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High deer numbers are changing the composition of forests. Plants that deer prefer (e.g., cedar, <br />white pine, aspen, and dogwoods) are being eaten so much that they can no longer grow to <br />maturity--thus, deer reduce the diversity of plants in the forest, which in turn affects other forest <br />animals. <br />Buck rubbings in the fall can also injure trees. In August, male deer will rub their antlers against <br />the bark of a tree to get rid of the dead velvet. This can scrape the bark off of the tree which <br />interrupts the tree's transfer of nutrients to the leaves (Gaston, Columbia, Martin, & Sharpe, <br />2002). <br />�t�let' �]Jt10I1S fOY COIliP011lilg �eeC PO]JUIat10I1S (Hu��ti�ig and shavpshooting are the main option�s) <br />Relocation <br />Relocating deer is costly, impractical, and ineffective. Relocation is also very stressful to deer, <br />and high mortality rates are associated with relocation. The spread of deer diseases is another <br />concern. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does not allow this technique. <br />Co n tra ce p ti ves/Ste �i l i z a ti o n <br />While effective for the individual deer, contraceptives are not an efficient means of overall deer <br />population control because they must be applied to nearly every female in the herd. A booster <br />would also have to be applied annually. This process is estimated to cost $800-$1000 per doe, <br />with $200-$300 per year maintenance. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does <br />not allow this technique. <br />Introducing Predators <br />Reintroducing predators would not be feasible in an urban setting for three reasons: <br />❖ There is no suitable habitat for deer predators. <br />❖ There is a potential for these predators to kill non-deer targets. <br />❖ Close proximity to humans would negatively impact public safety. <br />O�ii���s f�r ftepelling I�Deer fi-�rn i'�a�rr Ff�ape�-�j' <br />❖ Organic repellents are marketed across the country, with anecdotal evidence to their <br />efficacy: compounds using garlic, rotten eggs, blood-meal, and capsaicin (the heat in hot <br />peppers) appear to be the most effective. <br />❖ Adequate fences around property or vegetation. <br />❖ Presence of "predatory" animals: e.g., dogs. <br />14�F�a�U <br />