Perceptions about Crop Yields and Losses to White-Tailed Deer on Farms Surrounding Gettysburg National Military Park

A questionnaire was developed and mailed to 340 farm operators within 8 km of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, southcentral Pennsylvania. Names and addresses were derived from a list of farm operators and large-parcel landowners provided by the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service of Adams County. A cover letter and accompanying questionnaire were mailed on 11 November 1987. After 3 weeks, nonrespondents were mailed a postcard reminding them of the survey. Those still not responding were mailed another questionnaire on 17 December. 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