WMAs was used in Tables XI, XII, and XIII. Project cooperators entered check station data on age, sex, weight, and antler development on bucks harvested from WMAs on computer and submitted a copy of these data to the project leader for analysis. Table XIV represents the number of male and female deer by age class used in the 51.7% sample collected from the various management areas. WMA totals, District totals, Statewide totals, and individual hunt results are listed in Appendices I, II, and III. Efforts to improve the accuracy of the tables and to expand our survey will continue when necessary to better manage the resource. This study was a contribution of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries supported in part by funding from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program, Project W- 35, Study 2. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, or disability in its hiring or employment practices nor in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

13 APPENDICES

14 TABLE I. Deer Harvest on Alabama Wildlife Management Areas, Season. AREA HUNTING SEASON GUN STALK HUNTS DOG HUNTS ARCHERY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS TOTAL HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS BARBOUR , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,169 BLACK WARRIOR - ZONE A , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,860 BLACK WARRIOR - ZONE B , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,039 BLUE SPRING , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,957 CHOCCOLOCCO , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,728

15 TABLE I continued. AREA HUNTING SEASON GUN STALK HUNTS DOG HUNTS ARCHERY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS TOTAL HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS COOSA , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,087 DAVID K. NELSON , , , , , , ,445 FRANK W. & ROB M. BOYKIN , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,506 FRED T. STIMPSON FREEDOM HILLS , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,876 GEVEVA STATE FOREST , , , , , , , , , , , , ,412

16 TABLE I continued. AREA HUNTING SEASON STALK HUNTS GUN DOG HUNTS ARCHERY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS TOTAL HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS GRAND BAY SAVANNA HOLLINS , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,255 JACKSON COUNTY WATERFOWL AREAS , , , , , , , , , ,858 JAMES D. MARTIN-SKYLINE , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,754 LAUDERDALE , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,911 LITTLE RIVER , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,394

17 TABLE I continued. AREA HUNTING SEASON GUN STALK HUNTS DOG HUNTS ARCHERY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS TOTAL HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS LOWNDES , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,497 MULBERRY FORK , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,309 OAKMULGEE , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,654 PERDIDO RIVER , , , , , , , , , , , ,000 RIVERTON , , , , , , , , ,971 SAM R. MURPHY , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,626

18 TABLE I continued. AREA HUNTING SEASON GUN STALK HUNTS DOG HUNTS ARCHERY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS TOTAL HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS SCOTCH , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,430 SEVEN-MILE ISLAND ST. CLAIR , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,005 SWAN CREEK & MALLARD-FOX CREEK UPPER DELTA - ZONE A , , , , , ,700

19 TABLE I continued. AREA HUNTING SEASON GUN STALK HUNTS DOG HUNTS ARCHERY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS TOTAL HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS HARVEST MAN-DAYS UPPER DELTA - ZONE B , , , , , W. L. HOLLAND & , , ,835 MOBILE-TENSAW DELTA , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,332 WILLIAM R. IRELAND, SR , , ,474 CAHABA RIVER , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,112 WOLF CREEK , , , , , , YATES LAKE WEST TOTALS ,951 48, ,699 1,287 25, ,839 4, ,215 50, ,790 1,536 22, ,096 5, ,927 50, ,855 1,419 24, ,155 4, ,061 51, ,345 1,363 22, ,448 5, ,959 49, ,633 1,278 21, ,980 4, ,909 49, ,463 1,377 19, ,541 4, ,964 47, , , ,309 4,582 82,060 82,650 84,315 83,201 80,134 78,050 81,694 Note: The statistics for gun stalk hunts include data from youth hunts.

20 TABLE II. Results of Youth Deer Hunts Held on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas, Season. AREA DATE NUMBER OF HUNTERS DEER KILL BUCKS DOES ANTLERED UNANTLERED TOTAL DEER MAN-DAYS PER DEER KILLED Freedom Hills 11/ Sam R. Murphy 11/ Choccolocco 11/ / Coosa 11/ / Hollins 11/ / James D. Martin-Skyline 11/ Little River 11/12-11/ St. Clair 11/ / David K. Nelson 11/ / Lowndes 11/ / Mulberry Fork 11/ / Oakmulgee 11/ / William R. Ireland, Sr.- 11/ Cahaba River 11/ Barbour 11/ Blue Spring 11/ Geneva State Forest 11/ Yates Lake West 11/11-11/ Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin 11/ Fred T. Stimpson 11/ / / / Perdido River 11/ Scotch 11/ Upper Delta - Zone A 11/ Upper Delta - Zone B 11/ Totals Totals 1, ,

21 TABLE III. Comparison of Hunting Pressure and Hunting Success on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas: STALK DEER HUNTS AREA HUNTING PRESSURE Through Average MAN-DAYS PER KILL Through Average Black Warrior - Zone A 2,478 2,074 1, Black Warrior - Zone B 1,650 1,950 1, Freedom Hills 3,396 3,434 3, Lauderdale 2,126 2,234 1, Riverton , Sam R. Murphy 1,972 2,118 1, Wolf Creek Choccolocco 3,016 1,745 1, Coosa 2,025 3,360 2, Hollins 1,888 2,800 2, James D. Martin-Skyline 4,724 3,627 3, Little River 1,840 1,265 1, St. Clair 2,055 2,225 1, David K. Nelson Lowndes 1,999 2,324 1, Mulberry Fork 3,093 1,917 2, Oakmulgee 2,682 3,386 3, William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River 2,295 2,826 2, Barbour 3,145 2,702 4, Blue Spring 1,591 1, Geneva State Forest 1, Yates Lake West Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin Fred T. Stimpson Grand Bay Savanna Perdido River 1,366 1,177 1, Scotch Upper Delta - Zone A Upper Delta - Zone B W. L. Holland & Mobile-Tensaw Delta 1,364 1,365 1, All Areas Combined 50,485 49,319 47,

22 TABLE IV. Comparison of Hunting Pressure and Hunting Success on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas: DOG DEER HUNTS AREA HUNTING PRESSURE Through Average MAN-DAYS PER KILL Through Average Blue Spring 1,639 1,608 2, Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin 1, , Scotch 1,387 2,002 2, Upper Delta - Zone A Upper Delta - Zone B All Areas Combined 5,064 5,463 7,

23 TABLE V. Comparison of Hunting Pressure and Hunting Success on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas: ARCHERY DEER HUNTS AREA HUNTING PRESSURE Through Average MAN-DAYS PER KILL Through Average Black Warrior - Zone A Black Warrior - Zone B Freedom Hills 1,561 1, Lauderdale Riverton Sam R. Murphy Seven-Mile Island Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek Wolf Creek Choccolocco Coosa Hollins 1, Jackson County Waterfowl Areas 1,469 1,536 1, James D. Martin-Skyline 1,041 1,065 1, Little River 1, St. Clair David K. Nelson Lowndes Mulberry Fork Oakmulgee 1,420 1,500 1, William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River 1, , Barbour Blue Spring 1, , Geneva State Forest Yates Lake West Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin , Grand Bay Savanna Perdido River Scotch Upper Delta - Zone A Upper Delta - Zone B W. L. Holland & Mobile-Tensaw Delta 1,272 1, All Areas Combined 23,449 19,727 23,

24 TABLE VI. Comparison of Hunting Pressure and Hunting Success on Alabama's Wildlife Management Area's: PRIMITIVE WEAPONS DEER H AREA HUNTING PRESSURE Through Average MAN-DAYS PER KILL Through Average Black Warrior - Zone A Sam R. Murphy Choccolocco Coosa Hollins James D. Martin-Skyline Little River David K. Nelson Mulberry Fork Oakmulgee William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River Barbour Blue Spring Geneva State Forest N/A 10.0 Yates Lake West N/A Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin Perdido River Scotch Upper Delta - Zone A Upper Delta - Zone B All Areas Combined 4,075 3,541 3,

25 TABLE VII. Comparison of Hunting Pressure and Hunting Success on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas: ALL DEER HUNTS AREA HUNTING PRESSURE Through Average MAN-DAYS PER KILL Through Average Black Warrior - Zone A 3,110 2,614 2, Black Warrior - Zone B 2,081 2,310 2, Freedom Hills 4,957 4,648 3, Lauderdale 2,323 2,354 1, Riverton 1,657 1,288 1, Sam R. Murphy 2,661 2,553 2, Seven-Mile Island Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek Wolf Creek 1, Choccolocco 3,976 2,320 2, Coosa 3,049 4,485 3, Hollins 3,039 3,650 3, Jackson County Waterfowl Areas 1,469 1,536 1, James D. Martin-Skyline 6,332 4,972 4, Little River 3,425 2,540 3, St. Clair 2,684 2,520 2, David K. Nelson 1,457 1,379 1, Lowndes 2,784 3,069 2, Mulberry Fork 4,216 3,052 3, Oakmulgee 4,548 5,131 4, William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River 3,895 3,876 5, Barbour 4,309 3,551 5, Blue Spring 4,621 3,723 4, Geneva State Forest 2,448 1,163 1, Yates Lake West Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin 2,959 2,256 3, Fred T. Stimpson Grand Bay Savanna Perdido River 1,796 1,997 2, Scotch 2,384 3,126 3, Upper Delta - Zone A 1,685 1,695 1, Upper Delta - Zone B 999 1, W. L. Holland & Mobile-Tensaw Delta 2,636 2,540 2, All Areas Combined 82,472 78,010 81,

26 TABLE VIII. Man-Days of Deer Hunting Pressure Per Square Mile Hunted on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas During the Season. AREA STALK DOG ARCHERY PRIMITIVE HUNTS HUNTS HUNTS WEAPONS TOTAL HUNTS Black Warrior - Zone A Black Warrior - Zone B Freedom Hills Lauderdale Riverton Sam R. Murphy Seven-Mile Island Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek Wolf Creek Choccolocco Coosa Hollins Jackson County Waterfowl Areas James D. Martin-Skyline Little River St. Clair David K. Nelson Lowndes Mulberry Fork Oakmulgee William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River Barbour Blue Spring Geneva State Forest Yates Lake West Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin Fred T. Stimpson Grand Bay Savanna Perdido River Scotch Upper Delta - Zone A Upper Delta - Zone B W. L. Holland & Mobile-Tensaw Delta All Areas

27 TABLE IX. Deer Killed Per Square Mile Hunted on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas During the Season. AREA STALK DOG ARCHERY PRIMITIVE HUNTS HUNTS HUNTS WEAPONS TOTAL HUNTS Black Warrior - Zone A Black Warrior - Zone B Freedom Hills Lauderdale Riverton Sam R. Murphy Seven-Mile Island Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek Wolf Creek Choccolocco Coosa Hollins Jackson County Waterfowl Areas James D. Martin-Skyline Little River St. Clair David K. Nelson Lowndes Mulberry Fork Oakmulgee William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River Barbour Blue Spring Geneva State Forest Yates Lake West Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin Fred T. Stimpson Grand Bay Savanna Perdido River Scotch Upper Delta - Zone A Upper Delta - Zone B W. L. Holland & Mobile-Tensaw Delta All Areas

28 TABLE X. Average Live Weights of Deer Killed on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas Compared to Average Live Weights of Deer From Herds in Good Condition, Season. AREA MALE FEMALE AGE CLASS (years) > >3.5 Black Warrior - Zone A Black Warrior - Zone B Freedom Hills Lauderdale Sam R. Murphy Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek Wolf Creek Choccolocco Coosa Hollins Jackson County Waterfowl Areas James D. Martin-Skyline Little River Lowndes Mulberry Fork Oakmulgee William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River Barbour Blue Spring Geneva State Forest Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin Fred T. Stimpson Perdido River Scotch All Areas Average Live Weights of Deer From Herds in Good Condition > >110

29 TABLE XI. Average Number of Antler Points of Bucks, Percentage of Spike Antlered Bucks, and Percentage of Higher Quality Adult Bucks Killed on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas, Season. AREA AGE CLASS (years) AVERAGE NUMBER OF ANTLER POINTS PERCENT SPIKES PERCENT WITH >8 ANTLER POINTS PERCENT WITH >18-INCH MAIN BEAMS PERCENT WITH >15-INCH INSIDE SPREAD > >2.5 >2.5 >2.5 >2.5 Black Warrior - Zone A % 0% 61% 37% 29% Black Warrior - Zone B % 0% 81% 71% 48% Freedom Hills % 0% 36% 35% 22% Lauderdale % 0% 46% 25% 22% Sam R. Murphy % 0% 67% 40% 30% Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek % 0% Wolf Creek % 0% 100% 100% 33% Choccolocco % 11% 22% 0% 11% Coosa % 0% 86% 14% 0% Hollins % 0% 40% 60% 20% Jackson County Waterfowl Areas % -- 0% James D. Martin-Skyline % 0% 59% 37% 24% Little River % 11% 56% 13% 13% Lowndes % 0% 17% 24% 10% Mulberry Fork % 2% 40% 28% 11% Oakmulgee % 2% 46% 35% 13% William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River % 0% 54% 41% 34% Barbour % 1% 44% 38% 26% Blue Spring % 5% 38% 10% 6% Geneva State Forest % 0% 50% 17% 8% Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin % 13% 17% 17% 7% Fred T. Stimpson % 0% 31% 50% 50% Perdido River % 2% 49% 9% 13% Scotch % 4% 83% 47% 31% All Areas % 2% 46% 32% 20% Average Numbers From Deer Herds in Good Condition <50% 0%

30 TABLE XII. Average Antler Base Circumference, Main Antler Beam Length, and Inside Antler Spread for Bucks Killed on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas, Season. AREA AVERAGE CIRCUMFERENCE OF MAIN BEAM BASES AVERAGE LENGTH OF MAIN BEAMS AVERAGE INSIDE SPREAD OF MAIN BEAMS (inches) (inches) (inches) AGE CLASS (years) > > >4.5 Black Warrior - Zone A Black Warrior - Zone B Freedom Hills Lauderdale Sam R. Murphy Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek Wolf Creek Choccolocco Coosa Hollins Jackson County Waterfowl Areas James D. Martin-Skyline Little River Lowndes Mulberry Fork Oakmulgee William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River Barbour Blue Spring Geneva State Forest Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin Fred T. Stimpson Perdido River Scotch All Areas Average Measurements for Deer From Herds in Good Condition

31 TABLE XIII. Sample Sizes for Deer Checked on Alabama's Wildlife Management Areas During the Season. AREA AGE CLASS (years) MALE FEMALE > >3.5 TOTAL Black Warrior - Zone A Black Warrior - Zone B Freedom Hills Lauderdale Sam R. Murphy Swan Creek & Mallard-Fox Creek Wolf Creek Choccolocco Coosa Hollins Jackson County Waterfowl Areas James D. Martin-Skyline Little River Lowndes Mulberry Fork Oakmulgee William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River Barbour Blue Spring Geneva State Forest Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin Fred T. Stimpson Perdido River Scotch All Areas Combined ,369

32 TABLE XIV. Results of Deer Hunts Held on Alabama's Physically Disabled Hunting Areas, Season. DEER KILL AREA MAN-DAYS OF HUNTING BUCKS DOES TOTAL MAN-DAYS PER KILL Alabama Department of Youth Services Big Oak Chattahoochee Cherokee Coffee County (Victoria) Dozier Fayette Forever Wild Land Trust - Alabama Power Company Lewis Smith Little River State Forest Macon State Forest Marengo Pine Hills Prairie Creek* R. L. Harris Shiloh Hill M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area Turnipseed-Ikenberry Place USA Foundation Totals for Season Totals for Season *Archery Hunting Only

33 APPENDICES

34 APPENDIX I: Alabama Wildlife Management Area Deer Harvest Summary By Area, Hunting Season. Type Legal Man-Days Area Hunt Man-Days Kill Per Kill Barbour Youth Stalk 4, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 5, Black Warrior - Zone A Stalk 1, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 2, Black Warrior - Zone B Stalk 1, Archery Season Totals 2, Blue Spring Youth Stalk Primitive Weapons Dog 2, Archery 1, Season Totals 4, Choccolocco Youth Stalk 1, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 2, Coosa Youth Stalk 2, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 3,

35 Type Legal Man-Days Area Hunt Man-Days Kill Per Kill David K. Nelson Youth Stalk Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 1, Frank W. & Rob M. Boykin Youth Stalk Primitive Weapons Dog 1, Archery 1, Season Totals 3, Fred T. Stimpson Youth Season Totals Freedom Hills Youth Stalk 3, Archery Season Totals 3, Geneva State Forest Youth Stalk Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 1, Grand Bay Savanna Stalk Archery Season Totals Hollins Youth Stalk 2, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 3,

36 Type Legal Man-Days Area Hunt Man-Days Kill Per Kill Jackson County Waterfowl Areas Archery 1, Season Totals 1, James D. Martin-Skyline Youth Stalk 3, Primitive Weapons Archery 1, Season Totals 4, Lauderdale Stalk 1, Archery Season Totals 1, Little River Youth Stalk 1, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 3, Lowndes Youth Stalk 1, Archery Season Totals 2, Mulberry Fork Youth Stalk 2, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 3, Oakmulgee Youth Stalk 3, Primitive Weapons Archery 1, Season Totals 4,

37 Type Legal Man-Days Area Hunt Man-Days Kill Per Kill Perdido River Youth Stalk 1, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 2, Riverton Stalk 1, Archery Season Totals 1, Sam R. Murphy Youth Stalk 1, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 2, Scotch Youth Stalk Primitive Weapons Dog 2, Archery Season Totals 3, Seven-Mile Island Archery Season Totals St. Clair Youth 20 0 N/A Stalk 1, Primitive Weapons Archery Season Totals 2, Swan & Mallard-Fox Creeks Archery Season Totals