Deer presence in agricultural landscapes often raises questions about their impact on valuable crops like cotton. Understanding deer feeding patterns is important for effective crop management, as cotton can become susceptible to foraging deer, leading to concerns for producers.
Deer Feeding Habits and Cotton
Deer consume cotton plants, especially during specific growth stages or when other food sources are scarce. They are most attracted to young, succulent cotton, from emergence up to the five to eight true-leaf stage. During this period, deer primarily feed on the tender terminal bud, young leaves, and shoots.
Cotton is not a highly preferred food source compared to crops like soybeans or corn, but deer will browse on it if alternative forage is scarce. They may also consume young bolls and regrowth from defoliated stalks later in the season. Cotton fields can also serve as bedding areas, providing cover and shade, which can increase browsing activity. Additionally, deer consume highly nutritious cottonseed, particularly after harvest.
Consequences of Deer Damage
Deer feeding on cotton plants causes damage that affects crop health and productivity. When deer consume the terminal bud of young cotton, it results in the loss of apical dominance. This forces the plant to develop multiple vegetative branches, altering its natural growth and often delaying maturity.
Damage at early growth stages can be severe, leading to stunted plants or even seedling death if feeding occurs below the cotyledons. Research indicates that simulated deer feeding can cause significant seedcotton yield reductions, ranging from 20 to 36 percent depending on the leaf stage. This damage translates into substantial economic losses for growers, with deer causing millions of dollars in annual damages and mitigation costs in some cotton-producing regions.
Strategies for Protection
Protecting cotton crops from deer damage involves various approaches.
Fencing
Physical exclusion through fencing is the most effective method for preventing deer access to fields. High-tensile woven wire fences, 8 to 10 feet tall, are recommended as a robust, long-lasting solution for commercial operations. Electric fences, including portable and multi-strand designs, can also deter deer by delivering a mild shock. Marking wires with visible strips can enhance their effectiveness.
Chemical Repellents
Chemical repellents discourage deer from browsing through taste or odor. Options include sprays made from rotten eggs, milk, garlic, or hot peppers, and commercial products with oils like peppermint. These repellents require regular reapplication, typically every few weeks or after rain, as their effectiveness diminishes over time. Rotating different types of repellents can help prevent deer from habituating.
Scare Tactics
Scare tactics use visual or auditory stimuli to frighten deer away. This can involve reflective items, Mylar tape, motion-activated lights, or noisemakers like gas exploders. While these methods offer temporary relief, deer are adaptable and may quickly become accustomed to them. Frequent changes in tactics or combining deterrents is necessary. Dogs can also deter deer through their presence and barking.
Habitat Management
Habitat management strategies influence deer behavior to reduce their reliance on cotton. Establishing alternative food plots with preferred forage away from cotton fields can draw deer to other areas. Managing surrounding natural habitats to provide ample bedding and cover also reduces deer pressure on cultivated land. Cover cropping systems within fields may also deter deer. In some cases, population reduction through regulated hunting or depredation permits can mitigate widespread damage.