One of the major components proposed for the new White-tailed Deer Management Plan is the development of Deer Management Units (DMUs). During the August 10, 2007 stakeholders meeting, Cory Morea displayed two different maps of draft DMUs. One version contained 9 units while the other contained 11 units. Cory explained to the group that the first criterion for establishing discrete units was based on differences in physiographic regions or ecosystem types (red hills vs. flatwoods etc.). The second criterion, or next cut, was due to differences in deer breeding chronology across the state.
During group discussion it was obvious that DMUs mean different things to different people. I suggested to Cory and to Roger Vanderhoof that the purpose and need for DMUs be clearly written and articulated to the stakeholders to facilitate a more focused dialog on DMUs and to help the group move forward on other portions of the plan.
From listening to discussions during the meeting and based on my experience with white-tailed deer in the panhandle, I would suggest that the DMUs (either the version with 9 units or the version with 11 units) be referred to as “Deer Hunting Zones.” This would be a considerable expansion from the 3 zones currently in place. I suggest that the first criterion used to establish these zones be based on major differences in deer breeding chronology. The proposed DMUs would probably need to be adjusted. For example the proposed maps show Eglin AFB and the flatwoods in the panhandle in the same DMU. However, the average conception dates for Eglin AFB are in late February while those in the flatwoods in Bay and Gulf counties are in late January. Given the differences in breeding chronology and the fact that these two areas are in markedly different ecosystem types (xeric sandhills vs. flatwoods), I proposed that they should be in two separate zones. Eglin AFB and Blackwater WMA could be combined in the same zone with a north/south line, possibly State Highway 331, separating this zone from the next zone/s to the east.
It was mentioned, and it is acknowledged, that there are considerable differences in deer densities within and among Blackwater WMA, Eglin AFB and private lands in north Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. There are also corresponding different degrees in which deer impact their habitat (serious depredation problems in north Escambia and Santa Rosa counties vs. southern portion of these counties). In light of these differences, I propose that a finer scale be developed for Deer Management Units that is based primarily on these differences that would allow more flexibility in regulating antlerless deer harvest. This finer scale could be smaller than the county or as large as one or more counties depending on the circumstances and need.
In summary, I suggest that we have both Deer Hunting Zones (beyond the 3 zones currently used) to synchronize the opening and closing of the deer hunting season with deer breeding chronology and Deer Management Units to allow more control over the harvest, especially the antlerless segment of the population as well as to improve data collection across the state.
Thank you for your consideration,
Carl Petrick
US Forest Service
National Forests in Florida