RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MICHIGAN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
FOR LOCALIZED DEER POPULATION CONTROL

The Michigan Wildlife Conservancy advocates the direct reduction of deer numbers where overbrowsing of natural habitats, damage to crops or yards, or deer-car accidents are documented problems.  The Conservancy offers the recommendations below for controlling deer numbers at unfenced nature centers, parks or other areas with high deer concentrations and habitat damage.  

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

1. Ban feeding of deer within the unit of government and park systems affected by too many deer.

2. Avoid management by the numbers.  Although overbrowsing has been documented most often when deer exceed 40 per square mile, populations fluctuate widely seasonally and even weekly, and are extremely difficult to assess.  Set deer reduction goals based on habitat monitoring.  That is, assess whether deer-caused damage is decreasing, and whether overbrowsed plants are recovering, not on the number of deer present or deer shot each year.

3. Reduce deer numbers through special regulation sport hunting rather than hiring costly “sharp-shooters.”  This will create a rapport with the local hunting community, which can be an important ally in reducing deer numbers.  Normally, use no more than one hunter per 40 acres for multiple periods within seasons of 90 to 150 days.  Try to obtain permission from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to allow hunting in September and/or January as well as during the statewide October 1 – January 1 season.  Allow individual hunters to take up to 10 deer under special permits.  Consider allowing the use of crossbows where gun hunting would be unsafe or otherwise objectionable.  State regulations allow the use of crossbows during the firearms (November 15-30) season only, so special permission from the DNR should be sought for crossbow use in all special seasons.  Consider restricting hunting hours (e.g., early morning only) if necessary to avoid conflicts with area users.  Do not allow hunters to use bait.  Allow the use of removable tree stands.  Require all hunters to attend a pre-hunt meeting to ensure that they understand all of the local and state laws and special rules that must be followed.

For a description of the deer hunting program utilized by the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy at the Bengel Wildlife Center click here.  An effective program has also been run by the Chippewa Nature Center, in Midland.

4. Target antlerless deer primarily.  Establish a permit system that strongly encourages the taking of antlerless deer.  Revise the system annually until antlerless deer make up at least 80% of deer taken.

5. Require that hunters report all deer killed to the managing entity, and keep records of deer taken, by sex.

6. Work with local officials to encourage deer control in all major habitats within three miles of the management area in question.  This may require units of government and/or private landowners joining together to control excessive deer numbers.

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