PERCEPTIONS ABOUT CROP YIELDS AND LOSSES TO WHITE-TAILED DEER ON FARMS SURROUNDING GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

Our objectives were to determine the perceptions of farm operators concerning crop yields, and effects of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on crop lands surrounding Gettysburg Park. The survey consisted of 4 multiple-choice and 5 fill-in questions. Questions were developed to gauge land area planted and harvested by crop type, relative severity of impacts to crops by 8 wildlife species, and amount of crop production lost to deer. Questions were also included to quantify perceptions on the 5-year trend in deer numbers, respondent\u27s wishes for future deer numbers, and the number and type of people permitted to hunt deer on the farms