Abstract
Mate choice of white-tailed deer based on age and body size is poorly understood. I
studied a captive population to evaluate mate choice and reproductive success. Age differences
between mated pairs did not differ from random pairings and I found no apparent relationship of
skeletal size between mated pairs. My results highlight the plasticity of mating success and
reveal the mating system of white-tailed deer has evolved to maximize fertility.
Sex ratio and age class may influence timing and duration of the fawning season. I
recorded birth date of fawns born within a 174-ha captive facility. The herd was intensively
monitored which allowed me to document an earlier shift in fawning following a maturation of
age structure. Earlier fawning may be important for neonatal development and survival,
especially in areas of the Southeast where coyotes are reducing recruitment. I hypothesize
managers can increase neonate development and survival by increasing male age structure