Harvest Considerations for Free-Ranging Venison Production in Texas

Abstract

Axis deer (Axis axis) (n = 108), fallow deer (Dama dama) (n = 92), and sika deer (Cervus nippon) (n = 93) were harvested from common range in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas during seasonal (summer and winter) sampling periods from December 1987 through August 1989. All deer were female and estimated to be 1.5,2.5, or ≧ 3.5 years of age. Free-ranging female fallow and sika deer retained past 1.5 years of age for venison production utilized resources with little increase in value. Free-ranging female axis deer gained carcass weight with additional age;however, this weight gain may not have justified the continued investment of forage resources. Higher mean carcass weights of female sika deer during winter compared with summer may have reflected changes in body fat reserves and should be considered when scheduling venison harvests.