Browse occurrence, biomass, and use by white-tailed deer in a northern New Brunswick deer yard

Abstract

Winter browse abundance influences population growth of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in northeastern North America, where they regularly experience harsh winter conditions. We surveyed browse biomass and abundance among vegetation types and determined the extent of browse species selection and avoidance in a northeastern deer yard. Deer browsed 19 species but only red and striped maples (Acer rubrum L. and Acer pensylvanicum L.) were consistently selected. Regenerating, mature mixedwood, and mature spruce–fir stands were most likely to have high amounts of browse cover. Mature mixedwood stands had greater total browse biomass than submature hardwood and mature cedar stands. It is possible that our observed selection and avoidance of browse species reflects changes in availability as snow depth increased in middle to late winter. Thus, browse availability and use should be interpreted with respect to known patterns of deer habitat use during varying degrees of winter severity. We recommend that mixedwood stands be recognized as important part of winter habitat for deer. We underscore their importance for wintering deer, because they allow them to access shelter and browse simultaneously.