ORIGINAL: yeoman
Is it possible that by holding deer numbers up on my property, they'll destroy the understory of natural vegetation? Thoughts?
Actually, YES. Just the fact you have such an awareness putsyouway ahead of99.99% of the food plotter/hunting land owners out there.
Think sustainable deer populations. First identify all the native flora that exists on your land. Then with research and observation, figure out what is missing, and what is non-native and does not belong there.
Land management is a 4 pronged effort. 1) remove non-native invasive species of plants andanimals 2) replant various native plant species to increase plant biodiversity. 3)Do the food plots, a mix of annual and perennial forage. 4) reduce the deer population as required to insure sustainable biodiversity of native flora.
How do your neighbors feel about deer browsing the landscaping, native flora, sustainable natural habitat rich and diverse in plants and animals?