Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

will not allow some of the woody plants to reach fruit production age.
This delay also allows the woody shrubs and vines to produce more
vegetative growth and more deer browse. Burning on a longer rotation
allows these same woody shrubs and trees to begin shading the ground,
which will begin a decline in the quantity and quality of deer browse. It
is best to avoid burning adjacent stands in the same year. Staggering
the burn schedules on adjacent stands creates a patchwork of different
stages of plant growth. This provides a broader diversity of food plants
for deer to utilize throughout the year.
Abandoned agricultural fields and natural forest openings
both are very attractive to white-tailed deer. Many preferred food
plant species flourish in these openings. If left alone, grasses, shrubs,
and other woody vegetation can quickly reduce the availability of
these food plants in these openings. Using prescribed fire in these
openings reduces the competition from the less desirable plants, removes
dead vegetation, scarifies dormant seed, and exposes mineral
soil, all of which encourages new growth of preferred food plants.
Before using prescribed fire, it is advisable to consult with someone
experienced with this practice. In Alabama, it is illegal to burn
without first acquiring a burn permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission.
The Alabama Forestry Commission also can provide
information on topics such as weather conditions and special burning
rules for a particular area. It is very important to take all necessary
precautions prior to starting a prescribed fire. Even fires on small tracts
can quickly escape and turn into much larger forest fires without proper
planning and implementation.
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