Ecology and management of white-tailed deer in - Florida Fish and ...

available for plants, which increases their palatability,
digestibility, and nutritional value. An added benefit
of prescribed fires may also be a reduction in parasite
populations, particularly immature stages of ticks and
internal parasites.
One example of how fire can enhance
nutritional quality of deer forage in pine flatwoods is
the increase in levels of protein and phosphorus
following a prescribed burn. Researchers
demonstrated that April burning of pine stands led to
a 43% increase in protein and a 78% increase in Prescribed fire is an important habitat
phosphorus in vegetation by July, and the management practice that stimulates the
vegetation on burned range maintained a 30% growth of deer forage. Photo by Jim
higher protein content than on unburned areas into Garrison.
the following year (Lay 1956). Also, in the pine flatwoods of
southwestern Florida, deer use increased significantly in
recently burned areas (Main and Richardson 2002).
However, the increase in nutrients is temporary and requires
repeat burnings to maintain effect. In pine flatwoods, deer
use declined considerably 4 years post-fire; therefore a 3 to 4
year burning rotation is recommended (Main and Richardson
2002).
In Florida, burning is typically employed during
winter dormancy. These fires can benefit pregnant does by
improving forage quality in the late stages of gestation;
Just a week after a prescribed
burn, new growth provides deer
with nutritious forage.
however, resulting habitat enhancement can be short-lived (2-4 months) (Grelen and Lewis
1981; Wood 1988). Growing season fires (spring/summer), which mimic natural lightning
fires, offer improved forage quality for fawns and does in summer, a time of peak energy
requirements due to lactation (Kilgo and Labisky 1995). Summer fires also benefit bucks
during antler growth. A combination of dormant and growing season fires will provide
enhanced levels of nutrition during active growth periods of both sexes and all age classes.
Based on their
objectives, land managers can
make choices regarding
burning frequency (years) and
season in which burns will be
conducted. Burn plans should
be prepared with the help of a
forester or other certified
prescribed burn manager prior
to the burning season.
Before Burning
Florida laws require the landowner or manager to obtain a
burn permit prior to conducting a prescribed fire. Using
fire to manage habitat takes training and expertise and
should only be conducted by or under supervision of a
certified burn manager. A certified burn manager is an
individual who has successfully completed a Division of
Forestry (DOF) certification and possesses a valid
certification number. Contact your DOF District Office for
a burn permit and for information on local burning
regulations.
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