02-06-2008, 07:55 PM
Feeding has several problems associated with it.
The first is when do you feed. It has to start before the bacteria that allows the deer to digest cellulose. That is why you seen deer die with full stomachs in the 90's.
The second is where you feed. You can't have deer become dependant on finding food there every winter.
The third is does feeding artificially elevate populations. I suspect this is the problem in the Wasatch front. Loss of habitat due to people building houses in winter range can only decrease the carrying capacity which determines deer populations.
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The first is when do you feed. It has to start before the bacteria that allows the deer to digest cellulose. That is why you seen deer die with full stomachs in the 90's.
The second is where you feed. You can't have deer become dependant on finding food there every winter.
The third is does feeding artificially elevate populations. I suspect this is the problem in the Wasatch front. Loss of habitat due to people building houses in winter range can only decrease the carrying capacity which determines deer populations.
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