Managing deer populations extends well beyond the gardens of Palisades. White-tailed deer were hunted close to extinction by the end of the 1800s. Their numbers began to rebound during the later part of the 20th century because restrictive laws were enforced by game wardens to protect deer. Also, thousands of marginal farms had been abandoned, ideal for deer.

When a deer population reaches its “carrying capacity,” the maximum population of a biological species that can be sustained by a specific environment, plant life disappears, directly affecting wildlife and diminishing the biodiversity of the habitat. Invasive species take over. Reaching carrying capacity leads to an increase in human/deer interactions—car accidents, crop and property damage, Lyme disease transmission and more. Tom Rawinski, former botanist for the U.S. Forest Service, recently told the Times Union, “White-tail deer overpopulation is the greatest forest conservation challenge of our time.”

There are two categories of deer control: Lethal and Non-lethal. Deer hunting, as regulated by government agencies, can be conducted using a bow and arrow, a rifle or other approved weapons. It is an effective method of population control only when antlerless deer are targeted, but such efforts often face fierce public backlash.

There are several non-lethal approaches to deer population management. The Humane Society recommends an approach employing multiple tactics. Some include selecting deer-averse plants, use of repellents, physical barriers (fencing) and herd control (i.e., controlling reproductive output).

A variety of repellent products can minimize or eliminate damage. Commercial repellents create unpleasant tastes or odors, gastrointestinal discomfort or a sense of pain (hot pepper or peppermint). Some effective repellents contain a sulfurous odor (rotten eggs) believed to induce fear because deer associate it with rotten meat or a predator. New York Deer Control [NewYorkdeer control](https://www.deersolution.com/} can provide a customized plan for spraying non-toxic repellents on your property.

Wire mesh, corrugated plastic, chicken wire and netting can be used to deter deer. "Buck rubs" are the damaged areas created by bucks rubbing against trees to remove the velvet from their antlers.To prevent, wrap trees with products sold for that purpose or by place corrugated plastic sleeves around the trunks. You can drape mesh netting over low-growing plants or vegetables, but because birds might get caught in the netting, it’s better to use chicken wire or hardware cloth.

Birth control vaccines have been invented that will prevent a doe from having fawns for up to 3 years. These vaccines can be administered professionally by dart or by a shot and can be an alternative in suburban areas where hunting poses a safety issue.

The biodiversity of local forests is affected by many factors: acid rain, insects, disease, forest fragmentation, pollution, loss of soil fertility, invasive plant species, parasitic organisms, climate chaos and development as well as poor deer management.

We can all help address this reality through a comprehensive approach as recommended by the Humane Society. From planting deer resistant flowers to regular and thoughtful use of repellents, deer management can benefit both our forests and the people who love the natural landscape that surrounds us.