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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Double-Crested Cormorant And Ring-Billed Gull Damage Management On Lake Champlain: Are Basin-Wide Objectives Achievable?, Richard Chipman, Dennis Slate, Larry Garland, David Capen Oct 1997

Double-Crested Cormorant And Ring-Billed Gull Damage Management On Lake Champlain: Are Basin-Wide Objectives Achievable?, Richard Chipman, Dennis Slate, Larry Garland, David Capen

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Ring-billed gulls (Larus delewarensis) and double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorx auritus) have nested on Lake Champlain since 1949 and 1982, respectively. Recent increases in cormorant nesting populations and pioneering activities of both species to previously uncolonized islands have resulted in impacts related to accumulation of bird guano and interspecific competition with less common species. Of primary concern are: decreases in wildlife and plant diversity on islands; reduced aesthetics and property values of island associated with the loss of trees; and predation or competition for nesting space with other species such as the state-endangered common tern (Sterna hirundo …


Private Nuisance Wildlife Control: Is There A Future In Kansas?, Charles Lee, Philip Gipson, Lucas Koch Oct 1997

Private Nuisance Wildlife Control: Is There A Future In Kansas?, Charles Lee, Philip Gipson, Lucas Koch

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The private industry involvement in nuisance animal damage control is increasing in Kansas. Improved oversight of that industry is needed and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) plans to implement a mandatory education and certification program beginning in 1998. KDWP currently issues permits to individuals who wish to trap or control nuisance animals outside of normal harvest seasons. Individuals who have held these permits to conduct nuisance animal damage control were surveyed in 1995 to better understand the status and needs of that industry in Kansas. A 3-page mail survey was sent to all 93 permit holders. Raccoons …


Wildlife Damage To Agricultural Crops In Pennsylvania: The Farmers' Perspective, Margaret C. Brittingham, Walter M. Tzilkowski, James M. Zeidler, Matthew J. Lovallo Oct 1997

Wildlife Damage To Agricultural Crops In Pennsylvania: The Farmers' Perspective, Margaret C. Brittingham, Walter M. Tzilkowski, James M. Zeidler, Matthew J. Lovallo

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Agricultural damage by wildlife is a major concern for both agricultural and wildlife agencies at the state and federal level. Our objective was to estimate wildlife damage to agricultural crops on a statewide basis. We sent questionnaires to 4,958 farmers and 1,003 were returned after 2 mailings. Twenty-five percent of farmers responding to our survey rated the level of wildlife damage to their crops as severe or very severe, 46% as moderate, and 29% had none or very little. Mean levels of crop loss to wildlife ranged from 6% for wheat to 10% for corn grain, and white-tailed deer ( …


Enhancement Of Deer Repellent Efficacy With Visual Cues, Milo E. Richmond, James J. Messina Oct 1997

Enhancement Of Deer Repellent Efficacy With Visual Cues, Milo E. Richmond, James J. Messina

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Previous research on deer repellents by the authors suggests that visual cues (warnings) coupled with application of an effective repellent may enhance the protection afforded by the repellent. We report the results of 2 separate experiments designed to evaluate and partition the effects of such visual cues in practical applications of 3 candidate repellents. In the first experiment, we established 1-ha plots in late succession old fields in Warren County, New Jersey. Plots were treated with bobcat urine, Deer Stopper®, water, and no treatment. Treatment application was made to 5-cm strips of cotton cloth attached to ¼-in cotton rope that …


Attempted Relocation Of A Ring-Billed Gull Roost At Washington National Airport, Jessica Dewey, Martin Lowney Oct 1997

Attempted Relocation Of A Ring-Billed Gull Roost At Washington National Airport, Jessica Dewey, Martin Lowney

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Gulls, particularly ring-billed gulls [Larus delawarensis], have been identified as a threat to aircraft operations at Washington National Airport (now Ronald Reagan National Airport) in northern Virginia. Through bird surveys conducted in 1992, 1993, and 1997, an estimated 7,000 gulls were observed roosting during winter on the Potomac River near the airport. A harassment program was run on 5 consecutive evenings, 24-28 February 1997, to relocate the roosting gulls. Six to 8 people shot pyrotechnics from shore and 2 boats for 2 hours prior to dusk each evening. Each evening the gulls arrived consistently later than the prior …


Characteristics Of Gray Squirrel Release Sites Selected By Kentucky Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators, Sara Steen-Ash, Thomas G. Barnes, Jeff T. Hutchinson, Jeffery L. Larkin, Brian E. Washburn, Jason L. Weese, Henry F. Yacek Jr. Oct 1997

Characteristics Of Gray Squirrel Release Sites Selected By Kentucky Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators, Sara Steen-Ash, Thomas G. Barnes, Jeff T. Hutchinson, Jeffery L. Larkin, Brian E. Washburn, Jason L. Weese, Henry F. Yacek Jr.

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A telephone survey of Kentucky nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs) (n=66) was conducted in April of 1997 to assess their knowledge and practices regarding nuisance gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) release-site habitat. Thirty-three percent of NWCOs (n=22) trapped and relocated >1 nuisance gray squirrel in the previous year and these individuals/companies were selected for the survey. NWCOs trap and release >1,700 squirrels annually in Kentucky. Sampled release sites varied in size from 18 to 5,200 acres, and >70% were classified as poor to marginal habitat. Three of the release sites sampled provided adequate to optimum gray squirrel habitat. Actual …


Historical Forces Shaping Americans' Perceptions Of Wildlife And Human-Wildlife Conflicts, Michael R. Conover, Denise O. Conover Oct 1997

Historical Forces Shaping Americans' Perceptions Of Wildlife And Human-Wildlife Conflicts, Michael R. Conover, Denise O. Conover

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

From colonial times until the 19th century, the dominant American view of wildlife and its management was dualistic—wildlife species were divided into good animals (those which had commercial value or could be eaten) or bad animals (those which threatened the colonists’ safety or food supply). Philosophically, early colonial Americans believed that the environment was to be manipulated for man’s purposes. Under the impact of modernization, Darwinian influence, over-exploitation of resources, and environmentally-conscious professionals, Americans in the late 19th century began to appreciate the recreational value of wildlife and to develop a more protective attitude toward it. Still the dichotomy between …


Do You Have Your Skates On?, Gary J. San Julian Oct 1997

Do You Have Your Skates On?, Gary J. San Julian

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

It is an honor to keynote this conference as we think about our profession in the next century. Jim asked me to predict what the future of wildlife damage management might look like in the year 2020. I explained to him that I have not been actively engaged in doing wildlife damage work for almost 9 years and I had been in an administrative role. Jim knew that I am going back to a faculty position in the next several months. He thought it was great for a person coming out of retirement to predict the future.


The Mass Media And Stakeholders' Beliefs About Suburban Wildlife, Cynthia A. Loker, James Shanahan, Daniel J. Decker Oct 1997

The Mass Media And Stakeholders' Beliefs About Suburban Wildlife, Cynthia A. Loker, James Shanahan, Daniel J. Decker

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

This study examines how suburban audiences obtain information about 3 species in New York State (whitetail deer [Odocoileus virginianus], beaver [Castor canadensis], and Canada goose [Branta canadensis]). Respondents in 3 suburban areas were surveyed on concerns and interests about a particular species in their area. Respondents also were surveyed about preferred sources for species information and actual source use. Finally, respondents were surveyed about general media use. “Uses-and-gratifications” theory was used to characterize respondents’ information behavior for species information. Specific recommendations for communication planning are offered.


Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic: Implications For Predator Management, Johnny Stowe Oct 1997

Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic: Implications For Predator Management, Johnny Stowe

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The golden rule of Aldo Leopold’s land ethic clearly supports active management of predators that harm populations of rare animal species. In the early part of his career, while working as a forester in the American Southwest, Leopold advocated exterminating large predators like gray wolves (Canis lupus lupus) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) from the region, but he later changed his mind when he realized that native predators help maintain ecosystem integrity. Philosophically, Leopold’s changing views on predators exemplifies John Dewey’s customary and reflective morality. But Leopold’s dramatic narrative in A Sand County Almanac about …


Vertebrate Damage Management: The Future Of An Evolving Profession, Robert H. Giles Jr. Oct 1997

Vertebrate Damage Management: The Future Of An Evolving Profession, Robert H. Giles Jr.

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The author argues that an objective of a new group of people taking a systems approach to large wild animal problems should be to manage damage as a cost-reducing role within a total, profitable, long-term system, not necessarily to control the "pest." The needs are for well-grounded financial analyses both for customers, the public, the resources, and the well-being of the profession. A point of view is advanced for the need for evolving pest-related operations into a new, unique profession that is involved in a profound way as an element of a cost-effective total land and human resource production system.


Development Of The Virginia Cooperative Coyote Control Program To Protect Livestock, Martin Lowney, John Houben, Phil Eggborn Oct 1997

Development Of The Virginia Cooperative Coyote Control Program To Protect Livestock, Martin Lowney, John Houben, Phil Eggborn

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The Virginia Cooperative Coyote Control Program was created in 1990 to address increasing livestock losses to coyotes and the inability of producers to solve such problems themselves. The eastern coyote arrived in Virginia in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Lobbying efforts of agricultural groups, such as the Virginia Sheep Federation, helped create a cost-share program administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services (USDA-APHIS-WS). The objective of the program was to educate producers about control methods and to alleviate damage by removing offending coyotes where …


Wildlife-Caused Losses For Catfish Producers In 1996, Alice P. Wywialowski Oct 1997

Wildlife-Caused Losses For Catfish Producers In 1996, Alice P. Wywialowski

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In January 1997, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) surveyed catfish producers about wildlife-caused losses in 1996, Of the 1,465 catfish producers in 15 states surveyed, 1,008 (68.8%) agreed to complete the survey. Surveys were conducted primarily by telephone, but some producers received mail surveys. The response rated varied among states. The majority of catfish producers were in Mississippi (n=-300), followed by Alabama (n=163), and then Arkansas (n=117). The remaining states each had < 100 respondents. Data were analyzed for 6 regions, each with a sample size of > 100 respondents. Overall, 69% of catfish producers cited a wildlife-caused loss of catfish. Producers cited losses to wildlife most frequently in Mississippi (81%), followed by states adjoining …


Nesting Populations Of Double-Crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, And Great Egrets In The United States And Canada: Implications For Management, Jerrold L. Belant, Laura A. Tyson Oct 1997

Nesting Populations Of Double-Crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, And Great Egrets In The United States And Canada: Implications For Management, Jerrold L. Belant, Laura A. Tyson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Populations of piscivorous birds in North America are receiving increasing attention in the southeast United States because of depredations at aquaculture facilities. We obtained recent (most since 1994) estimates for the number of nesting double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), great blue herons (Ardea herodias), and great egrets (Casmerodius albus) in the United States (US) and Canada from published references and by conducting telephone interviews with state and provincial biologists. Using previously-published data, we also determined annual rates of change in the number of cormorants since about 1990. Estimates for minimum numbers of nesting pairs (minimum …


Development Of A Double-Crested Cormorant Damage Management Plan For The Southeastern United States, Keith J. Andrews, Pete Poulos, Charles Bo Sloan, Jerrold L. Belant, Paige G. Ross, Paul Debow Oct 1997

Development Of A Double-Crested Cormorant Damage Management Plan For The Southeastern United States, Keith J. Andrews, Pete Poulos, Charles Bo Sloan, Jerrold L. Belant, Paige G. Ross, Paul Debow

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In response to needs within the aquaculture industry to alleviate increasing depredation by double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, in conjunction with Federal, State, and Canadian wildlife and fisheries agencies, the aquaculture industry, and other wildlife professionals, is developing the framework for a comprehensive cormorant damage management program that uses an integrated wildlife damage management approach. This cooperative effort will produce a meaningful, mutually beneficial program that will reduce the effects of cormorants on aquaculture and sport and commercial fisheries, improve understanding of cormorant biology, and avert …


Electric Fencing Reduces Heron Predation At Northeastern Trout Hatcheries, Mark E. Tobin, James F. Glahn, Erica S. Rasmussen Oct 1997

Electric Fencing Reduces Heron Predation At Northeastern Trout Hatcheries, Mark E. Tobin, James F. Glahn, Erica S. Rasmussen

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Great blue herons (Ardea herodius) are the most common avian predator at commercial trout hatcheries in the northeastern United States. We evaluated a 2-strand electric fence for excluding this species from raceways at 2 commercial trout hatcheries in central Pennsylvania. Fences consisted of high density polyethylene 400-lb strength tape supported by fiberglass posts and energized by either a battery-powered or a solar-powered fence charger. Labor and material for constructing the fences at the 2 sites averaged $1.32/m of raceway. Bird visitation at the 2 sites initially declined, but returned to pre-installation levels. However, bird use of raceways declined …


What Do Driver’S Education Manuals Contain Relative To Wildlife And Animal Dangers On Roads?, A. L. Robinson, P. F. Scanlon, J. A. Parkhurst Oct 1997

What Do Driver’S Education Manuals Contain Relative To Wildlife And Animal Dangers On Roads?, A. L. Robinson, P. F. Scanlon, J. A. Parkhurst

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Most states in the U.S. provide driver’s education manuals (DEMs) as instructional material for instruction of novice drivers. U.S. territories and other countries also provide DEMs. DEMs were requested from U.S. states and territories and acquired from a number of foreign sources. Content was examined relative to animals and safe driving. Of the 42 U.S. DEMs reviewed, 20 had specific advice about coping with animals on the road, 25 used signs involving animals as illustrations, 6 dealt specifically with deer, and 14 referred to farm animals (i.e., horseback riders, animal drawn vehicles, range animals). The Ontario, Canada, and Victoria, Australia, …


Deer Damage Incurred By Homeowners During 1995 In Virginia, Ben C. West, James A. Parkhurst Oct 1997

Deer Damage Incurred By Homeowners During 1995 In Virginia, Ben C. West, James A. Parkhurst

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Damage caused by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a problem for some homeowners in Virginia. As part of a broader effort to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of agricultural producers and homeowners toward deer damage in Virginia, a mail questionnaire was developed and implemented during the fall of 1996. The survey yielded 732 useable responses and, of those, 261 individuals indicated they were homeowners and grew at least one planting during 1995. Many homeowners (36%) indicated that deer caused damage to at least one of their plantings during 1995. Of those who had experienced damage, most (61%, n=57) …


Potential Demand For Programs On Nuisance Wildlife Among Wildlife-Related Program Offerings To Urban/Suburban Organizations, S. M. Leslie, P. F. Scanlon, O. T. Clarke Oct 1997

Potential Demand For Programs On Nuisance Wildlife Among Wildlife-Related Program Offerings To Urban/Suburban Organizations, S. M. Leslie, P. F. Scanlon, O. T. Clarke

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Program planners of 114 organizations in the Roanoke Valley area of Virginia responded to the likelihood of their scheduling programs on wildlife-related topics. Among the topics offered was “Controlling Wildlife Pests and/or Their Damage.” Responses were organized by type of organization (civic club, neighborhood organization, educational/PTA organization, environmental/hobby organization, garden/plant club) and whether they were “highly likely” (HL), “somewhat likely” (SL), “not likely” (NL), or “not sure” (NS) they would schedule such a program. Results on likelihood of scheduling were as follows: 31 civic clubs (1 HL, 4 SL, 33NL, 4 NS); 26 neighborhood organizations (5 HL, 7 SL, 5 …


Repellency Of Methyl Anthranilate To Captive Great Egrets, Michael L. Avery, John S. Humphrey, David G. Decker Oct 1997

Repellency Of Methyl Anthranilate To Captive Great Egrets, Michael L. Avery, John S. Humphrey, David G. Decker

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Because effective deterrents are hard to find, it has been suggested that methyl anthranilate (MA) be applied to the surface of fish ponds to discourage bird predation. We conducted two short-term evaluations of a formulation for this use, ReJeX-iT TP-40. First, we assessed the response of tropical fish to TP-40 applications in small wading pools. After 15 minutes, all fish virtually were motionless at or near the bottom of the pool. Fish in the control pools actively swam and most were within 3 cm of the surface of the pool. No mortality occurred, and fish activity returned to almost normal …


Conference Summary: What Have We Learned?--Where Do We Go From Here?, James E. Miller Oct 1997

Conference Summary: What Have We Learned?--Where Do We Go From Here?, James E. Miller

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Since I am charged with providing some closing comments this morning, let me begin by having those of you who are still with us to join me in providing a round of applause to Jim Parkhurst, Phil Eggborn, and Martin Lowney, the Conference Planning Committee, and to those on the Conference Program Committee; to the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, session moderators; and to all of you as participants who helped make this 8th Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference so successful. And, as most of you know who have ever planned and conducted such a conference, there are always a number of …


Cost Comparisons For White-Tailed Deer Live Capture Techniques, Robert L. Pooler, Paul D. Curtis, Milo E. Richmond Oct 1997

Cost Comparisons For White-Tailed Deer Live Capture Techniques, Robert L. Pooler, Paul D. Curtis, Milo E. Richmond

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

During March 13 - July 16, 1996, we captured 75 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) using dart guns, rocket nets, and Clover traps on the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, New York. We compared the labor and cost efficiency of these trapping techniques and reported on mortalities. Darting from a vehicle ($196/deer), and rocket-netting ($172/deer) were similar in time and cost efficiency. Darting from a blind was more costly ($358/deer) due to minimal time devoted to the technique and a high initial material investment. Clover traps were relatively inefficient (15.2 hours/deer) and costly ($895/deer), primarily due to a lack …


Efficacy Of Deer StopperTm Repellent For Reducing White-Tailed Deer Damage To Ornamental Plantings, James B. Armstrong, M. Keith Causey, John T. Owen Oct 1997

Efficacy Of Deer StopperTm Repellent For Reducing White-Tailed Deer Damage To Ornamental Plantings, James B. Armstrong, M. Keith Causey, John T. Owen

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A 2-year study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of Deer StopperTM repellent for reducing white-tailed deer damage to ornamental plantings. Efficacy testing was conducted on a captive deer herd at Auburn University’s White-tailed Deer Research Facility and the Stimpson Wildlife Sanctuary, Jackson, AL. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata), a highly preferred browse species in this area, was used as the test plant at all study sites. Plants were arranged randomly between treatment and control. Treatment plants were sprayed with prescribed applications of Deer StopperTM and percent defoliation and browsing estimated for each plant. Repeated measures analysis …


Development Of An Integrated Canada Goose Management Program In Virginia, Martin Lowney, Phil Eggborn, Gary Costanzo, Don Patterson Oct 1997

Development Of An Integrated Canada Goose Management Program In Virginia, Martin Lowney, Phil Eggborn, Gary Costanzo, Don Patterson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Wildlife managers in the State of Virginia developed an integrated Canada goose (Branta canadensis) damage management program in 1996 to address increasing damage caused by resident (non-migratory) Canada geese, primarily in urban/suburban areas. The previous Canada goose damage management program relied primarily on harassment and relocation. The integrated program was made available to citizens, homeowner associations, businesses, organizations, city and county governments, and state and federal agencies in 1997. The Integrated Canada Goose Management Program was developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Department of …


Controlling Great-Tailed Grackle Damage To Citrus In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, James F. Glahn, Jose D. Palacious, Melvin V. Garrison Oct 1997

Controlling Great-Tailed Grackle Damage To Citrus In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, James F. Glahn, Jose D. Palacious, Melvin V. Garrison

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) damage to citrus is a serious concern to producers in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Damage caused by grackles pecking fruit is initiated by breeding colonies in the spring on immature fruit and extends through the fall and winter on ripening fruit. The most significant damage occurs during the post-breeding period of July through September when neither the currently registered DRC-1339-treated dog food bait nor frightening strategies are effective. Observations by Texas Wildlife Services personnel suggested that watermelon was highly attractive to grackles during the period when dog food baits are poorly …


Bird Abundance At Accomack County Southern Landfill, Melfa, Virginia, In Relation To Various Management Activities, Laura Francoeur, Martin Lowney Oct 1997

Bird Abundance At Accomack County Southern Landfill, Melfa, Virginia, In Relation To Various Management Activities, Laura Francoeur, Martin Lowney

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Birds, especially gulls (Larus spp.), are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to airports, birds can pose a threat to aircraft safety. We conducted a 1-year ecological study to address concerns of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Accomack County, Virginia, officials over potential wildlife hazards caused by the Accomack County Southern Landfill. During 48 surveys conducted from December 1995 to December 1996, we observed 112,693 birds at the landfill (x̄=503). Nine species represented 97% of all observations. Bird numbers varied during the year, increasing during winter and declining during summer. Bird abundance appeared unaffected by …


The Press And Citizen Participation: A Content Analysis, Lisa Pelstring, James Shanahan, Ben Perry Oct 1997

The Press And Citizen Participation: A Content Analysis, Lisa Pelstring, James Shanahan, Ben Perry

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

We conducted a content analysis of regional New York State newspapers to assess media coverage of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) deer management program. The goal of this analysis was to ascertain media depiction of DEC’s deer management program during the 1985-97 time period. Specifically, this research examines how deer management issues were portrayed both prior to and after implementation of a DEC public participation program (the Citizen Task Force [CTF] process) to determine if deer management issues received more favorable coverage after CTFs were implemented.


Conservation Of A Dinosaur In Modern Times: South Carolina’S Alligator Management Program, Walter E. Rhodes Oct 1997

Conservation Of A Dinosaur In Modern Times: South Carolina’S Alligator Management Program, Walter E. Rhodes

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) conservation is necessary given the animal's role in wetland ecosystems and its economic value. Although the alligator appears to be no longer threatened with extinction, the reptile’s perceived reputation and a burgeoning human population combine to create a management paradox. Alligator management in South Carolina consists of a Nuisance Control Program, a Private Lands Harvest Program, and public education. Annually, over 750 alligator complaints are received by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and harvest averages about 250 animals. To address alligator/human interaction in rural habitats, a harvest on private lands was …


An Evaluation Of Farmer Applications Of Deer Damage Controls, Peter A. Fritzell Jr., Glenn Dudderar, R. Ben Peyton Oct 1997

An Evaluation Of Farmer Applications Of Deer Damage Controls, Peter A. Fritzell Jr., Glenn Dudderar, R. Ben Peyton

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Damage to agricultural crops caused by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) continues to be a significant concern of farmers in Michigan and elsewhere in the United States. Policy changes that promise to reduce deer numbers may be long in coming, but better application of available damage control techniques may be an immediate alternative for farmers awaiting relief. Conversations with farmers, extension agents, and wildlife professionals suggest that some damage control techniques are underutilized by Michigan farmers, whereas other techniques are applied with little success despite promising field trials. We investigated producers’ practices to identify common weaknesses in how deer …


The Use Of Gis To Delineate Potential Urban Deer Habitat, David M. Kocka, Frederick M. Garst Oct 1997

The Use Of Gis To Delineate Potential Urban Deer Habitat, David M. Kocka, Frederick M. Garst

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Overabundant deer herds in urban environments often require new and creative approaches to properly evaluate the situation and gain support for population management. To determine potential white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) habitat for the Harrisonburg, Virginia, Deer Task Force, a geographic information systems (GIS) map was created that reflected current land use in the city. Data were compiled using 2m resolution Digital Ortho Quarter Quads. Using this backdrop, land use zones were digitized on-screen. Wooded (13%), Agricultural (20%), and Open Areas (14%) land use types accounted for nearly half the city's land area and represent a conservative estimate of …