Deer Management

Relevance of Topic:

It is likely that some of your students are hunters and/or children of hunters, and may have some strong opinions about deer management in Pennsylvania. This is an opportunity to discuss management options and the role of the state agency charged with their management, the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Teaching about deer also allows students to explore how a wildlife species affects and is affected by its environment, and how management practices can influence those effects.

PA Environment & Ecology Standards Reference:

Grade 7 Grade 10

4.2.7 A2; B1, 5

4.6.7 A2, 5; C3 4.6.10 A4, 7, 10, 11, 13; B2; C3

4.7.7 A2; B4, 5, 6; C1, 2, 3, 4, 8 4.7.10 A1, 2, 3; B1, 2; C1, 2

4.8.7 D2, 3

Key Vocabulary:

habitat, limiting factors, carrying capacity, predator, prey, population, herd, balance of nature, ecosystem, management

Suggested Sequence for Use of Video & Teacher’s Guide Materials:

• have students read Pennsylvania Game Commission’s wildlife notes on white-tailed deer for background information on their natural history

• facilitate the Project WILD activity "Oh, Deer!"

• show program in its entirety

• facilitate the Project WILD activity "Checks and Balances"

• have students read the article "Deer and Forest Health" and discuss

For Discussion:

Why is it necessary to manage deer populations in Pennsylvania? What are some of the varied opinions concerning how to best mange our Pennsylvania deer? How might consensus be reached on this issue?