Protecting hardwood seedlings from deer

[Peter Smallidge]

A recent blog about the impact of deer has been of interest to many.  I came across this link to a story about strategies to protect seedlings from deer, at least from browsing the terminal buds.  Check out the site here.  The story relates to oak, but would likely have application with all hardwoods. 

Are there other strategies that have proven efficient and effective?  Offer your comments in the space below.

[Patrik Schumann]

This is strictly experimental.  

On my 10 ac a year TSI on 120 ac 480a, I've been heavily thinning 55% dominant white pine to release 45% leftover twice high-graded HWs.  The resulting almost impenetrable debris matrix appears it will exclude deer for the years it takes to break down, while the annual carpet of SM and RO/ WO seedlings will have a chance to reach up before I come in for commercial harvest of remaining pine. I've opened up basal area enough for black cherry; my biggest concern is a mountain laurel surge.  I wanted to diversify HWs for climate change by planting seedlings but ground too rocky, now I want to seed in other HWs but can't find good genetics in bulk and take rate is low.  I also aim to put box-wire cylinders and some deer tubes out to protect natural regeneration patches or seedlings.  Anyone else doing trials like this?  How should I do mine so they are publishable as pseudo-scientific case studies?  Thanks, Patrik