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Forest Reopens After Deer Herd Reduction
This article was originally published in the 2009 Annual Report
ON DECEMBER 18, the second Duke Forest Deer Herd Reduction Program drew to a close, marking an end to another successful season. The program began on September 14, and aimed to reduce the white-tailed deer populations in the Durham, Korstian, Blackwood and Eno Divisions of the Forest. For the duration of the program, these Divisions were closed to recreation Monday through Friday.
Deer herd reduction efforts in the Forest began in 2008 in conjunction with North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program after several years of monitoring and documenting the overpopulation problem. Years of population growth without predators has led to changes in the ecosystem, including reduction of the herbaceous plant layer.
Based on population counts and data from last year’s season, WRC biologists set the 2009 target at about 100 deer. Over four months of this program, the hunters logged just over 1,900 hours and harvested 86 deer. This was a slight increase from the first season, in which 75 deer were taken. With a total two-year reduction of 161 deer, predominately does, staff is expecting progress toward a lower, more sustainable population.
Researchers from North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Public Health Pest Management Section also collected ticks over the past year, both from the Forest and from the harvested deer. While the majority of ticks were typical of this area, a number were identified as Ixodes species, which are carriers of Lyme Disease. A lower deer population will help lower the Ixodes population.
Over the next few months, staff will conduct nighttime spotlight surveys to count deer in the Forest, with permission from WRC. The surveys will allow staff to estimate the current population size, and help determine what management strategies should be employed in the future. Once the population appears to have stabilized, reduction efforts can be scaled back. Indications suggest, however, that some level of deer herd management, hunting or otherwise, will be needed every year.
Since the end of the program, all Divisions of the Duke Forest have reopened for recreation, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset.
The Office of the Duke Forest would like to thank the public for their comments, suggestions and support during this program.
