MOVEMENTS OF PUBLIC LAND DEER HUNTERS AND ADULT FEMALE WHITE-TAILED DEER AND AN EVALUATION OF HUNTER SATISFACTION, MOTIVATIONS, AND PREFERENCES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN GEORGIA

During 1979–2018, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population and number of hunters on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in northern Georgia declined significantly. The purpose of this research was to help managers minimize the effects of hunting on the declining deer population while providing recreational opportunities for hunters that improved their satisfaction. First, I analyzed location data from 58 hunters and determined their movement and stand location characteristics and mapped hunting pressure on WMAs based on these characteristics. Next, I evaluated fine-scale movements of 26 GPS-collared adult female deer during pre-hunt, hunt, and post-hunt periods, which suggested hunting pressure caused no significant behavioral responses in deer. Last, I sent mail questionnaires to hunters. Data from 441 completed questionnaires suggested the primary motivation for hunting was experience-related (i.e., enjoying nature and escaping the daily routine), but hunter satisfaction could be improved by increasing opportunities to see and harvest deer.