Nov. 2007 - Volume 68, Issue 11
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In this issue
NextGEN Departments
Landowners and Deer continued...
In the past three years, the Missouri Conservation Commission has made significant changes to the regulations to help individual landowners control and regulate deer numbers on their property. More liberal antlerless permits, additional seasons, extended seasons, and the Telecheck system all make management easier for landowners.
It is possible for landowners to keep deer densities compatible with other land objectives while at the same time gaining recreational and economic value from deer and deer hunting.
The Brinker Example
Brinker Farms, located near Auxvasse in Callaway County, has developed ways to make the most of the deer that populate the approximately 3,200 acres under the family’s control. The farm, a partnership between Brinker brothers Kenny, Ronnie and Dale, includes both row crop production and a livestock operation.
The farm is in the transition zone between the rolling prairies, grasslands and vast row crop fields to the north and the heavily forested river hills to the south and east along the Missouri River.
The extensive row crop production provides plenty of waste grain for the deer. The Brinkers annually install food plots such as ladino clover and oats where soils are less productive and in areas difficult to farm. This can help concentrate deer for harvest.
Like many agricultural producers, Brinker Farms occasionally has trouble with deer along crop field edges, in the backyard garden, and in the pumpkin and strawberry patch. However, the family has become involved in deer management and enjoys the recreational benefits and family bonds established when spending time together in pursuit of deer.
About This Article
Author
BRAD MCCORD is the agricultural programs coordinator for the Department. His work includes developing partnerships with agricultural and conservation groups and administering landowner cost-share and incentive programs. Brad and his wife, Jennifer, live in California, Mo., with daughters Sarah and Madison.
