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Location

Traverse City, Michigan

Start Date

16-5-2005 12:00 AM

Description

We hypothesized that an exclusion fence could be devised to capitalize on traction limitations of the hooves of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Hexagonal plots (9.8 m wide) enclosed by a 2.4 m field fence with two openings (4.9 m) were established. Data were collected daily on consumption of corn provided (2.27 kg) and events recorded by infrared monitors (IR) for treatment and control sites. Five-day treatment periods consisted of test panels (4.9 m x 2.4 m) placed in plot openings at 0°, 5° and 10° slopes, and lubricant applied at the 10° slope. Deer consumed all corn provided at control sites. At the 10 ° slope, daily corn consumption decreased (1.50 kg ± 0 .26, p < .0 l ), and IR events were lower (p < .01) at treatment sites (23.6 ± 3.2) compared to controls (50.3 ± 9.6). With the addition of a lubricant, corn consumption decreased further (p < .001) to 0. 17 kg ± 0.03, and IR recorded events were lower (p < .001) at treatment sites (6.58 ± 0 .89) compared to controls (44.8 ± 3.1). Results of this study indicate that traction limitation of the hoof can be exploited.

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May 16th, 12:00 AM

Effectiveness of a White-Tailed Deer Exclusion Fence Based on Traction Limitations of the Hoof: The Slipper Fence

Traverse City, Michigan

We hypothesized that an exclusion fence could be devised to capitalize on traction limitations of the hooves of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Hexagonal plots (9.8 m wide) enclosed by a 2.4 m field fence with two openings (4.9 m) were established. Data were collected daily on consumption of corn provided (2.27 kg) and events recorded by infrared monitors (IR) for treatment and control sites. Five-day treatment periods consisted of test panels (4.9 m x 2.4 m) placed in plot openings at 0°, 5° and 10° slopes, and lubricant applied at the 10° slope. Deer consumed all corn provided at control sites. At the 10 ° slope, daily corn consumption decreased (1.50 kg ± 0 .26, p < .0 l ), and IR events were lower (p < .01) at treatment sites (23.6 ± 3.2) compared to controls (50.3 ± 9.6). With the addition of a lubricant, corn consumption decreased further (p < .001) to 0. 17 kg ± 0.03, and IR recorded events were lower (p < .001) at treatment sites (6.58 ± 0 .89) compared to controls (44.8 ± 3.1). Results of this study indicate that traction limitation of the hoof can be exploited.