Deer Herd Management

In certain areas of Vermont, excessively high populations of deer or moose cause serious browsing damage to young trees and other low forest vegetation. This damage can:

• Retard the growth of future wood products.

• Promote the establishment and spread of invasive plant species.

• Alter the species composition of forests, both now and in the future.

Beyond the ecological impact, high deer populations pose risks to human health and safety due to an increase in tick-borne diseases, with deer being one of the principal tick hosts.

The Vermont Woodlands Association urges the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife to limit excessive numbers of deer and moose in over-browsed areas to prevent negative impacts on the ecological function and integrity of Vermont’s forested natural communities.

Policy Approval:

Vermont Woodlands Association is a non-profit (501(c)(3)) association dedicated to the health and enhancement of the working forest in Vermont. Through education, outreach, and advocacy we are a Voice for Healthy Forests in the Green Mountain State.

Deer Herd Management was adopted by the Board of Directors on Friday August 19, 2011.