Deer Use of a Right-of-Way in Central Pennsylvania, U.S.

Abstract

The purpose of the State Game Lands (SGL) 33 Research and Demonstration Area, since its inception in 1953, has been to compare the effectiveness of commonly used mechanical and herbicidal maintenance treatments on vegetation and wildlife on a right-of-way (ROW). White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginiana) use of the SGL 33 Research and Demonstration Area, Center County, Pennsylvania, U.S. was reported over 20 years ago. As part of a 2-year study before and just after maintenance of the SGL 33 ROW, I examined deer use of the ROW in 2006 to 2007. Deer can have a positive impact on a ROW by browsing on undesirable trees (those capable of growing tall) in wire and border zones of a ROW and providing aesthetic value to a ROW; however, deer can have a negative impact on adjacent forest health by feeding on herbaceous and woody vegetation. In this study, I determined relative use by deer of the ROW, which is maintained by the wire-border zone method and using integrated vegetative management. Deer use of the ROW in 2006 to 2007 was minimal, which I attribute primarily to the lack of grass cover type as a food resource.