SHOULD FEEDING DEER BE LEGAL?

The Great Deer Debate:

To Feed or Not to Feed

Deer are the very definition of graceful. Their elegance and gentle demeanor, often evoke feelings of admiration and compassion among people. Yet, this affinity has frequently sparked contention regarding the ethics and consequences of feeding them.

The Case for Feeding Deer:

Advocates of feeding deer argue that it provides support wildlife in their struggle for survival. They contend that supplemental feeding during harsh winters or periods of habitat degradation can alleviate hunger and prevent starvation among deer populations. Proponents also suggest that feeding stations provide opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe and connect with these animals, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature. This has been shown in the case of a popular feeding location turned live streaming channel called, “The Deer Pantry” in Brownsville, Maine. A Maine Family created a non-profit organization for “Helping sustain the deer herd through the winter. Doing our part to restore herd numbers in our area.” As is described on their Facebook page, with some 57,000 followers and over 127,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel, demonstrating how massive the support is for such an effort accompanied with the love for watching deer behavior when left to their own devices.

Furthermore, some proponents believe that feeding deer can aid in population management by concentrating deer in specific areas, making them easier to monitor and manage for diseases such as chronic wasting disease (CWD). Additionally, they argue that providing supplementary food can deter deer from foraging on crops or entering urban areas, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

The Case Against Feeding Deer:

On the opposing side, critics of feeding deer raise concerns about the unintended consequences of human intervention in natural ecosystems. They argue that artificial feeding disrupts natural foraging behaviors and can lead to dependence on handouts, making deer more susceptible to starvation when supplemental food sources are unavailable. Moreover, congregating deer at feeding sites can facilitate the spread of diseases, such as CWD, by bringing animals into close proximity.

Opponents caution against the potential ecological impacts of deer feeding, including habitat degradation, altered nutrient cycling, and increased competition among wildlife species. They argue that artificially sustaining deer populations may exacerbate overgrazing and lead to imbalances within ecosystems, negatively affecting plant communities and other wildlife species. As well as altering the natural migratory patterns and wintering areas that these animals would travel in.

Finding a Middle Ground:

Amidst the polarized debate, which quite opens leads to fiery debate on social media, many wildlife experts advocate for a middle-ground approach that balances the welfare of deer with the ecological integrity of their habitats. They emphasize the importance of implementing responsible feeding practices, such as using appropriate feed types, limiting feeding to periods of extreme need, and dispersing feeding stations to reduce competition and disease transmission.

Proponents of a holistic approach to deer management emphasize the importance of addressing underlying issues such as habitat loss, fragmentation, and overpopulation. By restoring and preserving natural habitats and implementing sustainable wildlife management strategies, it may be possible to mitigate the need for supplemental feeding while promoting the long-term health and resilience of deer populations and their ecosystems.

OUR TAKE:

In our own perspective at Mountain Deer we are always in favor of “doing right by the wildlife.” In short, taking the approach of what allows the animals and habitat to flourish without the direct support of human intervention. To stand on their own accord and have them interact with each other and survive in the most natural way possible. This perspective also has to be kept when working in our own dealings in day-to-day business and interactions. Rather than putting out a feeder so that we can see deer frequently, go to the forest where they reside instead. It’s not about putting out piles of corn to help them. It’s about managing the forest so the food that naturally belongs in their diet can thrive. Often the short term is not what is in the populations best interests, it is how can we make the future for the deer brighter and better for the long haul.

HOWEVER, conservation is not the locking away of, but it is the wise and best use of what we have. Let us have a sensitive and light touch in all things, and humanity becomes a blessing to Earth, not a curse.

What has been your perspective? Are you in favor of feeding deer?