Activity of Desert Mule Deer during the Breeding Season

Abstract

Motion-sensitive radiocollars and an automated telemetry system were used to quantify relative activity levels of desert mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus crooki ) in southwestern Texas during the 1990–1991 breeding season. Activity data were divided into prerut, peak rut, and postrut periods and analyzed for gender and period effects. Gender did not affect relative activity level, and activity increased from prerut to peak rut to postrut. Of four possible explanations for the increased activity from prerut to postrut (day length, mate searching, increased feeding, and shifted breeding season), mate searching was supported best by the results.