Which method is recommended for controlling deer populations?

The recommended method for controlling deer populations is exclusion. This approach involves using physical barriers, such as fencing or planting certain types of plants, to keep deer away from specific areas, particularly in gardens, agricultural crops, or landscapes where damage may occur. Exclusion is effective because it directly prevents deer from accessing resources they might otherwise overbrowse.

In addition to being a non-lethal method, exclusion is typically more sustainable in the long term, as it focuses on creating an environment that is less attractive or accessible to deer rather than attempting to reduce their numbers temporarily. With effective exclusion techniques, land managers can mitigate deer-related impacts without the potential ethical concerns or ecological consequences associated with other methods.

While hunting and relocation are alternative strategies employed in some scenarios, they can be less reliable and may not provide the same level of long-term control as exclusion does. Breeding interventions are generally not applicable or practical for managing wild deer populations effectively.