- North Carolina Wildlife numbers indicate that most of Stokes County has more than 50 deer per mile (that's as high as they measure; they don't measure Hanging Rock or the City of King). Thirty or fewer deer per square mile is the ideal target for balance between farmers and deer hunters.*
- Harvest 30% of adult does to begin decreasing the population.*
- Farmers should assess the actual deer density on their land, as state-reported estimates often understate the true number. Count three-nights in a row pre-season (August) and post-season (January)*
- Consider putting in an exclusion cage (fenced out area 78" X 78") to measure the yield loss caused by deer.*
- Lethal control is the most critical first step in an integrated pest management program for deer. Proper management through recreational hunting, particularly a high annual doe harvest, can eliminate the need for summer depredation programs.*
- Other management options include exclusion fences and deer repellents (expensive, but effective in heavily populated areas and are available at local farm supply stores).*
- *References: "Deer Management" Zoom. Dr. Cory Heaton, Clemson University Extension. February 25, 2025. https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/faculty_staff/profiles/heaton2
Mitchell's Meat Processing will also be hand to discuss deer processing regulations.
Contact April Bowman, Livestock Extension Agent, awbowman@ncsu.edu, or 336-593-8179 with questions.
Contact Matt Lenhardt at malenhar@ncsu.edu or 336-593-8179 for accommodations related to a disability.
