engleski

Analyses of trophy values of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.)antlers from the Baranja region (eastern Croatia)

The aim was to compare estimated trophy values of discarded antlers of red deer and those antlers acquired by the regular culling. Research has been undertaken during hunting year 2010/2011 in the hunting ground „Podunavlje-Podravlje“, located in the Baranja region in Eastern Croatia. Total of 97 antlers were analysed, of which 26 from the culled individuals, and 71 was found discarded around the hunting ground. All of them were evaluated according to CIC scoring system. Following parameters were taken for the comparison: trophy value in CIC points ; antlers mass ; total antlers length, number of tines ; number of tines in crown and length of trey tine. Age of the culled individuals was determined by counting tooth cementum layers, and indirectly from discarded antlers according to shape of the plate which attach beam of the antlers to frontal bones on the scull. Values of the measured parameters were higher at discarded antler’s beams of red deer in age class 6-7 year, in comparison to culled individuals. This confirms that selection of male individuals was done properly, and individuals with higher trophy value remain in population, which is a basis for the sustainable management in the hunting ground. Oppositely, in age class 8-9 year, higher values were determined in culled individuals. This point out that less valuable individuals remains in the population, that is undesirable for the game breeding, but it was done due to increased interest at market of hunting tourism. Higher values of the measured parameters in culled individuals, in comparison to discarded antlers, were determined in age class above 10 year. It needs to be emphasized that all red deer in this age class cannot be culled or be seen during the rutting season. The recommendation is to accurately estimate which individuals are able for progression and which for decreasing in antler quality. Professional service in the hunting ground is responsible for the accurate evaluation of red deer trophy value. Taking into account more larger samples, collected systematically in each year, results can provide better guidelines for the breeding and management of red deer in the Baranja region.

red deer ; antlers ; trophy ; age ; hunting

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