Associated with the growth of Maryland's deer population has been an increase in the number of requests that are received by DNR to provide assistance regarding deer damage complaints. Pursuant to Natural Resources Article 10-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, a person may request that the DNR investigate severe damage caused by deer for the purpose of having the DNR reduce the deer population in the area. Typically, DNR provides technical assistance to landowners regarding deer damage control such as fencing, repellents, vegetation management, or population management. Wildlife employees provide information from this publication to citizens with deer problems. Alternative plants may work when deer numbers are not too severe.
Some options work well in combination.
In many cases, the severity of deer damage may require immediate action, even if it is not hunting season. In general, these permits are useful to eliminate nuisance deer, but are not a long-term solution to control deer damage. Associated with the increase in Maryland's deer population has been an increase in the number of landowners applying for DMP's. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, continued development in once-rural areas like Montgomery County has created a patchwork of natural areas and landscaped suburban yards that is ideal deer habitat. With urbanization have come restrictions on hunting and, just as importantly, a change in attitudes towards wildlife.