Read the report from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on the number of deer found within the city of Bull Shoals in a recent survey and the Commission’s recommendation to ban artificial feeding of deer in the city limits of Bull Shoals.

Bull Shoals Spotlight Survey Report
September 27, 2005

Introduction

The town of Bull Shoals has been experiencing considerable amounts of deer/vehicle collisions and depredation problems associated with high deer densities within the city limits. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) were contacted to provide technical assistance to estimate the deer population and methods of controlling deer population growth. The following information is a result of spotlight surveys conducted in the town of Bull Shoals and surrounding property.

It is important to note that timing of the spotlight survey is unusual. Traditional spotlight counts are generally performed during the months of January and February to increase visibility due to the decreased amount of forest foliage. Since the results below were taken during full leaf coverage, visibility was poor in many areas, thus resulting in a very conservative population estimate.

Methods

The town of Bull Shoals and surrounding property was divided into two segments (Route 1 - Yellow, and Route 2 - Blue) with a vehicle per route. Routes were determined by communication with the Bull Shoals mayor and police officials. Each vehicle carried five people. (Two observers, data recorder, navigator, and driver). Observers surveyed from both sides of the vehicle with 1 million candlepower spotlights. When deer were located, distance and bearings were recorded from vehicle. Group size, sex, and age of each deer were also recorded. Each vehicle traveled no more than 10 miles per hour and never surveyed the same area twice within a night. Each route was surveyed two consecutive nights (September 7 and 8). Surveys generally started around 8:30 p.m. and lasted until 12:30 a.m.

Route 1 was 12.07 miles and the area surveyed was 574 acres. Route 2 was 9.36 miles and the area surveyed was 406 acres. Total distance was 21.43 miles and total area surveyed was 980 acres.

Results

A total of 181 deer were counted the first night of surveying (September 7) from both Route 1 and Route 2. The second survey night (September 8) a total of 233 deer were observed from both routes. It is important to mention that no sick or poor deer were observed. The females did appear to be thinner, but this is common during the summer months due to milk production for the fawns.

To evaluate deer population density, we determined the average number of deer observed for the two nights (207) to estimate deer density. A total of 980 acres were surveyed in and around Bull Shoals. By taking the acreage and the average number of deer observed, the result is a population estimate of 1 deer per 5 acres.

The sex and age (adult or fawn) of each deer observed was recorded. If observers were not able to accurately identify the sex and age of the deer, it was recorded as unknown. By collecting this additional data, sex, ratios and fawn recruitment can be estimated.

On Route 1, observers counted 145 females, 34 males, 58 fawns, with 47 unknowns. On Route 2, observers counted 39 females, 17 males, 36 fawns, and 38 unknowns. The sex ratio (doe:buck) was 3:1 on Route 1 and 2:1 on Route 2. The fawn:doe ratio was 40 per 100 on Route 1 and 90 per 100 on Route 2.

Sex ratios are common for non-hunted deer herds. The fawn/doe ratio is consistent with a herd that is health and expanding.

Discussion

It is obvious from the spotlight survey data that Bull Shoals does have a very dense deer population. Deer were observed in all areas of town and particularly around residential and business areas. It was determined that some residents were placing bait to attract deer for artificial feedings and viewing. By placing an attractant, deer will congregate in areas resulting in depredation problems to ornamental flowers and an increased risk for disease transmission. It is recommended that artificial feeding of deer be banned in the city limits of Bull Shoals.

Below are options for the town of Bull Shoals to consider. Keep in mind, the town should make the decision and the AGFC will be available to assist in whatever conclusion is reached.

Options:

1. No Action - This response does not seem acceptable due to the dense deer population and the reported number of deer/vehicle collisions. The deer herd will continue to grow, even expanding past habitat carrying capacity. This increase in herd size will result in high parasite loads, disease outbreaks, malnutrition, increase in depredation problems, and possible human health concerns due to increased deer/vehicle collisions and parasites (tick-borne diseases - ex: Ehrlichiosis).
    
2. Fertility Control Drugs - Still new and experimental. Very expensive. Estimated cost is $400 to $800 per deer. Very labor intensive - average 8 man-hours per deer. Must be administered to high percentage of female segment to produce any results. Research has not shown this to be a viable solution for urban deer issues.
    
3. Sharpshooters - This option is expensive. It would cost the city of Bull Shoals an estimated $200 to $300 per deer to remove them with sharpshooters.
    
4. Urban Bowhunt - Most cost efficient and safe method for reducing urban deer populations. Bowhunters can apply and should be required to pass education and proficiency tests before approved to hunt. The town along with AGFC can decided on hunting details to best fit their situations. The AGFC can provide assistance on permits and the Arkansas Bowhunters Associations (ABA) can provide assistance on training and administering the hunt. This is the current action the city is taking.

It is important to remember that in order to reduce this population an aggressive harvest is needed, especially to the female segment. To reduce the population, the town must harvest high numbers consistently to overcome fawn production. Deer have the ability to reproduce and expand their numbers at an almost exponential rate. A classic example of deer herd growth potential is documented at the George Reserve in southern Michigan. This area is a 1,200 acre trace enclosed by an 11-foot deer-proof fence. In 1928, six deer (2 bucks and 4 does) were released inside the area. Six years later, a drive count yielded a minimum population of 160 deer (Hickie 1937). An adult doe will produce 1 to 2 fawns per year and sometimes triplets. When you consider that the estimated sex ratio for Bull Shoals is 5:1 does to buck, it will not take long before the population expands beyond control.

The AGFC would like to thank the city employees of Heber Springs for their cooperation and assistance in performing the spotlight counts. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: Ted Zawislak at the Calico Rock office (1-877-297-4331) or Cory Gray at the Monticello office (1-877-367-3559).