Abstract
We used the pellet-count method, block-count method, drive counts and catch per unit effort (CPUE) estimation to estimate the sika deer population (Cervus nippon) on the Boso Peninsula, central Japan, for deer management. To complement the lack of data, the number of calves and hunted deer for pest control have been estimated (born-hunted number method). Population size as estimated by the born-hunted number method was significantly correlated with that estimated by the pellet-count method. The population size index estimated by the CPUE was significantly correlated with that of the pellet-block count method. Stochastic simulations using the Leslie matrices suggest that an annual harvest of 1,000-1,500 deer is required to lead to a suitable target population level.
