Characteristics of the white-tailed deer hunting exploitation (Odocoileus virginianus) in Chihuahua, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To describe the characteristics of the number of hectares (located in the UMAs registered in the state of Chihuahua) used for the white-tailed deer free-range production, the level of exploitation of the species, and its economic value. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study determined the number of Units for the Conservation, Management, and Sustainable Use of Wildlife (UMAs) registered in the state of Chihuahua, where white tailed deer had been exploited since 2015. Forty-three municipalities in the state of Chihuahua, with a total of 159 UMAs, were analyzed. Twenty-three randomly selected UMAs were characterized, taking into account the hectares and the presence of white-tailed deer per municipality. Finally, the exploitation value of the species use per community was established in order to determine its exploitation and economic value. Results: The total area used for the exploitation of the white-tailed deer reaches 1,067,380 hectares. Thirty-two municipalities had potential for the exploitation of white-tailed deer. Thirty-three deer were hunted per season in the 23 UMAs under study, which accounts for a $990,000 Mexican pesos gross income for the state of Chihuahua per season; this exploitation generates a total of 115 temporary jobs for the communities surrounding the 23 UMAs studied. Chihuahua’s UMAs welcome a total of 33 white-tailed deer hunters per season. Hunters pay $30,000 to $34,000 Mexican pesos for each white-tailed deer specimen. Study Limitations/Implications: The study provides an overview of the current state of the UMAs in the state of Chihuahua that have a permit for the white-tailed deer hunting exploitation. Each of the UMAs under study has specific characteristics, including: the services offered, the associated hunting species, and the exploitation populations under an integrated sustainability arrangement. This study does not include the benefits of exploiting associated species, such as the collared peccary (Dicotyles tajacu) and the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Findings/Conclusions: Based on the number of registered UMAs, 32 out of 40 municipalities use 100% of their registered area for the exploitation of white-tailed deer. The white-tailed deer hunting exploitation increases the profitability and productivity of livestock ranches.