Which combination of actions is used to control deer and elk?

Which combination of actions is used to control deer and elk?

• A. Hunting only
• B. Fences only
• C. Landscape manipulation only
• D. Hunting, fences, and landscape manipulation

Answer: (D)

Controlling deer and elk is most effective when you combine strategies that affect population, access, and habitat. Hunting reduces numbers and helps keep populations at levels that cause less damage. Fences physically block animals from entering important areas, protecting young trees, crops, or regenerated stands. Landscape manipulation changes the site so it’s less attractive or easier to avoid, such as altering forage availability or reducing cover that deer and elk use for movement and protection. Using all three together creates multiple barriers that work in concert—hunting lowers the pressure, fences provide a physical shield, and habitat changes reduce ongoing attraction—making damage management more reliable. Relying on any single method often isn’t enough because wildlife can adapt, fences can fail or wear out, and habitat may still draw animals from other areas.

Controlling deer and elk is most effective when you combine strategies that affect population, access, and habitat. Hunting reduces numbers and helps keep populations at levels that cause less damage. Fences physically block animals from entering important areas, protecting young trees, crops, or regenerated stands. Landscape manipulation changes the site so it’s less attractive or easier to avoid, such as altering forage availability or reducing cover that deer and elk use for movement and protection. Using all three together creates multiple barriers that work in concert—hunting lowers the pressure, fences provide a physical shield, and habitat changes reduce ongoing attraction—making damage management more reliable. Relying on any single method often isn’t enough because wildlife can adapt, fences can fail or wear out, and habitat may still draw animals from other areas.