A Review of Techniques for Minimizing Beaver and White-Tailed Deer Damage in Southern Hardwoods

Abstract

Methods of reducing beaver and deer damage to hardwood forest resources are reviewed. Beaver controls considered were poisons, chemosterilants, predators, and trapping. Population reduction through trapping with 330 conibear traps for two weeks during two successive years effectively eliminates beaver from small watersheds and shows greater promise for control than other techniques considered. Control measures for minimizing damage by deer include trapping, fences, chemicals, protective coverings, scare devices, repellents, and herd reduction. Deer damage has been reduced in certain instances by fences and physical barriers, but economic impracticalities limit them for widespread use. Herd reduction is the most practical control method for deer damage and is believed to be the best solution. Hunter harvest is the best method to accomplish herd reduction.

Citation

Hill, Edward P.; Lasher, Douglas N.; Roper, R. Blake. 1978. A Review of Techniques for Minimizing Beaver and White-Tailed Deer Damage in Southern Hardwoods. In: Proceedings of the Second Symposium on Southeastern Hardwoods. 79-89.