Black-Tailed Deer

VWT 35 Pest of Choice

Introduction Most prevalent in

Northern California Selective feeders – young

foliage Cause heavy damage to

vine development

Description 3 – 3 ½ feet tall at shoulder Light tan in summer / salt-and-pepper gray

in winter Male (buck) – up to 200 lbs. Female (doe) – up to 130 lbs. Offspring (Fawns) – up to 3 born at one time Males develop antlers

Sexual selection Defense

Biology Live near water and wooded areas Found early morning or late evening at

feeding Track by droppings or hoof prints

Small black pellets in groups of 20 or 30 Hoof prints – 2 to 3 inches long, pointed

at front, rounded at rear

Communicate with aid of scent and pheromones Glands located on lower legs Travel in groups Excellent sight, hearing, and smell

Cultural Management Cultural methods are best Fencing 7 feet high

Costly Adjust for slopes

Lower Cost Partial fence Risky

Can’t eliminate habitat

Biological & Chemical Management

Natural odor repellants Grow ineffective as deer

grow used to them

Chemical sprays for foliage Produces bad taste Rain washes away

Mechanical Hunting

Rifle most effective .243 or .308 ammunition

Need permit from Department of Fish & Wildlife Not always easy to get