Deer Exclusion Devices and Deterrent Techniques

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF VARIOUS DEER EXCLUSION DEVICES AND DETERRENT TECHNIQUES FOR USE AT AIRPORTS

3. Deer Behaviour

The scale of deer control problems varies with factors such as habitat suitability, food availability and the location of deer movement corridors. Deer problems may be continual or intermittent depending upon a combination of habitat, local deer population size, time of year, and other factors. Airports are often located in rural or semi-rural areas, surrounded by woods, agricultural fields, or early successional habitats. Airfields, planted with grasses and forbs, provide prime feeding locations for deer. Because hunting is not allowed on airports, deer are more likely to graze at considerable distances from security cover. Predators, such as coyotes, are often controlled on airports making airfields even more attractive to deer. From October to December the rutting season increases male deer movement and increases the likelihood of male deer using airfields to move in search of estrous female deer. Wildlife management programs to increase deer populations and hunting restrictions in semi-rural and suburban areas have often resulted in overabundant deer populations that have stripped habitats of easily accessed food and spurred deer to explore larger ranges and broader food sources, including airports. These factors contribute to deer use of airfields and increase the likelihood of deer interference with safe airport operations. This report reviews the existing methods of deer exclusion and evaluates the effectiveness of each method for use at airports.