This is accompanied or followed by disease and starvation in the deer herd until the herd size matches the reduced carrying capacity. When such deer die-offs occur, then the deer, forest, woodland owner, and deer hunter lose. The alternative is to maintain a healthy herd in harmony with its environment by harvesting a sufficient number of deer of both sexes each year. In addition, habitat management can be practiced, increasing the population level and providing more quality hunting. Deer not only affect the woodland owner's timber crop but may also provide an income.
Hunters are willing to pay for quality deer hunting.
Sale of hunting permits or leases to clubs or individuals can earn income for the owner on an annual basis, with the fee depending on the demand and the quality of hunting offered. It is difficult to give a short, concise definition of good deer habitat because deer adapt well and use a variety of habitats. They require low-growing vegetation on which to feed, some dense escape cover, and water. The best deer habitat is a mixture of brush, woods, and crops which offer variety like the edges between different types of cover. Twigs, leaves, grasses, weeds, and other soft-stemmed plants are eaten along with acorns, nuts, fruits, and mushrooms, when available.