AI was utilized in the writing of this article.
Jimmy Dean
February 7, 2024
In an effort to mitigate the impact of deer overpopulation on agriculture, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has unveiled a new deer management initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between farmers and hunters across the state. This initiative seeks to address the significant damages deer cause to crops, which is estimated to cost millions of dollars annually due to browsing.
Recognizing the challenges posed by deer overpopulation, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) highlighted in a report last year the primary obstacle in controlling deer populations: the lack of accessible land for effective hunting. To combat this issue, the initiative not only aims to expand hunting on public land but also explores the possibility of acquiring additional lands for deer hunting purposes.
A legislative measure passed last year mandated the DNR and MDA to devise a comprehensive plan to tackle the issue of deer overpopulation. Following this directive, the MDA convened a Deer Summit to deliberate on viable solutions.