Deer Management

The West St. Louis County Deer Task Force completed a report with recommendations on deer mangement in 2005. Related links are below.

Recommendations for Deer Management West St. Louis County Deer Task Force July 2005

Map of Recorded Deer-Vehicle Collisions 2002-2004

Resident Attitude Survey Results 2004

The dilemma of suburban deer management is not unique to the St. Louis area; metropolitan regions throughout the United States face similar issues related to the growth of white-tailed deer populations in the suburbs. In order to address this issue that crosses municipal boundaries and property lines, the West St. Louis County Deer Task Force was formed. The Task Force was composed of representatives from 10 municipalities, 3 government agencies, and one non-profit organization. Representatives met to review information on a wide variety of issues related to suburban deer.

The objective of the task force was to identify the nature and extent of problems caused by high deer densities in west St. Louis County and to recommend any appropriate solutions. Deer management is a regional issue that necessitates a regional approach.

A survey of west county residents indicates that many believe the number of deer in their area is about right or too many. Based on this resident survey and aerial population surveys conducted in west county, the task force conclusively states that while deer densities vary between neighborhoods and municipalities there are large portions of west county that have higher than desirable deer densities. Recent population surveys estimate deer densities in portions of west St. Louis County to be between 40 and 86 deer/mi2 (square miles). Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recommends 15-20 deer/mi2 as an appropriate level to maximize the benefits associated with deer while minimizing the negatives.

Areas of high deer densities tend to have a higher incidence of deer-vehicle collisions, landscape damage due to deer browse, and degraded habitat quality. Deer-vehicle collisions are greater for areas of high deer densities, with St. Louis County seeing a very high number each year. Finally, a density over 20 deer/mi2, deer can have a detrimental effect on the overall ecosystem by overbrowing woody and herbaceous vegetation. Studies and observation from deer exclosures show that this overbrowse further affects other wildlife species, especially songbirds and insects.

Given the various difficulties presented by high deer densities, the West St. Louis County Deer Task Force has conducted an extensive review of various deer management alternatives. The task force made recommendations for deer management after hearing public comment.