Callaway County
Callaway County
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Jarman's Weekly Agronomy News December 20, 2000 |
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Record Deer Harvest Won't Stop Damage |
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Deer damage is no longer only a problem for rural landowners. There has been a rapid increase of deer populations in many suburban locales in Missouri. As if most people are not already aware of this situation. The patterns of deer damage change season to season and year to year depending on weather, food availability, deer density and other factors. With our high deer population, recent snows, and cold weather, deer damage may likely be high during the 2000/2001 winter. In general, deer damage is greater during winter months because sources of preferred foods are less plentiful. Fruit growers, nursery operators and Christmas tree growers commonly lose dormant buds and annual growth to deer during the winter. Homeowners also may see landscape plants damaged by deer this time of year. It's best to plan damage control efforts well in advance and to use an integrated approach. Integrated approaches typically include several different methods like repellents, excluding fencing, and less tasty plants. Repellents may disrupt deer feeding behavior on orchards, gardens and ornamental plants if applied before damage occurs. Once a feeding pattern becomes established, the use of repellents becomes less effective. Commercial repellents are available, and all label directions should be followed before application. Homemade repellents such as the use of human hair and bar soap hung in mesh bags can temporarily discourage deer from feeding on some plants. Dogs also can deter deer. If deer pressure is high and the plants are valuable, fencing the area may be the only choice. Many types of electric and non-electric fences are available and should be considered as a long-term investment. Most fences will pay for themselves in a few years by reducing losses caused by deer damage. Fencing to repel deer has some particular methods to make it more efficient. Review the information to select the type of fencing that will be most effective for your situation. Choosing landscape plants less desirable to deer is another way homeowners can reduce overall deer damage. Deer like to munch on eastern redbud, evergreen azaleas, rhododendrons and fruit trees. Deer are less likely to eat American holly, common boxwood or forsythia. Landowners and homeowners are encouraged to be tolerant of losses by wildlife and make thoughtful choices. Some of those trees and bushes needed pruning anyway. Additional choices and more information are available from the Guide Sheets - MP 685 and MX 142 (both are on controlling deer damage). MP 685 has lists of deer resistant through susceptible ornamental plants. Also check the Missouri Department of Conservation's information on deer at http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/nathis/mammals/deer/index.htm. Most people enjoy having deer on their property and should be willing to tolerate a certain amount of deer damage. The source of information for this article is Bob Pierce, Extension wildlife specialist at the University of Missouri-Columbia. (573) 882-4337
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Despite Missouri's record deer harvest this year, homeowners and crop
producers need to take steps to prevent deer damage. Though a record of
more than 200,000 deer were harvested, state officials estimate
Missouri's deer population still is around 600,000.
