| Agricultural crop damage by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has occurred in localized areas throughout Michigan since the 1930s. To address this issue proactively, a habitat evaluation procedure (PODD, Predictor of Deer Damage) was developed in 1998 and tested in 1999. The purpose of the PODD was to predict relative levels of deer damage to alfalfa fields and dry bean fields in central lower Michigan. In 1998, the model was reviewed by wildlife biologists and farmers, and all habitat variables previously identified as indicators of deer crop damage were sampled within 23.3 km 2 areas for 8 alfalfa fields and 7 dry bean fields. Vegetation sampling results for 1998 and input from biologists and farmers were used to modify the PODD before its evaluation in 1999. A majority of the fields (73.3%) in 1998 had some crop loss and 46.7% of the sampled fields were correctly classified using the PODD's preliminary version. In 1999, 38.5% of the fields sustained crop losses, but correct classification using the PODD's final version occurred for only 23.1% of the fields. An interactive, workshop format also was developed to improve information exchange about crop damage issues among farmers, hunters, and wildlife biologists. The workshop format was piloted in the Upper and northern Lower Peninsulas in April 1999. Based on the organizers' observations and questionnaire results, the workshop format can be used to improve communication among stakeholders and identify stakeholder concerns for a specific issue. |
