HUNTING AS MANAGEMENT
The most significant conflicts that arise when white-tailed deer become overabundant in suburban environments are concerns of increased risk of tick-borne infections, particularly Lyme disease, deer– vehicle collisions, and repeated damage to residential landscape plantings.
Additionally, impacts of elevated deer densities on plant diversity and forest regeneration are well-documented and of serious concern to ecologists and biologists. In areas that see an overpopulation, exceed the cultural carrying capacity and can force deer to seek other food sources. These food sources end up relying heavily on farmers crops, home owners shrubbery and gardens and anywhere that the deer have not yet destroyed.
The only way to efficiently and effectively reduce deer abundance is through removal of deer from a local population. In most states, live-trapping and relocation are not available options because of high costs, pathogen transmission risks unavailability of suitable release sites, and concerns over stress to captured deer. Furthermore, most relocated deer do not survive a year in their new environments. Therefore, only lethal management options (i.e., hunting, sharpshooting, and live-capture followed by euthanasia) can potentially reduce deer densities in the short term.
MAWS is known for its’ effective programs in removal of deer through its’ hunter services. We no provide bow hunting and regular season hunting, however, are not apart of any sharpshooting programs or live-capture programs. We have found that sharpshooting can be very expensive to the client as can live-capture, but more so that our strategic management plan that we create for each individual property yields more success than any other option available.
Why managed hunting works?
Managed hunting is an important part to controlling a deer herd for multiple reasons. The first reason being that the organization and hunters are managed. This means that they all operate collectively and under a standardized set of rules. These rules are much more in depth than regular hunting regulations because not only does it control the hunter as an individual or group, but each property and/or hunt also has a set of rules and guidelines. These rules are meant to ensure safety but also to increase productivity. Mid-Atlantic Whitetail Solutions has been using these set of guidelines for over 10 years and has provided greater results than any other method of deer reduction in the Mid-Atlantic area or hunting company.
Why not just open it up to the public?
Although this is just as cost effective as contracting a group like MAWS, you cannot always control the hunters or the hunting. Public hunting can offer inexperienced hunters onto the property as well as extra traffic that may be detrimental to your hunting efforts.
Often times, heavy hunter traffic can often push deer to become nocturnal (only moving in the dark) and thus not allowing shot opportunities for hunters to harvest deer. There truly is a method to harvesting large numbers of deer and often times that is not the focus of the public.
When trying to control a deer herd, it’s better left to professionals who not only focus on the individual property needs, but ensure the task is being completed.
Should I just lease my land?
As a land owner, you may want to lease your land to a hunting club. Leasing your land can help you add some money to your pocket at the end of every year. However, if you are experiencing crop damage, are concerned about liability issues, have an over abundance of deer and want to make more money on crops, hunting leases may not be for you.
Managed hunting, focuses on the goals of every property. Whether you are an HOA experiencing car wrecks or destroyed gardens or shrubbery or a farmer who is losing income every year due to crop damage, each property requires a specific goal and plan to ensure a positive outcome.
“Just killing deer” is not always the answer and our goal is to bring the entire habitat back into check. This provides a healthier ecosystem that helps and aids in agricultural growth 🌽 , through things like pollination, native plant restoration 🌱 and a healthy wildlife balance 🐿.
Once we receive a new client and a new property, we first like to walk the property and create a management plan. This management plan may suggest additional efforts like creating a habitat for deer that is not currently there that will save your crop damage annually as well. Native forbs and early succession as well as food plots can be inhibited which can attract deer away from your crops, while also provide the hunters with a better opportunity to harvest these deer.
Most hunting clubs want more deer around and will often pass shooting mature does to chase a “big buck”. This will in time, increase the number of deer on your property and although you may have made a few dollars in your lease, over the course of a few years the deer may destroy your property all together costing you future dollars.
Obstacles Associated with Suburban Deer Population Control
Aesthetics
Many people enjoy wildlife watching within their neighborhoods. Their satisfaction derived from watching deer seems directly proportional to the number of deer observed. Furthermore, most residents have the misconception that deer control measures will result in deer eradication, thus eliminating wildlife watching opportunities.
Safety and Liability Concerns
Harvesting or capturing animals within populated areas may create safety concerns for residents. While many safety concerns are only perceived, rather than real, special safety precautions must be addressed before deer control measures are initiated.
Conflicting Social Attitudes and Perceptions
Controlling deer populations within residential areas involves numerous stakeholders. These stakeholders often present disparate views and opinions regarding control measures. Some people consider a deer’s life more important than minor inconveniences and potential health and safety risks caused by deer. Others value human life and comfort more than deer. These people commonly view wildlife as a resource to be managed and utilized by humans.
Hunting and/or Firearm Restrictions
Local ordinances and/or policies regarding hunting and the discharge of firearms may be obstacles to implementing deer control measures.
Public Relations Concerns
Appointed decision makers within city governments, community associations, or development organizations are often hesitant to make controversial or divisive decisions.