Deer Habitat Management – Some Ideas

1. DEER HABITAT MANAGEMENT – DEER HABITAT MANAGEMENT – SOME IDEAS SOME IDEAS Certain states in the American South and Southeast are famed for their great herds of whitetail deer and other animals which are popular with hunters. Hunters that visit the region are well aware that in states such as Georgia, and in Alabama and Mississippi with their Black Belt, that fertile region where ample deer is found, and other states such as Virginia, they will be able to find some truly great hunting land and leases. But the best land for deer, or the healthiest herds, are never guaranteed. Landowners have to ensure they create the habitat and circumstances for these herds to roam and stay – to grow into healthy animals. It is fact that the free- range animal moves around and stays only when they have no reason to leave, in other words when they have enough water and food all year round, and good cover and shelter. To ensure these circumstances and conditions, landowners need to put in place certain processes and plans since that is the only way to make sure the animals do not leave your land. Good management of the habitat and the deer herd, for example, is a requirement for helping to improve and keep the quality of the animals you offer hunters. It is important to create and maintain a good balance: deer habitat and herd control/management. It makes sense that sub-standard habitat, i.e. not enough water and other natural resources such as forage and food plots, for example, will not create the ideal circumstances for wildlife such as deer to flourish. It is also true that too many buck, for example, will cause unhealthy competition for food and water among the animals which will lead to a disturbance in the balance between habitat and number of animals. This, therefore, means that the landowner has to find the perfect balance to create that harmony that is needed for the animals to remain on his land in order to thrive in the habitat that meets their requirements. To find this balance is not guaranteed. It requires specific habitat and deer management plans that can take years to come into effect. It also requires knowledge of those aspects that impact the balance referred to earlier. This knowledge is offered by specialist individuals such as wildlife biologists and other professionals. These professionals study the region, the topography, the availability or lack of the food that deer herds – or other animals – need to be healthy and thriving. They often have the expertise to offer advice with regard to food, food plots, natural resources that wildlife needs, and the ideal circumstances in terms of which hunting practices are allowed or preferably curbed to help restore habitat or herds. Senseless culling can never be good for a herd since good genes may

2. disappear, for example, and unethical hunting practices may contribute to negative perceptions of the hunting industry. The responsible landowner considers all of these and related issues as he/she understands that great hunting is not a given. They understand that hunters expect quality animals, which can only be guaranteed if the balance between good habitat and animal herds is perfect. Therefore they often employ the services of a wildlife biologist or experienced forester, or they approach a wildlife conservationist consultant to take care of these issues. The best among these consultants normally bring experience and great expertise to the table, and they are able to put in place those habitat and deer management plans which form the basis of quality animals – and therefore successful hunting. A good hunting experience is also reason enough to return to a lodge or piece of land in future, to refer others. The forward-thinking landowner understands this and will, therefore, make sure good plans are in place. These plans and processes are best managed by a good conservationist service. About Us About Us At Westervelt Wildlife we manage more than 600, 000 acres of hunting leases across a few states in the southeast of the United States in conjunction with our main activity, which is timber production. Our expertise allows us to manage our activities to incorporate good management capabilities with high quality wildlife practices and excellent hunting opportunities for the enthusiast. We have been known for many years for the hunting leases we offer and the wildlife services that we believe form the backbone of proper, responsible hunting activities. We are proud of our history and the ethical behavior we are known for in terms of the land and wildlife that we are responsible for. For more about us, please visit https://westerveltwildlife.com