Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

HERBICIDE TREATMENT
Another technique that can do a good job of improving deer food
production in forested areas is the application of certain types of herbicides.
Many herbicides are now very plant specific. They control the
unwanted trees and saplings (poor quality hardwoods), woody shrubs,
and grasses, while not harming the more desirable wildlife food plants
or the managed timber.
Herbicides can be applied at the time of stand regeneration or
at any time during the stand’s rotation. They usually are applied with
sprayers attached to helicopters, tractors, skidders, and ATVs, or with
a backpack-type sprayer. As
with prescribed fire, the best
results are attained when
herbicides are applied to
stands with open canopies,
such as following a thinning
or other type of timber harvest.
This allows more
sunlight to reach the forest
floor and promotes the
growth of the desirable plants
not killed by the herbicide. If
there is a significant amount
Applying herbicides can greatly
improve the quality of deer habitat in
some forest stands.
Photo by Bobby Watkins.
of mid-story trees to be controlled by the herbicide, it is best to follow
treatment by the herbicide with a prescribed fire. This removes the
dead plant material and allows more sunlight to reach the ground.
In the right location and under the right conditions, the use of
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