White Tailed Deer Case Study

Managing the population of white – tailed deer is important, particularly in the New York State area. Groups of individuals living in the surrounding area come together to help manage the size of deer populations (Department of Environmental Conservation, 2001). The management of population size refers to the acceptable amount of deer that can live in the surrounding areas. The importance of managing deer populations stems from the successful nature of the white – tailed deer, and their ability to flourish in an environment (Department of Environmental Conservation, nd). The deer also impact the humans that live within close proximity. These effects can be both positive and negative. Businesses can use the deer as a means to attract more customers, but there is a cost to the environment as large populations of deer require a lots of food (Bishop et al., 1999).
The management process of the white – tailed deer means that populations stay within the correct range, which does not negatively affect the environment or people who share the same space. Individuals are always looking for a way to make sure that the deer population is controlled rather than have it expand exponentially (Bishop et al., 1999). This process of managing
populations has occurred over many years beginning in the late 1800’s (Department of Environmental Conservation, nd). The program which ensures stable deer populations a collective goal amongst many individuals. This program also benefits from public participation (Environmental Conservation, 2001). Everyone in an area can come together to relay certain desires and goals which helps aid the community as well as ensuring optimal ecological benefits. White – tailed deer management is a process that undergoes many different steps.
A group of individuals come together to exchange ideas about what the optimal deer population should be (Environmental Conservation, 2001). The size of population wanted changes over time. Different factors can affect whether or not an increase in population is required or if a decrease is more beneficial. Sometimes an increase in population is wanted due to the fact that it can help aspiring businesses or natural biological diversity (Bishop et al., 1999). Other times a reduction in deer population is more sought after since it can stop environmental instability, deer and car crash dangers, as well as many other impacts (Environmental Conservation,
nd).
This shows that the management process for the deer is malleable and constantly changes to suit the needs of community members that have come together. The individuals that make up the management task force are the stakeholders within their living area (Environmental Conservation, 2001). They have an active role within the community and the decision making process. They are also able to tailor future decisions to their needs since their desires may change over the course of time. Additionally the community of management members is allowed to examine multiple approaches. In the case of New York State, the management group is able to choose between lethal, non – lethal reduction, as well as controlling the population (Bishop, 1999). The ability to use different management options allows for a broader decision making process as well as a multitude of possible outcomes.
The management of deer population displays a never ending process which changes over time. There is a recognition of a problem, in this case either a deer population that is too large or sometimes too small. Then the community comes together to weigh the pros and cons of possible decisions before they implement any changes. This process continues again in the future with different factors or different ideas which need to be assessed.