Stored-crop loss due to deer consumption

摘要: Deer (Odocoileus spp.) cause an estimated loss of $100 million in United States agricultural production each year (Conover 1997). In 1984 the Wisconsin Department Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection surveyed producers state that white-tailed deer virginianus) damage to all products exceeded $36 annually (Wisconsin 1984). Nationwide, for stored crops alone, wildlife reportedly caused $26 losses 1989 (Wywialowski 1994). Despite sometimes biased producer estimates value wildlife-caused 1994), many landowners are willing accept a certain level aesthetics recreation provide. Thus, although producers' tolerance is influenced strongly by crop-damage concerns (Brown et al. 1978), they typically damages <10% crop's (Craven 1992). Sociological ecological factors, however, complicate management decisions (Campa Many believe during winter when food limited, arrive at crop sites with empty stomachs consume large amounts crop. Managers need methods accurately estimate other wildlife, but few have been developed. Techniques developed evaluating targeted standing field rather than crops. Our literature search several databases found no citations enumerating wildlife. Wisconsin, who meet eligibility requirements may be reimbursed Wildlife Damage Abatement Claims Program (WDACP) crops, including Personnel from Agriculture's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services (WS) program, or trained county representative, responsible assessing Wisconsin. These assessments used Natural Resources (WDNR) compensate eligible through WDACP (Horton Craven 2000 identified over $1.5 (Carter 2001). Because currently validated method assess stored-crop damage, WDNR, WS, agencies measure provide compensation base their on subjective, observational, educated estimates. managers reliable, objective, efficient estimating deer. objective was determine quantity (alfalfa haylage, whole-kernel corn, corn silage) consumed