Habitat Suitability Index Models: White-tailed deer in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Coastal Plains

A review and synthesis of existing information were used to develop a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The model consolidates habitat use information into a framework appropriate for field application, and is scaled to produce an index between 0.0 (unsuitable habitat) to 1.0 (optimum habitat). HSI models are designed to be used with Habitat Evaluation Procedures previously developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.