Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

ity of these preferred plant species be improved, but the food also will
be returned to a level within reach of the deer.
HABITAT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
PRESCRIBED FIRE
Historically, fire was a natural occurrence in southern forests.
Many of the plants that grow in these forests require periodic fires to
survive. Other plant
species flourish following
a fire due to
the reduction in competition
from other
plants, scarification
of seeds, and exposure
of mineral soil.
Many of the plants
that grow well following
a burn also are
excellent deer foods.
Using prescribed fire in open pine stands on a
regular rotation can greatly improve the quality
of these habitats for white-tailed deer, as well as
many other game and non-game animals.
Photo by Bobby Watkins.
Although natural
fires are not nearly as
common as they once
were, the use of prescribed
fire still can give the same benefits when managing deer habitat.
A fairly cool-burning fire is desired when deer habitat improvement
is the goal. This means burning during the late winter months,
usually from January through early March. Prescribed fire can be used
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