White-tailed Deer Damage
Wildlife pressure can significantly impact small fruit profitability, and effective management begins with correctly identifying the species responsible for the damage. Different animals require different control strategies, and misidentification can lead to ineffective management and unnecessary costs.
Identifying Deer Pressure
Deer do not have upper incisor teeth, so vegetation damage appears rough or torn, rather than cleanly clipped like rodent or rabbit damage. Early intervention is critical, as deer are creatures of habit and often return to the same area once a reliable food source has been established. White-tailed deer damage is more likely when deer density is high and environmental conditions are stressful.
When Damage Occurs
Deer cause damage throughout the year, but the most severe damage occurs when the crop is most vulnerable:
Fall: Heavy feeding on strawberry plants before mulching can weaken plants as they enter dormancy.
Winter: Limited natural food sources lead deer to feed on canes and dormant buds across small fruit plantings. Damage at this stage can reduce yield potential before the season begins.
Spring and Summer: Deer browse new vegetative growth and consume ripening fruit, directly reducing marketable yield.
Feeding on canes and buds may result in stunted growth, distorted development, reduced fruit production, and decreased plant vigor. Severe pressure can lead to plant loss and long-term productivity decline.
Preventing Deer Damage
Deer damage management is most effective when a combination of control methods is implemented.
Fencing
Installing fencing to keep deer out of crops is the most reliable and effective solution to keep deer away from crops, as it forms a barrier around the field. The most common types of fences are woven wire and electric. Many growers report improved effectiveness with the addition of a line of blue baling twine at the top of the 8-foot fence. Though deer-proof fencing can be expensive, it is durable, effective, and long-lasting, protecting the investment in your high-value plants. Always verify local regulations before installing fences; many areas have height and setback restrictions or prohibit electric fencing.
Repellents
Repellents are a short-term solution to deter deer are most effective when several types are used. There are two primary types of repellents:
Contact repellents: applied directly to plants to make them taste unpleasant to deer
Area repellents: deter deer with unpleasant odors
Performance varies by location, deer pressure, and weather conditions. Rotating products and maintaining consistent applications improve effectiveness. Repellents have variable results, with success differing from year to year.
There are many repellants formulated for deer; read and follow the label directions carefully, as you are required by law to comply strictly with the label. Milorganite, a slow-release organic fertilizer (6-2-0) produced from human sewage, has worked as a repellent for some growers.
Repellent tips:
- Apply repellents on dry days
- Reapply repellents often; new growth is not protected
- Change repellents occasionally so deer do not become habituated to one repellent
Regulated Hunting
An effective method for preventing deer damage is controlling populations through hunting. Fewer deer means less damage. Consult your local wildlife conservation officer for information on hunting eligibility requirements.
This article is from the March Edition of Growing Forward.
