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Methods for controlling deer populations

Several methods have been developed in attempts to curb the population of white-tailed deer and these can be separated into lethal and non-lethal strategies. Most common in the U.S is the use of extended hunting as population control. In Maryland, as well as many other states, the Department of Natural Resources sets regulations on bag limits and hunting in the area depending on the deer population levels assessed. Hunting seasons may fluctuate in duration, or restrictions may be set to affect how many deer or what type of deer can be hunted in certain regions. For the 2015-2016 white-tailed deer hunting season, some areas only allow for the hunting of antler-less white-tailed deer. These would include young bucks and females encouraging the culling of does who would otherwise contribute to increasing populations via offspring production.

More refined than public hunting is a method referred to as Sharpshooting by the Deer Task Force in the city of Bloomington, Indiana. Sharpshooting can be an option when the area inhabited by the deer is unfit for public hunting. This strategy may work in areas close to human populations since it is done by professional marksmen and requires a submitted plan of action to the city with details on the time and location of the event as well as number of deer to be culled.

Another controversial method involves trapping the deer in a net or other trap and then administering a chemical euthanizing agent or extermination via firearm. A main issue in questioning the humaneness of this method is the stress that the deer endure while trapped and awaiting extermination.

Non-lethal methods include contraceptive injections, sterilization, and translocation of deer. While lethal methods have municipal support as being the most effective in the short-term, there are opponents to this view who suggest that there are no significant impacts of deer extermination on the populations. Opponents of contraceptive methods point out that fertility control proves ineffective over time as populations in open field systems move about. There are concerns that the contraceptives have not been adequately researched for the effect they could have on humans who consume the treated venison. Fertility control also does nothing to affect the current population and the effects their grazing may be having on the forest plant make-up.

Translocation has been considered overly costly for the little benefit it provides. Deer experience high stress and are at high risk of dying in the process putting into question its humaneness. Another concern in using this method is the possible spread of Chronic Wasting Disease found in the deer family and the lack of research on its effect on human populations.

Bloomington, Indiana has also seen increases in white-tailed deer populations. They play a detrimental role in the preservation of native plant species at the Griffy Lake Nature Reserve as was researched and confirmed via an enclosure study done by researchers at the University of Indiana. Enclosures can also be used as a method for minimizing the effect of deer-grazing in small areas since plants are allowed to grow without the threat of being grazed upon before reaching stable populations in the forest understory.