Private Land Deer Habitat

[Nick Adams]

In the "Marquette DNR Meeting Last Night" thread yooperkenny made the following observation:

Discussion of timber harvest and concerns that the company that recently purchased Mead (?) has a reputation for laying waste to cedar/hemlock deer yarding areas.
(?) = Plum Creek
http://www.plumcreek.com/

Can someone explain to me why it's considered the height of good stewardship for deer hunters who own private land to modify the habitat on their lands in order to achieve their deer population objectives... but at the same time wrong for timber growers who own private land to do exactly the same thing?

-na

[November Sunrise]

Can someone explain to me why it's considered the height of good stewardship for deer hunters who own private land to modify the habitat on their lands in order to achieve their deer population objectives... but at the same time wrong for timber growers who own private land to do exactly the same thing?


As an ardent supporter of private property rights, I'd say that it's fully the right of any property owner, whether they're an individual or commercial interest, to utilize their property in any legal fashion that they choose.

Possibly the confusion enters in when individuals mistakenly believe that their ideas/opinions/preferences deserve to be factored into the decision making process of another private property owner. To the contrary, and assuming we're not considering violations of law, it's irrelevant whether or not one agrees with the decisions that other landowners make.

The rights of private property owners have begun to progressively erode. Since the general populace is increasingly ignorant of basic fundamental rights and liberties that are constitutionally protected, most likely this erosion will continue and possibly accelerate.

[farmlegend]

Can someone explain to me why it's considered the height of good stewardship for deer hunters who own private land to modify the habitat on their lands in order to achieve their deer population objectives... but at the same time wrong for timber growers who own private land to do exactly the same thing?

No.

So long as they're practicing good forestry and good stewards of the land, I've got no problem. By gosh, I wish these guys owned all the woodlots near my farm.

[NorthJeff]

Pulp shortages are on the increase and the next place to turn is lowland conifer...which make up the U.P.'s deer yards. As the deer yards shrink and are replaced with rowed pines that offer little thermal or snow hinderance cover, as well as food, the deer herd shrinks as well.

It's a valid concern...but thankfully we live in a country where you can do what you want with the timber/land you own! Because of these concerns though, it becomes it even more important for private land owners that DO want to make positive impacts with their local herds...to make educated and informed harvest decisions especially whan lowland conifer/winter habitat is concerned.

Personally, I'd like to mirror John Ozogas thought that the DNR come up with a "Deer yard coordinater" position that would aggressively pursue and foster relationships between the state, feds, corporate and private landholders to both educate and attempt to improve targeted wintering habitat. That doesn't mean you have to do something, just that it would raise public and private awareness to realize what is happening, and why our deer herd is shrinking.

Bottom line, you own the land...you can do what you want..."God Bless America"! even if it goes agains "deer management" practices or opinions.

[Nick Adams]

Thanks to all three of you for taking the time to consider the question and post a reply.

-na

[Swamper]

I agree with the notion that private landowners are free to do with the land as they wish when it comes to habitat management. It is interesting how some so strongly espouse this opinion, ala "..."God Bless America"! even if it goes agains "deer management" practices or opinions", yet want to mandate what size bucks hunters shoot to promote their own interests in pursuing trophy bucks. Rather contrary.

Swamper