One of our brothers recently sent me an article regarding feeding the deer in Maine with the suggestion it might be pertinent to Grangers. We are definitely about stewardship so I’d have to agree–some objective information on the topic does seem in order! What’s in the best interest of the deer?
Interestingly, the article he sent was from a SWOAM (Small Woodlot Owners’ Association of Maine) newsletter. As a member, I can vouch for this organization… I’m not a major landowner, but I’ve used the resources of SWOAM on many occasions to help me make decisions about my land. One of the points of the article was landowners should consider managing their woodlands to improve deer habitat–a logical alternative method for attracting deer.
When I researched the recommended article to secure reprint permission I found that it was actually based on an indepth article by the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife–if you click that link you’ll be taken straight to the original article. There’s some great information and maybe a few suprises.
The point of the article (and this post) is not to attempt to convince people to feed or not feed deer, although the potential negative consequences are of course documented and worthy of consideration. For example, if you are going to feed, locating the area away from roads is just good practice. You might also be surprised at some of the things that you absolutely should NOT feed. And thanks to my inate curiousity and Google searches, I now know how to build a deer feeder out of PVC pipe!
You decide whether or not to feed and how! But make sure it’s an informed choice!
