Deer Management in The Landings

We share our island with deer, and its population often seems unacceptably high. In fact, our most recent survey showed a density of 23 deer per square mile on average throughout The Landings, compared with 15 recommended by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) for residential areas like ours.

That is why TLA operates a Deer Management Program, working with our local representative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to safely remove as many deer as possible. At this time of year, the deer density is relatively high because GADNR regulations prohibit culling female deer while they are actively nursing fawns, and fawns are not yet self-sufficient. TLA stops culling doe when the first fawn is sighted in the spring, and resumes culling all sexes in the fall/winter months. 

We monitor the population by taking nighttime surveys, and we carefully remove 100-200+ deer each year, as shown below:

The numbers above do not include deer who are struck by vehicles or die naturally. 

The numbers above do not include deer who are struck by vehicles or die naturally. 

The deer that are removed are processed, currently at no cost to TLA, and the venison is donated to food banks and other charities. More than 75 tons of meat have been donated this way.

It is a challenge to manage our deer population. As new construction continues within The Landings, and with the recent clearing of 45 acres of forest for the Grand Harbor development, the deer population has been pushed into existing neighborhoods. Fencing around The Landings inhibits some deer migration, but deer can get around or over most fences. Nonetheless, the 23 deer per square mile recently measured within The Landings compares well to the much higher densities elsewhere on Skidaway Island. In addition, deer can migrate to Skidaway Island from surrounding areas by swimming and traveling through the marshes.

The Landings was the first community within Chatham County to implement a long-term deer management program.Several other smaller communities in the county including, Dutch Island, Modena island,  and the Southbridge community, have implemented management strategies to try to stay ahead of the expanding deer herd.

The Cultural Carrying Capacity of deer is a difference of opinion among residents about how many deer are too many. At TLA, we focus on the objective data -- specific complaints from residents and our surveys that show high deer density in specific geographic pockets. We concentrate on those areas.

Often, in those areas, we see evidence that residents have been feeding deer, which is actually harming these animals and causing more browsing to landscaping by concentrating them in a small area every day. Corn and other products that are not part of our deer’s natural diet can cause dehydration and painful disease. TLA has sent notices to residents of such areas. Feeding deer is against TLA rules and is subject to fines.

Residents can help manage our deer population by not feeding them, by giving TLA specific reports of high deer populations so that culling can be focused there, and by granting permission if asked for culling on your property. Safety is the top priority when culling deer.

Following are some key takeaways of TLA's deer management program.

• Deer Density - Currently, deer density at The Landings averages around 20 deer per square mile, which is below the biological carrying capacity of 22-40 deer per square mile set forth by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR-WRD) for coastal residential areas. USDA's goal in The Landings, is to remove deer to a cultural carrying capacity of 10-15 deer per square mile. 
• Management Program -  Deer are animals of the State of Georgia, which means they belong to the public, and removal is dictated by The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. TLA's Deer Management Program collaborates with the USDA to manage deer populations through culling, which is paused for doe in spring and summer when fawns are nursing. Bucks can still be removed during this time. Culling of both sexes resumes in fall/winter.
• Meat Donation - The culling process includes processing the venison, which is then donated to food banks and charities. More than 75 tons of meat have been donated to families in need.
• Challenges - The recent clearing of 45 acres for development and ongoing construction have reduced the natural deer habitat, pushing deer into adjoining neighborhoods. Fencing around The Landings does not prevent deer migration into the community.
• Comparison to Nearby Areas: Other barrier islands near The Landings have a much higher deer density of 90 deer per square mile. Deer can migrate to Skidaway Island utilizing the marsh and hammocks.
• Resident Involvement: Opinions vary among residents on acceptable deer density. TLA targets high-density areas identified through resident complaints and survey data. Feeding deer, which is harmful, is prohibited and subject to fines.

How Residents Can Help

• Avoid feeding deer.
• Report specific high-density areas.
• Do not approach or harass the USDA representative during culling activities. 
• Grant permission for culling on undeveloped property if requested by the USDA.