H Greenbrier Smilax spp. H Sweet Pepperbush Cleethra alinfolia H-M Hollies Ilex spp. H-M Wild Grapes Vitis spp. Herd Management Deer herds are managed primarily by selective removal through hunting. Unlike other game animals in Alabama, deer have few natural predators to keep populations in check.
Sport hunting takes the place of natural predators.
If unhunted or lightly hunted, deer increase rapidly until their numbers exceed available food supplies. As this occurs, preferred foods are eliminated, herd productivity is reduced, and the health and size of the animals begin to decline. Continued population increases often cause long-term habitat destruction. The incidence of disease and parasites increases. Ultimately, natural mortality rises and, occasionally, widespread die-offs occur.