Factors influencing antlered buck selectivity and its impact on deer management: a case study

Motivations and sources of satisfaction associated with deer hunting vary, yet few studies have evaluated how hunters' individual characteristics and field behaviors influence harvest success. For example, emergent societal and technological shifts in hunting may be associated with selective deer harvest choices (e.g., choosing to pass on a harvest opportunity). We surveyed resident white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) hunters in Wisconsin, USA, and used a mixed-mode and multi-part survey to quantify hunters' expectations, motivations, perceptions, and field behavior during the 9-day firearm season in 2022. We used repeated measures logistic regression to model hunter behavior at the decision point of whether to take a shot at an antlered deer on a given day. Hunters' motivations, scouting effort, trail camera use, perception of deer density, prior harvest of a mature male deer, and prior participation in the archery season influenced this decision. In addition, hunting method, hunting location, and day of hunt influenced hunters' likelihood to take a shot. Our results identified factors influencing a growing practice of more selective deer hunting, which affects the efficacy of recreational hunting for managing white-tailed deer populations relative to social or ecological goals.