However, the greatest benefit of clearcutting to deer lies in the often abundant new growth vegetation and succulent sprouts and seedlings that flourish in the sunlight following the cutting. Once established, this new thick growth also provides concealment for deer, not only in the early years following the cutting, but for a longer period, after much of the browse has grown out of their reach. While most deer habitat management should revolve around a forest cutting program, including the establishment of herbaceous openings, a conifer tree planting program to shelter deer in severe winter weather is sometimes necessary where suitable cover of that type is absent. The value of these plantations to deer is low during most of the year but high during winter. As with clearcutting, conifer plantations should be kept small and scattered.
Large plantations are unnecessary.
Small clumps of only 30 to 60 trees will suffice. Individual trees within the plantation can be spaced as far apart as eight to ten feet. Preferably, these clump plantings should be located in lowlands or on south-facing slopes. When overpopulation occurs, deer strip their habitat of its life-supporting qualities, not just for deer, but for many woodland wildlife species. Crop and other property damage problems also increase, as well as deer-vehicle collisions.