Thinning and burning should be used together to achieve maximum browse production. Pine stands managed for deer are usually thinned to a basal area of 70 to 80 square feet. Several management practices can improve hardwood forest habitat quality for deer. Removal of nonmast producing species in favor of desired mast producing species is one technique. Through proper stand improvement techniques, mast production can be significantly increased.
Many landowners increase the quality and quantity of native vegetation by applying fertilizer.
Apply fertilizer to honeysuckle, greenbrier, trumpet creeper, etc., to increase deer food. These strips vary in width but may be several hundred feet wide on large streams. These areas produce mast for deer and are used as travel corridors. A variety of management techniques can be used to improve habitat for whitetails. Every tract of land should be evaluated according to management objectives.