This is in response to the Mentone reader's comments concerning deer population and the loss of landscaping and crops.
She commented that the farmers have been feeding the deer population for years, and have never received any monetary compensation nor thanks. She goes on to claim "non-management" of the deer population by the state has caused the number to escalate.
While it is true that Indiana's deer population is much higher now than it was 40 years ago, the belief that Indiana's DNR does not do anything toward management is not true. The DNR collects data every year after deer hunting seasons close to keep track of the population. Meetings are held not only within the DNR, but with hunters throughout the state to obtain suggestions for future control.
The DNR then sets bag limits for each county, issuing "bonus" deer harvest permits to hunters to help keep the herds in check. For each excess doe that is harvested, you potentially reduce next years numbers by three being that a mature doe will generally produce two offspring the following year. Urban "zone" hunts are also being allowed by the state to further reduce deer population. Contraceptives have been considered, but is not a feasible solution. The cost, time, and man hours would be astronomical.
Hunting is the most effective, and cost-efficient method of controlling deer population, period.
If a farmer has crop damage attributed to deer, they should contact the DNR for verification, and damage estimate. At that time the property owner can ask for approval of "special" issued permits, allowing additional deer to be harvested based on the amount of crop damage received. These permits are then used by the property owner, or given to someone who has permission to hunt the property.
That's the only way the DNR has available to aide the farmer or urban residents against crop or property loss. You, as a property owner, could limit your loss by allowing responsible hunters to harvest them for you. Most deer hunters respect a landowners property, and take great care and pride not to deface it in any manor. They are also willing to share their harvest. Unfortunately, hunters who trespass with out permission are the ones that spoil it for every one.
So, Mr. or Mrs. Farmer, if you have excess deer on your property and receive crop loss, please reconsider allowing a hunter the opportunity to help. Be receptive to someone who is nice enough to stop and ask for permission to hunt. Be willing to give them a set of rules to abide by while hunting. I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed. You will make a lifelong friend in doing so and will learn of potential problems associated with your farm that you may not know about. Hunters often see things that the landowner doesn't. Trespassers, additional crop damage, fences down, livestock either ill or running loose, etc.
All of this, and it doesn't cost a dime.
If you decide to allow hunter assistance, contact me. I'd be tickled to death to help you, and have references as well. I am in the phone book.
