Mississippi wildlife officials offer tips to assess deer overpopulation

Mississippi wildlife officials have released guidance for property owners to assess whether their deer populations are exceeding sustainable levels. While the number of visible deer can be an initial indicator, experts advise looking at the condition of local vegetation and habitat quality.

Deer managers recommend monitoring signs such as over-browsed plants, reduced plant diversity, and damage to young trees. These indicators can help determine if the herd is impacting the habitat beyond its capacity.

Before deciding to harvest more does, property owners should evaluate these warning signs. Proper assessment can support healthy deer populations and preserve habitat quality, officials said.

For more detailed information on managing deer populations and evaluating your property, visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.

Source: Original Article