Stange and Shea determined the significance of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browsing on planted northern red oak (Quercus rubra) seedlings and how the use of fabric mats and tree shelters affected growth and survival of these seedlings. Browsing by deer occurred on 68.6% of the seedlings growing without tree shelters, whereas only 3.6% of the trees were browsed by mice (Peromyscus sp.) or voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and 2.5% were browsed by rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Seedlings grown with mats had a greater frequency of deer browsing and a greater chance of dying than seedlings grown without mats. The use of plastic tree shelters effectively prevented deer browsing and reduced the mortality rate from 34.6% to 3.2%. The results indicate that fabric mats should not be used in restoration projects with large deer populations. The authors suggest that because of the high price of tree shelters that other measures such as planting seedlings away from forest edges be used to prevent deer browsing.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.