Behavioral responses of male elk to hunting risk

Abstract Prey respond to predation risk with a range of behavioral tactics that can vary based on space use and hunting mode the predator. Unlike other predators, human hunters are often more spatially temporally restricted, which creates period short‐duration, high‐intensity for prey. Consequently, identifying roles different modes (i.e., archery rifle), hunts targeted non‐targeted species, landscape features play in altering spatial temporal responses prey by humans is important effective management harvested populations. From 2009 2016, we used large‐scale experiment including 50 animal‐years location data from 38 unique male elk ( Cervus canadensis ) quantify changes movement resource selection response during 3 separate 5‐day controlled antlered males (elk archery, deer [ Odocoileus spp.] rifle, rifle) at Starkey Experimental Forest Range northeast Oregon, USA. We evaluated competing hypotheses regarding varying levels posed hunt types. predicted strength would increase perceived hunter lethality weak but similar rifle hunts) be closely associated activity within diel cycle (greater diurnal than nocturnal hours) across seasons. Elk were strongest hours when active generally pronounced both (supporting our hypothesis). Male avoided open roads all periods except breeding season alternated between avoidance areas high canopy cover hours. In combination these patterns led distinct distributional pre‐hunt periods. Patterns highlight importance managing heterogeneous landscapes meet variety habitat, harvest, satisfaction, escapement objectives.