Western Washington Land Management for deer

[Carwash]

Greetings,

I recently acquired a nice parcel of land in 627 that is surrounded by state and tree farm. What can I do to properly manage forested land to promote a healthy deer population? Is there anyone that works in land management or forestry that could assist? What makes deer happy?

 

[limpet]

What’s it look like? Slicked off recently and sold? A patch work of age classes? All mature timber? That’s a nice sized chunk and should be able to hold a nice buck or two.

 

[Carwash]

Acres of Doug Fir that aren’t much bigger than 18-20” with thick underbrush. The western Washington special.

 

[BlacktailTracker]

Acres of Doug Fir that aren’t much bigger than 18-20” with thick underbrush. The western Washington special.

You are going to want a log/burn some areas and get some habitat diversity.

 

[hibernation]

What's the neighboring land look like? I'd be looking at what kind of habitat is already provided next to yours, see if there's any missing piece you can contribute. Are the neighboring tree farms all at similar stand age? Do they provide any forage or cover? Are any of them recently cut?

Kinda depends how big your parcel is too, there's only so much you can do with 5-10 acres compared to 100+.

 

[blackveltbowhunter]

What types of underbrush? Depending on how much property and how its laid out topographically will determine whether you can "hold" deer vs attract deer. Get some areas thinned, not cleared, enough light to let some deciduous trees like maples and alder grow, but keep in mind the more light the less daylight activity. It sounds like the trees are still a little young, but if you can get some trailing blackberry,( not himalayan), trees producing some old mans beard and enough alder/maple, oregon grape and salal to provide security cover you will have deer wanting to live there.