Affect of land clearing and machinery on deer

[Hoss163]

How bad does land clearing and big dozers and machinery affect the deer ?


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[Bayouboy]

In East Texas very little. Deer have adjusted to it over the years.

[El Paisano]

Just depends on where you are, how much you are clearing, and what you do with it when it is cleared. If you pave it, it will have a profound effect. If you develop a long term management plan that includes periodic burning, etc., it will create a wildlife magnet.
If it grows up in big bluestem and other native bunch grasses, they are tall enough to provide the cover they need.
Doze off an area and go back the next morning to check for tracks.

[CEO]

Yeah depends on the location. I showed up to hunt second weekend of bow season and they were cutting a section of our lease, went right around my ground blind. As soon as they were gone deer were everywhere.

[Low Fence]

We actually chase the loggers around on one place. Deer will be following behind the skidders. Unless they are clear cutting huge areas it in my experience always makes it better

[Rubberdown]

There was a deer standing on elderidge road last night next to a bulldozer. I’m pretty sure they will adapt to anything.

[TacticalCowboy]

Thy don’t care

[dbaio1]

About 25 years ago on our farm we cut 186 acres of virgin hardwood timber (left about 20% per acre for natural reforestation. We also cut 184 acres of pine averaging about 30-35 years of age, that was clear cut with exception of creek mgmt zones. That was a major timber harvest that lasted dang near 8 months and loads of heavy equipment. Starting that next season and for a good 7 years our deer sightings probably tripled.

[rockspringshunt]

My neighbor claims his neighbor clear cut his property and he didn't see near as many deer for a while. May have changed a natural travel corridor for them as these are small places ~80 acres. Just like everyone says the deer got used to it and came back.

[STX_Shooter]

A buddy of mine is a guide on a huge ranch and he was saying that deer are curious animals, that they might get spooked my the noise but after awhile they’ll get used too it. They’ll even go and see what’s making all the racket.

[Easttxbowman]

Forester here and I've seen more animals standing o
In a logging set with equipment running than I can remember.

[ren087]

My experience in East Texas is that there is minimal disruption in normal deer activity.

[Tester]

I agree with most above - little to no disruption.

[Arrowthreat]

Just depends on where you are, how much you are clearing, and what you do with it when it is cleared. If you pave it, it will have a profound effect. If you develop a long term management plan that includes periodic burning, etc., it will create a wildlife magnet.
If it grows up in big bluestem and other native bunch grasses, they are tall enough to provide the cover they need.
Doze off an area and go back the next morning to check for tracks.

Exactly.

[breederbuck33]

Yesterday we had 2 tractors mowing our property, and a deer at our feeder 50 yards away.