HABITAT INFLUENCES ON PREDATION OF WHITE-TAILED DEER FAWNS BY EASTERN COYOTES

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: MCINTIRE-STENNIS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0233325
• Project Start Date: Mar 1, 2013
• Project End Date: Dec 31, 2017
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
200 D.W. BROOKS DR
ATHENS,GA 30602-5016

Performing Department
School of Forestry & Natural Resources

Non Technical Summary
Coyotes are a relatively recent invader of the Southeast and now occur throughout the region. Little information is available about the ecological role of coyotes in the Southeast, which has generated speculation on the impacts of this novel predator. Recent observations of declining recruitment rates among some populations of white-tailed deer coincide with increasing coyote populations in the southeastern U.S The impact of coyote predation on deer and other game species varies across regions and coyote densities can similarly vary among regions due to differing prey availability. Thus, it is prudent that research evaluates the ecological impact of this novel predator. In addition, the influence of landscape habitat variables on fawn predation rates and the denning ecology of coyotes have not been investigated in the southeastern United States. In addition, reliable population estimates are requisite to understanding the potential impact of large predators, such as black bears and coyotes, and for developing management guidelines. However, because large predators are secretive and wide-ranging, population estimates are notoriously difficult to obtain. Although traditional capture-mark-recapture techniques are available for many species, they remain problematic for elusive species. The recent development of non-invasive genetic sampling techniques in which genetic fingerprints are constructed from DNA extracted from feces have proven promising for many large predators including the coyote. However, additional field evaluation is necessary.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
135	0830	1070	50%
135	0840	1070	50%

Knowledge Area
135 - Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife;

Subject Of Investigation
0840 - Fur-bearing animals; 0830 - Wild animals;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;

Keywords

coyote

white-tailed deer

predation

fawn

recruitment

population

estimation

predator

abundance

Goals / Objectives
This study will focus on three primary objectives designed to evaluate the impact(s) of coyote predation on white-tailed deer recruitment in central Georgia and eastern Louisiana. The specific objectives are to: 1) Evaluate the accuracy and precision of traditional (scent station survey, scat deposition survey, howling survey) and novel (fecal DNA abundance indices) methods of indexing coyote abundance or determining population estimates; 2) Evaluate the seasonal diets of coyotes; 3) Assess the impact of coyote predation on fawn recruitment by conducting an intensive removal of coyotes on 2 large study areas in central Georgia; 4) Evaluate the impact(s) of predation by bear, coyote and bobcats (Lynx rufus) on white-tailed deer recruitment on the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Louisiana.

Project Methods
Georgia Study We will monitor predator abundance on 2 areas using scent station and scat deposition indices. We will establish 4.5-km scent station transects across representative cover types. Each transect will have 10 scent stations at 0.5 km intervals. Stations will consist of a 1.0-m dia. circle of powdered hydrated limestone with a fatty-acid scent tablet placed at the center. We will use 4-km transects on roadways throughout the study area to obtain a scat deposition index. Each transect will be walked bi-monthly and cleared of all scats detected. Transects will be revisited 2 and 4 weeks after clearing to generate an index of abundance. We will use fecal genotyping to verify the species of origin (i.e., coyote, dog, bobcat) and generate a population estimate on the 2 areas. We will generate models predicting coyote abundance using multi-scale vegetation and landscape data. We will collect coyote scats throughout each study area. Scats will be dried at 65C for 72-96 hrs and food items separated. We will identify food items macroscopically. Dorsal guard hairs will be identified microscopically using pigment patterns of the medulla. Fawn remains will be separated from adult deer remains by the characteristics of the hairs and presence of small hooves. We will estimate fawn-to-doe ratios before and after an intensive predator removal using camera surveys conducted in Oct., Dec. and Feb. before and after the predator removals. We will use digital trail cameras at 1 camera per 65 ha on 1000 ha grids. Following pre-treatment sampling, during late winter-spring we will remove predators on the study areas. Pre- and post-removal recruitment rates will be compared to assess putative coyote impacts. Louisiana Study The study will be conducted on the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge (TRNWR). Beginning winter 2012-13, we will use vaginal implant transmitters (VIT) in pregnant does to locate and capture fawns. The VITs allow for location and capture of fawns at their birth site. We estimate that implanting 30 does will produce a sample of 40-45 fawns each year. We propose conducting a 3-year study to achieve a sample of at least 100 fawns. We will capture adult does from late January through April. We will tranquilizer darts equipped with a transmitter to locate sedated deer. All captured does at least 1.5 years old will be radio-collared and implanted with a VIT. The VIT is expelled during parturition (May to June on TNWR). On 1 May, we will initiate round-the-clock monitoring of VITs. When a VIT is expelled, we will search the area with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera until fawns are found. Captured fawns will be fitted with a radio-collar and released. Fawns will be monitored every 8 hours for 6 weeks and daily thereafter for 3 months. When mortality is detected, we will recover the carcass and assess the cause of death. If predation is suspected, we will attempt to determine predator identity by field necropsy. We will swab the tissue around bite wounds to identify predators via DNA extracted from residual saliva. Fawns that do not die of predation will be sent to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study for necropsy.

Progress 03/01/13 to 12/31/17

Outputs
Target Audience:During 2017, research results from this project were presented at 1 professional meeting as well as at >5 continuing education presentations, public seminars, or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Throughout the study, 2 post-doctoral researchers, 6 graduate students, and 6 undergraduate students worked on the project and were trained in various aspects of wildlife ecology and management. In addition, several seasonal undergraduate students worked on the project. Results from the studies reported here have been incorporated into more than 20 continuing education service courses, and in-service training of wildlife professionals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from this research have been disseminated to professional biologists through publication in professional peer-reviewed literature and numerous presentations at professional meetings. Further, research was disseminated to land managers and the interested public (hunters, naturalists, etc) through numerouos continuing education shortcourses, popularized articles, and media presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Coyotes are a relatively recent invader of the Southeastern United States. Little information is available about their ecological role which has generated speculation on the impacts of this novel predator. Observations of declining recruitment among some white-tailed deer populations coincide with increasing coyote populations. The impact of coyotes on deer and other species likely varies across regions and coyote densities can similarly vary among regions. In addition, the influence of habitat variables on fawn predation and the denning ecology of coyotes have not been investigated in the Southeast. Further, reliable population estimates are needed to understand the impact of large predators, such as the coyote, and for developing management guidelines. This study focused on 4 objectives designed to evaluate the impact(s) of coyote predation on white-tailed deer recruitment in Georgia and Louisiana. The specific objectives were to: 1) Evaluate the accuracy and precision of novel methods of indexing coyote abundance 2) Evaluate the seasonal diets of coyotes 3) Assess the impact of coyote predation on fawn recruitment by conducting an intensive removal of coyotes on two study areas in Georgia 4) Evaluate the impact(s) of predation by bear, coyote and bobcats on deer recruitment on the Tensas National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. Objective 1 - To determine if coyote abundance can be achieved via genetic sampling of feces we analyzed 434 coyote scats on 2 sites in central Georgia, USA. We quantified genotyping success, and the effect of sampling effort on precision of closed population abundance estimates. We successfully species-typed 316 (73%) scats, 219 (69%) of which belonged to coyotes. The seasonal probability of genotyping a scat ranged from 0.53 to 0.71. Scats collected during spring were more likely to yield consensus genotypes, but the overall effect of season on genotyping success was minimal. Our findings related to genotyping success demonstrate genetic sampling of feces is a promising technique for estimating coyote abundance in humid subtropical climates. Combined with our results regarding sampling effort, these findings can aid in designing surveys in similar environments. Objective 2 -We evaluated the food habits of coyotes on white-tailed deer in Georgia's Piedmont physiographic region. We analyzed 146 and 207 coyote scats on Cedar Creek (CC) and B. F. Grant (BFG) Wildlife Management Areas. Habitat composition and prey avail­ability was dissimilar between sites. Small mammal abundancewas greater on BFG than CC because early successional habitat was more com­mon on BFG (28% of area vs 7% on CC). Similarly, deer densities on BFG (29 deer/km2) were approximately twice that of CC (12 deer/km2). Commonly occurring food items in scats on both areas included persimmon, muscadine, deer, cotton rats, cottontails, and insects. From January-October, small mammals occurred in a greater percentage of scats on BFG (38%) than on CC (9%), except during the fawning season (May-June). During the fawning season, 61.5% and 26.7% of scats contained fawn remains on BFG and CC, respectively. Increased availability of fawns on BFG likely made them a preferred choice than on CC, where deer were less abundant, despite more alternative prey on BFG. Subsequently, we conducted a broad-scaled assessment of prey use by coyotes by sampling scats from within known territories in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Based on an analysis of 1,100 scats, use of prey items was influenced by a combination of home-range size and habitat composition of home ranges. Use of white-tailed deer, rabbits, small mammals, and fruit was influenced by season, and the size and habitat composition of home ranges, indicating that resident coyotes can exploit a fluctuating prey base, despite their constrained space use. Use of adult white-tailed deer was associated with smaller coyote home ranges, and woody wetlands, whereas use of rabbits was associated with open habitats such as agriculture and grasslands. Objective 3 -We assessed the feasibility of coyote control as a management action to increase recruitment on B.F. Grant and Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in central Georgia, USA. Prior to removal, we estimated annual coyote abundance using a noninvasive mark-recapture design and fawn recruitment using infrared-triggered camera surveys. During two subsequent spring seasons, trappers removed coyotes from both sites. Estimates of coyote abundance on B.F. Grant WMA after trapping were 81% and 24% lower than during preremoval. Coyote abundance estimates were similar among years on Cedar Creek WMA. Fawn recruitment on B.F. Grant WMA averaged 0.65 fawns/adult female prior to removal and 1.01 fawns/adult female during the 2 years following the removals. Fawn recruitment on Cedar Creek WMA did not differ among years during the study, and was similar to that prior to coyote arrival. The differential coyote impacts and variable effectiveness of trapping we observed on nearby sites suggest coyote control may not achieve management objectives in some areas. Furthermore, transient behavior and the potential for coyotes to adapt to control efforts likely reduce efficacy of this management action. Therefore if lowered fawn recruitment is hindering achievement of management objectives, we recommend managers who opt to control coyotes continuously monitor recruitment assess responses. Objective 4 -We estimated neonate survival rates, identified causes of neonate mortality, and determined which biological and landscape characteristics were related to fawn survival. During 2013-2015, we captured 70 fawns on Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Louisiana, USA. We monitored fawns every 8 hours until 6 weeks of age and daily until 12 weeks of age, and assigned cause of death from field and DNA evidence. Survival of fawns to 12 weeks was 0.271 (95% CI¼0.185-0.398). Of 51 mortalities, 45 (88%) were attributed to predation, 4 (8%) to starvation, 1 (2%) to other causes, and 1 (2%) to unknown causes. Survival was 81% higher for males than females, and survival increased 81% with every 1-kg increase in birth mass. Survival increased 8% for every 100-m increase in distance from cropland or young reforestation, and decreased 11% with every 100-m increase in distance from old reforestation, which may be a result of spatial variation in predator distribution. Key Outcomes - Results of objective 1 indicate that fecal genotyping is the most accurate and precise method to estimate coyote abundance across a landscape. These techniques for being used in subsequent studies to evaluate landscape dispersion and social ecology of coyotes in a 3-state study to further assess the utility of lethal removal for mitigating fawn predation. Food habits studies described in Objective 2 indicate that not only are fawns important in the diet of coyotes during summer, but that adult deer are a major component of their year-round diet. These results have led to a reevaluation of the belief that coyote predation on adult deer is not significant, and have generated subsequent research interest. Results from Objective 3 clearly identify the variable success of using coyote removal to limit fawn predation rates. Based on these studies, coyote monitoring protocols are being developed to utilize in an integrative coyote management decision model. Objective 4 results emphasize the importance of site-specific monitoring of fawn recruitment rates in areas with burgeoning predator communities. We conclude, however, that although predation pressure was high, survival rates were similar to those observed elsewhere in the region.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Shuman, R. M., M. J. Cherry, T. N. Simoneaux, E. A. Dutoit, J. C. Kilgo, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. Adult female survival and population dynamics of white-tailed deer in Louisiana. Journal of Wildlife Management.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Shuman, R., M. J. Cherry, T. N. Simoneaux, E. A. Dutoit, J. C. Kilgo, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. 2017. Survival and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer neonates in a 3-predator system in Louisiana. Journal of Wildlife Management DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21257
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Shuman, R. M., M. J. Cherry, E. A. Dutoit, T. N. Simoneaux, K. V. Miller, and M. J. Chamberlain. 2017. Resource selection by parturient and post-parturient white-tailed deer and their fawns. Annual Meeting, Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Louisville, KY
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Space and resource use by Southeastern coyotes. MS Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:During 201r, research results from this project were presented at 3 professional meetings as well as at >5 continuing education presentations, public seminars, or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines.Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During 2016, 1 graduate students and 1 Post-doctoral researcher worked on the project and were trained in various aspects of wildlife ecology and management. In addition, we employed 1 seasonal undergraduate student to work as technician on the project. Results from this project were also incorporated into several continuing education presentations and public lectures. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During 2016, research results from this project were presented at several professional meetings, as well as >7 continuing education presentations, public seminars or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Radiocollared coyotes will continue to be monitored and mortalities assessed for cause. Food habits analysis from scats collected in 2016 will be analyzed. Data analyses will continue exploring spatial structuring of coyote populations and assessment of cause specific mortality patterns.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During 2016, we captured and fitted 163 (AL = 54, GA = 53, SC = 56) coyotes with satellite radio-collars for monitoring. Monitoring data collected after release indicated 79 (48.5%) coyote were residents, 74 (45.4%) were transients, and 10 (6.1%) were unknown. Status was considered unknown for coyotes if they died <4 weeks after capture and release. Mean (±SD) body mass of coyotes was 31.6 lbs ± 5.0. At time of capture, 46.1%, 23.4%, and 30.5% of coyotes were aged as pups, juveniles, and adults, respectively. Mean (±SD) resident home-range size was 1,499 ha ± 923 and ranged between 400 ha and 4,900 ha. Mean (±SD) transient-range size was 8,083 ha ± 6,261 and ranged between 1,500 ha and 33,800 ha. During January 2016 through December 2016, we sampled approximately 1,200 scats from 30 territories in AL, GA, and SC. Of 163 radio-collared coyotes, there are currently 32 (19.6%) alive, 74 (45.4%) dead and 57 (35%) with unknown fates. Most unknown fates resulted from collar batteries dying after 12 months. There's a good chance many of those coyotes are still alive. Of the 74 dead, 43 (58%) were shooting deaths, 11 (15.1%) were trapping deaths, 9 (12.0%) were unknown, 7 (9.5%) were road killed, and (5.4%) were disease.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hinton, J. W. 2016. Coyote (Canis latrans) ecology and management. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Georgia
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hinton, J. W., Miller, K. V., and Chamberlain, M. J. 2016. Local and landscape-level space use patterns of resident and transient coyotes in the southeastern United States. SEAFWA Furbearer Working Group.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Hinton, J. W., Miller, K. V., and Chamberlain, M. J. 2016. Local and landscape-level space use patterns of resident and transient coyotes in the southeastern United States. 39th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Deer Study Group.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Heppenheimer, E., Cosio, D. S., Brzeski, K. E., Caudill, D., Hinton, J. W., Chamberlain, M. J., and vonHoldt, B. 2016 Demographic history influences spatial patterns of genetic diversity in recently expanded coyote (Canis latrans) populations. Submitted to Molecular Ecology.
• Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Ward, J. N., Hinton, J. W., Miller, K. V., and Chamberlain, M. J. 2016. Space and Resource Use of Southeastern Coyotes. 2016 DMRG Field Day.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Ward, J. N., Hinton, J. W., Miller, K. V., and Chamberlain, M. J. 2016. Space and Resource Use of Southeastern Coyotes. 2016 Joint Wildlife Research Update Meeting (Georgia Department of Natural Resources  Wildlife Resources Division and Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources).
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2017 Citation: Shuman, R., M. J. Cherry, T. N. Simoneaux, E. A. Dutoit, J. C. Kilgo, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. 2017. Survival and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer neonates in a 3-predator system in Louisiana. Journal of Wildlife Management
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Simoneaux, T. N., B. S. Cohen, E. A. Cooney, R. M. Shuman, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. 2016. Fine-scale movements of adult white-tailed deer in northeastern Louisiana during the hunting season Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 3:210-219
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Shuman, R., M. J. Chamberlain, J. C. Kilgo, M. J. Cherry, E. Cooney, T. Simoneaux, and K. V. Miller. 2016. Survival and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer fawns on Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group, Charlotte, NC (abstract 39:43).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Cooney, E. A., R. Shuman, T. Simoneaux, M. J. Cherry, J. C. Kilgo, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. 2016. Habitat use and birth site selection of white-tailed deer fawns in northeast Louisiana. Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group, Charlotte, NC (poster presentation; abstract 39:75).

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:During 2015, research results from this project were presented at 8 professional meetings as well as 4 continuing education programs, public seminars or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During 2015, 3 graduate students (3 Masters candidates) worked on the project and were trained in various aspects of wildlife ecology and management. In addition, we employed 2 seasonal undergraduate students to work as technicians on the project. Results from this project were also incorporated into several continuing education presentations and public lectures How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During 2015, research results from this project were presented at several professional meetings, as well as 4 continuing education presentations, public seminars or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Adult females from the 2015 capture season will be triangulated weekly until April/May in order to develop annual home ranges. Vegetation and home range data collected will be analyzed for correlations to survival. Data analyses are continuing and 2 Master's level theses will be completed during the next reporting period. Dissemination of research results via peer-reviewed publications will continue.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During 2015 we captured 40 deer on the Louisiana study site, placing 38 VHF collars and VITs in mature does. Fawning season occurred from early July through mid-August. We captured and collared 27 fawns during the 2015 fawn capture season. Twenty-fiive were captured from collared females and 2 were found opportunistically. We monitored fawns 3x/day until 6 weeks old and 1x/day from 6 weeks until 12 weeks of age. Six of 27 fawns survived until 12 weeks of age. We obtained DNA swabs from fawn carcasses to determine a final cause of death. Final DNA confirmation of cause of mortality are pending. Along with cause specific mortality, we are also characterizing birth and bed site selection of collared does and fawns. We quantified density, visibility, and vertical height of the surrounding vegetation. We used a 10 factor prism and stem counts to quantify trees per acre (TPA) and basal area (BA). Canopy cover was estimated using a spherical densitometer. We monitored the collared males via VHF beacon 1x/week for survival and to keep track of the general area they are using. On the Georgia study site, field work has been completed and we generated habitat models to predict coyote abundance using multi-scale vegetation and landscape data. Results have been submitted for publication.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Garrison, E., M. J. Cherry, R. B. Chandler, D. B. Shindle, L. M. Conner, R. J. Warren, and K. V. Miller. 2015. Unraveling biotic and abiotic drivers of ungulate population fluctuations in South Florida: predators, fire, and floods. Annual Meeting of The Wildlife Society, Winnipeg, Manitoba (abstract).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Miller, K. V. 2015. Factors that affect deer movements: what recent studies using GPS technology have revealed. Quality Deer Management Annual Convention, Gault House Louisville, KY (Invited presentation)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Gulsby, W. D., C. H. Killmaster, J. W. Bowers, and J. D. Kelly, and K. V. Miller. 2015. Effects of season and habitat characteristics on coyote scat deposition patterns. Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Asheville, NC.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Simoneaux, T. N., B. S. Cohen, E. A. Cooney, R. M. Shuman, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. Fine-scale movements of adult white-tailed deer in northeastern Louisiana during the hunting season Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Asheville, NC.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Simoneaux. T. N., M. J. Chamberlain, K. V. Miller, B. S. Cohen, E. Cooney, B. Shuman. 2015 Seasonal and rut-related variations in space use and movements of mature male white-tailed deer. Using deer-vehicle collisions to map white-tailed deer breeding activity in Georgia. . Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group, Little Rock, AR (abstract 38:37).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Shuman, R., E. Cooney, T. Simoneaux, M. J. Chamberlain, J. C. Kilgo, and K. V. Miller. 2015. Survival and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer fawns on Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Georgia Chapter, The Wildlife Society, Annual Meeting, Athens, GA.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Cooney, E., R. Shuman, T. Simoneaux, J. C. Kilgo, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. 2015. Parturition-induced shifts in home-range size and habitat selection for female white-tailed deer on the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge. Georgia Chapter, The Wildlife Society, Annual Meeting, Athens, GA.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Simoneaux, T. N. 2015. Space-use and movements of adult male white-tailed deer in Northeastern Louisiana. M.S. Thesis, University of Georgia.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hickman, J. E., W. D. Gulsby, C. H. Killmaster, J. W. Bowers, M. E. Byrne, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. 2015. Home range, habitat use and movement patterns of female coyotes in the Piedmont Region of Georgia: implications for fawn predation. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2:144-150.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: During 2014, research results from this project were presented at 7 professional meetings as well as at >8 continuing education presentations, public seminars, or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During 2014, 4 graduate students (1 PhD candidate, 3 Masters candidates) worked on the project and were trained in various aspects of wildlife ecology and management. In addition, we employed 2 seasonal undergraduate students to work as technicians on the project. Results from this project were also incorporated into several continuing education presentations and public lectures. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? During 2014, research results from this project were presented at 7 professional meetings, as well as >7 continuing education presentations, public seminars or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Adult females from the 2014 capture season will be triangulated weekly until April/May in order to develop annual home ranges. Vegetation and home range data collected will be analyzed for correlations to survival. We will deploy 40 VHF collars and VITs on adult females during the 2015 capture season. VITs will be monitored every 8 hours beginning in mid-June until the end of fawning season. As in 2013 and 2014, once captured, fawns will be fit with expandable VHF collars and monitored for mortality every eight hours until 6 weeks old. After this time, they will be monitored once a day until 12 weeks old. Thereafter, all deer, including adults will be monitored once per week to monitor mortality and obtain estimated location. Bucks will continue to be monitored weekly for mortality. Data from GPS collars will be downloaded following the close of the 2014-2015 hunting season.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During 2014 we captured 47 deer on the Louisiana study site, placing 15 GPS collars on mature bucks, and 32 VHF collars and 32 VITs in mature does. Following the close of the 2013-2014 hunting season, we downloaded GPS data from the 14 bucks captured during the 2013 field season. To date, all collars deployed during the 2013 capture season remain operational. The first year of data collected from the bucks captured and instrumented in early 2013 is currently being analyzed by Taylor Simoneaux. Fawning season occurred from early July through mid-August. We captured and collared 19 fawns during the 2014 fawn capture season. Seventeen were captured from collared females and 2 were found opportunistically. We monitored fawns 3x/day until 6 weeks old and 1x/day from 6 weeks until 12 weeks of age. Five of 19 fawns survived until 12 weeks of age. We obtained DNA swabs from fawn carcasses to determine a final cause of death. Along with cause specific mortality, we are also characterizing birth and bed site selection of collared does and fawns. We quantified density, visibility, and vertical height of the surrounding vegetation. We used a 10 factor prism and stem counts to quantify trees per acre (TPA) and basal area (BA). Canopy cover was estimated using a spherical densitometer. We monitored the collared males via VHF beacon 1x/ week for survival and to keep track of the general area they are using. . On the Georgia study site, field work has been completed and we are generating habitat models to predict coyote abundance using multi-scale vegetation and landscape data. Data analysis is continuing and results will be submitted for publication in 2015.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hickman, J. E., W. D. Gulsby, C. H. Killmaster, J. W. Bowers, M. E. Byrne, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. 2014. Home range, habitat use and movement patterns of female coyotes in the Piedmont Region of Georgia: implications for fawn predation. Annual Meeting, Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Destin, FL
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gulsby, W. D., C. H. Killmaster, J. W. Bowers, and J. D. Kelly, and K. V. Miller. 2014. Effects of season and habitat characteristics on coyote scat deposition patterns. Annual Meeting, Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Destin, FL
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gulsby, W. D., M . J. Chamberlain, M. Cherry, M. Conner, and K. V. Miller. 2014. Thinking beyond the study site to understand coyote effects on white-tailed deer populations at the landscape scale. Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society, Pittsburgh, PA (abstract)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Cooney, E. A., R. Shuman, M. J. Chamberlain, K. V. Miller, S. Durham, and J. C. Kilgo. 2014. Tensas River national Wildlife Refuge deer study. Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group, Athens, GA (poster, abstract 37:61).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gulsby, W. D., B. N. Sacks, C. H. Killmaster, J. W. Bowers, and J. D. Kelly, and K. V. Miller. 2014. A comparison of methods for estimating coyote abundance in the Southeast. Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group, Athens, GA (abstract 37:51).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hickman, J. E., W. D. Gulsby, C. H. Killmaster, J. W. Bowers, M. E. Byrne, M. J. Chamberlain, and K. V. Miller. 2014. Home range, habitat use and movement patterns of female coyotes in the Piedmont Region of Georgia: implications for fawn predation. Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Destin, FL.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Kelly, J. D., W. D. Gulsby, C. H. Killmaster, J. W. Bowers, and K. V. Miller. 2014. Seasonal and spatial variation in diets of coyotes in central Georgia. Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Destin, FL
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gates, M., R. W. Gerhold, R. Wilkes, W. D. Gulsby, L. Maestas, A. Rosypal, K. V. Miller, and D. L. Miller. 2014. Parisitology, virology, and serology of free ranging coyotes (Canis latrans) from central Georgia, USA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 50(4):896-901

Progress 03/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: During 2013, research results from this project were presented at 3 professional meetings as well as at >10 continuing education presentations, public seminars, or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During 2013, 5 graduate students (1 PhD candidate, 4 Masters candidates) worked on the project and were trained in various aspects of wildlife ecology and management. In addition, we employed 2 seasonal undergraduate students to work as technicians on the project. Results from this project were also incorporated into several continuing education presentations and public lectures. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? During 2013, research results from this project were presented at 3 professional meetings, as well as >10 continuing education presentations, public seminars or media events. Research was also featured in several trade and popular magazines. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Adult females from the 2013 capture season will be triangulated weekly until April/May in order to develop annual home ranges. Vegetation and home range data collected will be analyzed for correlations to survival. We will deploy 30 VHF collars and VITs on adult females during the 2014 capture season. VITs will be monitored every 8 hours beginning in mid-June until the end of fawning season. As in 2013, once captured, fawns will be fit with expandable VHF collars and monitored for mortality every eight hours until 6 weeks old. After this time, they will be monitored once a day until 12 weeks old. Thereafter, all deer, including adults will be monitored once per week to monitor mortality and obtain estimated location. We also plan to deploy an additional 14 GPS collars on mature males (4 new collars; 10 refurbished). Bucks will continue to be monitored weekly for mortality. Data from GPS collars will be downloaded following the close of the 2013-2014 hunting season.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During 2013 we captured 75 deer on the Louisiana study site, placing 14 GPS collars on mature bucks, and 30 VHF collars and 30 VITs in mature does. Fawning season occurred from early July through mid-August. Of the 30 does captured, 24 were known to have given birth. Two VITs malfunctioned and ceased to emit a signal. From 24 does, we captured and collared 28 live fawns. We also observed 2 stillborn fawns at birth sites. Additionally, we captured and collared 7 fawns found opportunistically during routine checks, giving a total sample size of 35 collared fawns. We monitored fawns 3x/day until 6 weeks old and 1x/day from 6 weeks until 12 weeks of age. Thirteen of 35 fawns remained alive at the end of 2013. We obtained DNA swabs from fawn carcasses to determine a final cause of death. Along with cause specific mortality, we are also characterizing birth and bed site selection of collared does and fawns. We located 23 birth sites by using telemetry equipment to track to the VIT. We located 114 bed sites during different times of the day. We quantified density, visibility, and vertical height of the surrounding vegetation. We used a 10 factor prism and stem counts to quantify trees per acre (TPA) and basal area (BA). Canopy cover was estimated using a spherical densitometer. We monitored the collared males via VHF beacon 1x/ week for survival and to keep track of the general area they are using. We remotely downloaded data from all 14 GPS collars. This information is currently being analyzed to determine overall and seasonal home ranges of each animal. On the Georgia study site, we estimated fawn recruitment on two wildlfie management areas using infrared-triggered trail camera surveys during the fall and winter before and after an intensive coyote removal. Recruitment rates ranged from 0.6 – 0.7 fawns/doe on CC and 0.4 – 0.5 fawns/doe on BFG before coyote removal. We monitored predator abundance bimonthly on both study areas using scent station and scat deposition indices. Scent station transects consisted of 10 scent stations at intervals of 0.5 kilometer. Scent stations consisted of a 1.0-m diameter circle of powdered hydrated limestone with a fatty-acid scent tablet placed at the center. In addition, we used a series of 4-kilometer transects located on roadways and distributed throughout the study area, to obtain a scat deposition index. Using these coyote scat samples along with others collected opportunistically, we used fecal genotyping to: 1) verify the species of origin (i.e., differentiate between coyote, dog, bobcat, and others), and 2) generate a population estimate on both study areas. In addition, we generated habitat models predicting coyote abundance using multi-scale vegetation and landscape data. Data analysis is continuing and results will be submitted for publication in 2014.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Chamberlain, M. J., W. D. Gulsby, and K. V. Miller. 2013. Developing a cooperative framework to study influences of coyotes on white-tailed deer populations in the southeastern United States. Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group, Greenville, SC (abstract 36:35).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gulsby, W. D., J. D. Kelly, C. H. Killmaster, J. W. Bowers, and K. V. Miller. 2013. Variable effectiveness of coyote removal programs at increasing fawn recruitment in Georgia. Annual Meeting of the Southeast Deer Study Group, Greenville, SC (abstract 36:32).
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hickman, J. E., W. D. Gulsby, and K. V. Miller. 2013. Georgia Coyote Study. Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Plantation Managers Association, Mt. Pleasant Plantation, Andrews, SC
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gulsby, W., and K. V. Miller. 2013. Coyote control: when is it the right option? Quality Whitetails 20: 36-39.