The Effect of Strip Width on Helicopter Censusing of Deer

Abstract

Evaluation of the numbers of white-tailed deer observed in the first (inside) 50 m compared to the second (outside) 50 m strips from helicopter census transects on brush-covered rangelands in Texas revealed from 34-73% fewer animals in the latter. The average reduction of approximately 53% suggests that helicopter censuses yield density estimates about 25% low. Correction for these underestimates could lead to more efficient management of the resource as well as elevated income in areas commercializing hunting.