How can the deer management program be evaluated?
Damage to crops will stabilize and then decline when adequate numbers of deer are removed from the property. If hunter pressure is relatively stable, hunter success rates will generally follow deer population trends. As deer numbers stabilize and decline, the numbers of deer taken by the hunters will stabilize and then drop. If crop damage continues to increase and/or hunters success rate climbs, additional antlerless deer need to be removed. Be patient. It may take two to three years before you notice reduced crop damage. Well managed deer hunting will effectively manage deer numbers when conducted on an annual basis. Using the preceding standards will provide for a professional and friendly relationship between the landowner and the hunting group. Hunters appreciate the opportunity to hunt and will cooperate with reasonable rules such as the ones indicated. A balanced hunting program will reduce trespass and littering problems as well as provide for effective deer management. For Add
