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Fairfax County
residents have been seeing more whitetail deer than ever before.
For many, the sight of a deer is exciting. For others, whose yards,
gardens or automobiles have been significantly damaged by deer,
the experience is often one of concern and frustration.
The purpose of this site is to provide residents with information
about deer, deer overpopulation, and deer management in Fairfax
County. Information about what Fairfax County is doing to address
deer population issues, what residents can do, and what resources
are available for support and further study has been provided.
| Problems Associated
with the County's Current Deer Population |
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Odocoileus Virginianus,
better known as white-tailed deer, is perhaps the county's most
beautiful and graceful species of wildlife. Its habitat includes
the county's woodlands and open spaces, and its traditional food
source consists of the young branches and tops of trees and small
plants, grasses and fruit such as acorns and berries.
Even though much of the county has lost its rural appearance,
Fairfax has many more deer now then it did during the early 1900s.
Many experts say this increase in deer population is due to a
number of factors including: deer's ability to adapt to urban
environments, their high reproductive rate, the absence of predators,
the restriction of hunting in populated areas, and increased nutrition
from ornamental plants and fertilized lawns. The facts show that
the overabundance of deer is aggravating a number of problems
that have significant costs for our entire community. These problems
include
- Road Safety - During 1998, 4,000 - 5,000 deer-vehicle collisions occurred
in the County resulting in serious injury to motorists, the
deaths of over a thousand deer, and property damage averaging
$1,982 per vehicle. Three motorists have been killed as a result
of collisions with deer and many others have been hurt and
hospitalized.
- Wildlife Habitat Destruction - By overbrowsing the county's forests and stream valleys,
deer are destroying their natural habitat as well as the habitat
of birds, amphibians, and micro-organisms that are necessary
to sustain our natural environment. By destroying native vegetation, deer allow introduced (invasive) species of plants to dominate already devastated habitats in the parks. If left unchecked, long
term damage to the county's plant and wildlife diversity can
be expected.
- Forest Regeneration - A healthy forest in the Piedmont section of Virginia should
have an understory of trees and shrubs of diverse ages, sizes,
and variety. An overabundance of deer clears wooded areas
of the indigenous plant life essential to our forest ecosystem.
Plants most vulnerable include young oaks, maples, and popular
trees among others.
- Ornamental Plant Damage - While deer eat many types of plants that are native to our
area, they also appreciate non-native vegetation found in
residential areas and parks. Azaleas, hostas, and daylilies are
favorites of deer. Along with the frustration caused by this
type of loss, the cost of this damage can be estimated at
over a million dollars a year.
- Deer Health - With intense competition for food and space, deer are more
susceptible to weight loss, starvation, parasites, and epizootic
hemorrhagic disease. This was the case in the fall of 1999 when 53 deer succumbed to epizootic hemorrhagic disease (53 were found, many more were not) in the southeastern portion of the county. Too many deer living too close together
reduce the overall health of the county's deer population.
- Human Disease - An overabundance of deer subjects County residents to a
greater risk for Lyme
disease. More deer in more areas of the County increase
the chance that deer ticks infected with the disease bacteria
will come in contact with people. While Lyme disease is often
easily treatable if caught in time, it can cause serious complications
if early symptoms are overlooked.
- Devaluation of Deer - Deer are one of the county's most treasured natural resources.
In some areas of the county, however, an overabundance of
deer has caused residents to view deer as pests. By implementing
an on-going deer management program and reducing the pest
aspects of their presence, the county hopes to help all residents
enjoy the beauty of deer and live with them safely.
| Deer Management Policy
and Pilot Initiatives |
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On
Dec. 8, 1997, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted
the Fairfax County Integrated Deer Management Plan to begin addressing
problems associated with the overabundance of deer in areas of
the county. In accordance with this plan, County staff conducted
a series of pilot programs during 1997 and 1998 in order to test
and improve methods for reducing the deer population on public
lands. In 1999, then-County Executive Robert O'Neill, Jr. appointed
a committee made up of county citizens and local experts in deer
management techniques to evaluate the county's plan for deer management
and to make additional recommendations to the Board of Supervisors
and staff. This committee endorsed the county's deer management
plan, recommended the continued use of deer reduction techniques,
and strongly supported community education activities to help
residents better understand the safety and environmental issues
associated with deer overabundance
| Current Deer Management
Activities Underway |
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The
County continues to pursue implementing a range of initiatives
to manage the county's deer population. These include:
- Gathering
data from citizens regarding deer damage from
deer
- Monitoring
trends in herd size
- Monitoring the health
of selected herds of deer
- Roadside reflectors have been installed to help reduce collisions between deer and vehicles
- Conducting seminars
and workshops on a range of topics related to deer
- Using police sharpshooters
and managed hunts to reduce the number of deer in areas where
an overabundance of deer has effected human safety and environmental
health
The
locations authorized by the Board of Supervisors for deer reduction
include thirteen Fairfax County Park Authority locations (those
with asterisk below) and eight Northern Virginia Regional Park
Authority locations. Four parks will be monitored to determine the need for future deer reduction activities.
| Deer Reduction Locations |
Monitoring Locations |
- Riverbend Park*
- Difficult Run Stream
- Fountainhead Park and Sandy Run*
- Scotts Run*
- Colvin Run Stream Valley*
- Lake Fairfax*
- Sully*
- Cub Run Stream Valley*
- Burke Lake Park*
- Lake Accotink*
- Wakefield Park*
- Occoquan Regional Park
- Hemlock Overlook
- Pohick Bay
- W&OD Trail
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Bull Run
Fox Mill*
Meadowlark Gardens
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
Huntley Meadows Park |
| Criteria for Selecting
Deer Management Locations and Methods |
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Areas have been targeted for deer reduction based upon the following
criteria:
- High incidence
of deer/vehicle collisions
- Severe damage to
the ecology as evidenced by habitat surveys and/or by a visible
browsline
- Persistent and measurable
damage to a community
- Poor or deteriorating
health of deer due to overpopulation and/or loss of habitat
Methods used to reduce the county's deer
population are selected based upon the following considerations:
- Public/participant
safety (proximity to residential/commercial areas, considerations
of terrain/geography; protection provided to participants)
- Effectiveness (ability
of a particular technique to produce the desired management
goal; ability of a technique to solve an identified problem)
- Economy (paid staff/contractor
time, ability to use volunteer assistance, physical resources
including supplies and capital equipment)
- Operational conflicts
(seasonal laws, other priorities of agencies/designated personnel
that effect timing, opportunity to avoid conflict with people
or events)
- Ineffectiveness of
other solutions
| Non-lethal Means for
controlling Deer Populations |
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Immunocontraception
is a method for reducing deer herd size by preventing conception.
This method consists of injecting female deer with a protein or
hormone released through darts or biobullets. Currently, two doses
must be administered during the first breeding season followed
by a booster every year. At the time of the first dose, deer must
be trapped and tagged in order to identify them for follow-up
injections. Because this method requires yearly injections, its
practical use at this time is limited to confined herds that can
be appropriately controlled and monitored. In addition, federal
approvals (FDA) and licensing must be obtained, and state policy
and regulations must be developed before this method can be used
non-experimentally on deer that are not confined, such as those
found in the county. The county may consider this method as part
of an integrated deer management plan pending the results of further
study and modifications, and an indication of cost effectiveness.
Relocating the county's
deer population to another area within or out of the County is
not an option. Not only does relocation cause significant stress
upon deer, deaths associated with relocation are numerous. In
addition, state regulations prevent the relocating of deer.
| What Residents and Community
Groups Can Do to Help |
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An effective, county-wide deer management program requires managing
deer on private as well as public property. For this reason, concerned
individuals, community groups, homeowner associations, and businesses
are encouraged to consider what they can do to address problems
associated with deer overabundance:
- pay attention to deer damage in their neighborhoods and
parks
- deer proofing their property
- sponsor citizen education activities
- participate in deer management surveys
- report significant problems
- encourage others not to feed deer
- allow safe and humane hunting activities
- keep informed about the problem
- volunteer to assist with research and monitoring activities
In order to help reduce lawn and garden damage, residents should
consult with local nurseries about plant varieties not favored
by deer. Some of these include:
- Common Boxwoods
- Colorado Blue Spruce
- Red Osier Dogwoods
- Scots Pine
- Common lilac
- Ornamental grasses
- Tarragon and wormwood
- Virginia bluebells
- Forget-me-not
- Carnations
- Daffodils
- Lily of the valley
| Managed Hunts Sponsored
by the County |
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Managed hunts are being conducted by Fairfax County to reduce
the white-tailed deer herds in selected parks within the county.
County herds have grown too large for these areas and pose a continuing
threat to the habitat through overbrowsing. Much of the forest
understory, essential to many species of birds and other mammals,
has been destroyed. This damage has long-term effects on the forest
and bio-diversity. Managed hunts are part of Fairfax County's
integrated deer management plan to address the problems of overbrowsing,
disease and public safety, particularly in the interest of reducing
deer-vehicle crashes.
MANAGED HUNT DATES FOR 2008
Sully Woodlands (Fairfax County Park Authority)
Wednesday, Jan 16; Wednesday, Feb 6; Wednesday, March 5,2008
Hunt Times:
All participants are to meet at the site designated in the confirmation
letter at 5:30 a.m. for a safety briefing. Hunting hours will
be from one-half hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.
Hunt Locations:
Sully Woodlands (Northwest of Centreville)
Directions and maps will be provided to hunters selected in lottery.
Rules:
- Hunters will be selected by lottery with the number of hunters
selected being based upon the number of stand positions identified.
- HUNTERS, WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY QUALIFIED FOR MASON
NECK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE HUNTS or FAIRFAX COUNTY HUNTS
may submit that qualification for these hunts, these qualifications
are good for three years. (Qualification must have been with
#1 or larger buckshot to be considered valid.) Certification consists of firing
from an off hand position one shot at a 14" square target at 25 yards. Passing score
requirements for 16, 12, and 10 gauge shot guns: at least 5 pellets for #1, 4 pellets
for #0 and #100, and 3 pellets for #000. Passing score requirements for 20 gauge shot guns:
if #2 buckshot is used, at least 6 pellets in the target. Only weapons and ammunition used in
certifying may be used in the hunt. Certification is good for three years. Persons who met
these qualification standards for the Fairfax County Hunt or for the Mason Neck Hunt last year
may show their documentation in lieu of certifying this year. NOTE- bring eye and ear
protection - most ranges require it to get on the firing line. The following ranges
have agreed to certify hunters for Fairfax County hunts. Hunters needing
firearms qualification may qualify during specific operating
hours at the following ranges.
Bull Run Regional Park Shooting Center
7700 Bull Run Drive
Centreville, Va. 20121
703-830-2344, TTY 711
Gilbert Small Arms Range Inc.
8194 Terminal Road
Lorton, Va. 22079
703-550-8005, TTY 711
Clark Brothers
10016 James Madison Highway
Warrenton, Va. 20186
540-439-8988, TTY 711
Arlington-Fairfax Izaak Walton League
14708 Mount Olive Road
Centreville, Va. 20121
703-631-4495/703-631-4496, TTY 711
- A range fee may be charged by these shooting
ranges. This fee is determined and retained by each range.
Contact these ranges directly for further information on hours
and fees.
- Mobility-impaired hunters are encouraged to apply. Special
areas have been designated for exclusive use by hunters confined
to a wheelchair. Hunters selected for this category may bring
a non-hunting party with them for assistance.
- Applicants for the hunts must be at least 18 years old and
possess a valid Virginia hunting license and big game license.
In addition, hunters must provide proof that they have successfully
completed a hunter safety course. A LIST OF SCHEDULED HUNTER
SAFETY COURSES IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF GAME & INLAND FISHERIES AT 540-899-4169.
- Anterless white-tailed deer are the only animals permitted
to be taken during the hunt.
- Hunters and aides must wear on their head, chest and back
a minimum of 400 square inches of solid blaze orange material
while in the hunt area.
- Only 20 gauge (3 inch mag) or larger shotguns will be permitted for the
hunt. Ammunition must be #1 or larger buckshot; slugs are
not allowed.
- Hunting is only allowed in designed hunt areas which will
be indicated on a map provided with the confirmation letters
sent to successful applicants. Hunters are not allowed to
go outside these areas which will be marked by signs and/or
survey tape.
- Hunters must hunt from elevated treestands. Hunters are
responsible for bringing their own portable treestand (mobility impaired hunters are exempt from this requirement). Hunters
must also bring a safety harness. Screw-in steps, large nails
or other devices which cause damage to trees will not be permitted.
- Two deer may be taken by each hunter. Hunters will not have
to use their own big game tags since these hunts are operated
under a special permit. ONLY ANTERLESS DEER MAY BE TAKEN.
Hunters must make a reasonable attempt to retrieve wounded
deer and must report any injured deer that is not recovered
or wanders out of the designated hunting area.
- All deer harvested must be taken to the park checking station
where the deer will be weighed, aged and tagged. Hunters will
be responsible for transporting deer to designated trails
or roads for assistance and transportation to the check station.
How to Apply:
Hunters may apply as an individual or as part of a group with up to
four other hunters on the same entry. Group entries are encouraged.
All hunters on a group entry must meet the requirements outlined
above. Each group hunter must provide the required application
information on a separate 3-inch by 5-inch card labeled with
the word "group" in the upper right corner. Hunters applying
as a group will be drawn as a group or will fail to be drawn
as a group. Group and individuals that fail to be drawn will still be eligible to be drawn as standby hunters.
Standby hunters will be drawn separately.
- Using a 3-inch by 5-inch index card, print or type the following
information:
- A NON-REFUNDABLE application of $10.00 must
be included by EACH applicant. This fee should be in
the form of a check or money order made payable to FAIRFAX
COUNTY.
- Mail to:
Animal Services Division
4500 West Ox Road
Fairfax, Va. 22030
Attention: Managed Hunts
- Applications will be accepted until the close of business
on Friday, Dec. 21, 2007.
- Only successful applicants will be notified
- Only one entry per hunter will be allowed. Duplicate names
and addresses will be disqualified.
For information about the managed deer hunts, call 703-449-7393, TTY 711.
| Additional Resources for Information and Animal Control Assistance |
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Fairfax County Park Authority
12055 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, Va. 22035
703-324-8700
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
5400 Ox Road
Fairfax, Va. 22039
703-352-5900
Fairfax County Library
Animal Control dispatch center - 703-691-2131
Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist, for general questions or concerns
about deer management, 703-266-3523, TTY 711.
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