Increasing Browse for Deer by Aerial Applications of 2,4-D

• Published in: The Journal of wildlife management 1969-10, Vol.33 (4), p.784-790
• Main Authors: Krefting, Laurits W., Hansen, Henry L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerial application; Bedding; Deer; Forest management; Highlands; Hunting seasons; Prairies; Special Management Section Dedicated to Waldo Lee McAtee; Spraying; Wildlife habitats; Wildlife management
• ISSN: 0022-541X; 1937-2817
• DOI: 10.2307/3799307

The effectiveness of aerial applications of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) in reducing the population of hazel (Corylus spp.) and other low-preference browse species and increasing the supply of the better browse plants for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was studied from 1958 to 1966 in each of four cover types in Minnesota. Stem counts after 2 years and dry-weight determinations after 6 years, showed that the proportion and total abundance of the better browse plants was greater on sprayed than on control plots. Browse production after spraying varied from 22 lb on the unsprayed jack pine (Pinus banksiana) plot to 90 lb per acre on the sprayed upland-brush plot. The abundance of grasses and sedges increased on all sprayed plots, though a decline began after about 4 years following spraying. The response by other herbaceous species varied by species and cover type. Deer were attracted to sprayed plots for winter browsing and summer bedding. Pellet groups were still more abundant on the treated than on untreated areas, especially in the aspen type, when the study was terminated 8 years after spraying.