How deer pellet densities and

actual deer densities compare...

Deer pellet densityis a number that is calculated by Wildlife Managers based upon an annual sampling. Samples are collected along stratified courses are marked out in a random pattern within a strata.

Once median deer pellet densities are calcualted for a given region, they are multiplied by a factor determined by the Michigan DNR statisticians. An average was determined for the entire Western Peninsula. Based upon each deer management unit (DMU) area by dividing the number of sections in ecach area at each determined density. These numbers are then adjusted for the deer that died during the sampling period (approximately a 12% fatality rate) for the Upper Peninsula. Also, there are corrections made for the estimates when deer mortality is unusually high, such as during a series of exceptionally cold winters.

 

Using deer pellet densities to predict actual numbers of deer:

Converting these deer pellets make understanding deer counts easier.
The mapped information is based upon the the data

collected as part of the Deer Pellet Density set.

 

Alternatively:

Deer Populations in the Ottawa National Forest

1964-1983 Spring Levels

Year
Adjusted Spring Pops.
DEER / Sq. Mile
1964
71,250
30
1965
59,160
25
1966
37,650
16
1967
32,140
14
1968
35,840
15
1969
33,820
14
1980
22,000
9
1981
15,320
6
1983
48,170
20

Based upon these data supplied by the Ottawa National Forest,

a trend in the decrease of deer populations becomes obvious

once the pellet density data are converted

into a deer per square mile figure.

The take home:

1. Deer were on the rise prior to the 1960s, but began to decline up into the early 1980s.

 

2. Recent deer populations are on the rise again for a multitude of reasons.

 

3. High deer populations have the potential to impede forest regeneration

and decrease species richness through their browsing and yarding habits.

Proceed to the vegetation associated with deer densities.

Back to the deer pellet density maps.

page edited 15 dec 1999 lts