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Managing White-Tailed Deer in Suburban Environments

A Technical Guide (2000)

Table of Contents

About this Guide ---2


Introduction --------3

Biology of White-tailed Deer------6

  • Description and General Behavior--6
  • Habitat and habits---------------------6
  • Reproduction --------------------------7
  • Biological Carrying capacity--------7
  • home range and movements--------7
  • Mortality-----------------------8

Regulations Regarding White tailed Deer--9

Deer Ecology and Management-----10

Human Dimensions and Deer Management-11

Developing an Integrated Management
Strategy------------------------13

Estimating Deer population size-14

Management Techniques-----------15

  • Nonlethal Management options----15
  • Habitat Modification------------15
  • Ban on Deer Feeding-------------15
  • Unpalatable Landscape Plants----16
  • Repellents ---------------------16
  • Supplemental feeding------------18
  • Fencing-------------------------18
  • Hazing and Frightening Techniques---21
  • Dogs as a Determent ------------21

Approaches for Minimizing Deer- Vehcile
Collisions----------------------22
  • Road side Reflectors------------22
  • Wildlife Warning Whistles----22
  • Warning Signs -----------------23
  • Fencing -------------------------23
  • Vegetation,Management,Speed limits,
  • and Public Awarness-------------24

Population Reduction Options----24
  • Trap and Translocate------------25
  • Sharpshooting-------------------26
  • Controlled Hunting--------------27

Experimental Deer Management----29
  • Fertility Control Agents--------29
  • Regulatory and Permit Requirement
  • for Antifertility Research------29
  • Antifertility Agents Under
  • Investigation-------------------30
  • Delivery Methods----------------30

Summary-------------------------32

References----------------------33

Appendix A. Deer Damage Control supplies and
Materials----------41

  • Habitat Modification------------41
  • Exclusion-----------------------41
  • Frightening Devices-------------44
  • Repellents----------------------47
  • Live Capture--------------------50
  • Fertility Control---------------50
  • Shooting Services---------------50
  • Shooting Supplies---------------51

Appendix B.Resource contacts----52
State Wildlife Agency Phone
Numbers------------------------ 52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 As populations of humans increase, the number of conflicts between them is also on the rise. Expanding suburban enviroments and urban sprawl have created excellent deer habitat; wooded home sites often have an abundance of food and protection from predators or hunting. Overabundant deer herds may cause an increase in car collisions and incidents of Lyme disease, resulting in significant economic losses. In addition, deer feed on preferred plants and alter the biodiversity in parks and natural woodlands.

This manual reviews the biology of the white-tailed deer and offers methods for helping to reduce deer-related concerns. Comprehensive management strategies are included. Fencing and repellents are discussed as are experimental techniques for controlling deer fertility. Additional resources and equipment sources for deer management are included.

The information and applications are useful across North America in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The manual is intended for professional biologists, community leaders, homeowners, and others involved in or concerned with suburban deer management.

Written by Anthony J.DeNicola, White Buffalo, Inc, Hamden, Connecticut , Kurt C.Vercaurteren, USDA National Wildlife Research Center, Ft Collins, Colorado; Paul D Curtis, Cooperative Extension, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; and Scott E.Hygnstrom. Cooperative Extension,University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.

 

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