Though some of ya'll might find this interesting.

June 30, 2006
Supplemental Deer Feeding Can Reduce Rangeland Quality
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575,paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Susan Cooper, 830-278-9151,s-cooper@tamu.edu


(conclusion)....."However, evidence of browsing on the seedlings showed all the deer in the study concentrated their foraging around sites where supplemental feed was available. This was true even when there was ample green forage material throughout their habitat.

"This means there is the potential for over-browsing of palatable plants near feeders and the failure of seedlings to establish," Cooper said. "That may lead to zones of forage depletion around the feeders. So we must caution against long-term supplemental feeding in fixed locations because of the potential for range degradation."

Landowners who provide supplemental feed to deer should observe the level of browsing on favored plants near feeders, Cooper said. If heavy use is noticed, feeder locations should be altered periodically to avoid possible forage degradation near them. "

Full Article


Phish-TX

Looks interesting, but my machine won't pull up the full article. One question, was this study done on a low fence free range property, or on a high fence property, with possibly a high deer population for the size of the study area?

Maybe it will work this way,

http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/WFSC/Jun3006a.htm

It doesn't say if it is high fenced. Just references the Harris Ranch in Uvalde.

Phish-TX

Phish-TX

My computer wont pull it up either. But I just have to throw in my 2 cents here. We have land that has been family owend and hunted for as long as I can remember. I'm 38 by the way. I've seen feeders work a local for 5 ,6 , 7 , 8 years..before being replaced or moved. True enough the area around the feeders were well trimmed but once the feeder was moved or gone .. I look back now and bet you could never tell where some of the old feeders once been.But the wild game trails are still there.

I think for the time the feeders there , Yes there will be a depleation in the area foliage . but once gone...nature will take care of its self.
I have land in hondo that I got cheap.15 years ago they stripped it for ceder. 10 acres .. not a tree in sight..Come 2006 I have 25 to 35 foot high oaks and ceder all over the place. beautiful clearings here and there, tall grass in every clearing.

so I guess in short is that I dont belive the damage is long term. JMO

well DUH!!!! Where the deer spend more time there will be more eaten!!! Maybe I need some research funds to find out if there is more deer droppings in the same area!

What needs to be pointed out is that suplemental feeding DECREASES foraging pressure as a whole - even if it intensifies near the feed stations. Also, foraging will be heavier near what ever the choice food source is at the time be it corn, protein pellets, food plots, or a natural stand of something they are crazy about like bundleflower or acorns. So on a well managed ranch it is a non issue, because the pressure is spread out. On the contrary, in a poor habitat, where the deer really need the supplement, the effect described in the study would be magnified.