LA PLATA, Md. — Maryland’s forests face growing challenges from white-tailed deer overpopulation, prompting the Maryland Forest Service to implement protective measures and advocate for increased hunting to restore ecological balance. With deer numbers stabilizing around 230,000 statewide, excessive browsing has led to visible damage, including suppressed native plant growth and the spread of invasive species, according to state wildlife officials.
The issue stems from a combination of habitat loss, fewer predators and declining hunter participation, which has allowed deer populations to exert heavy pressure on woodlands. Since 2005, Maryland’s white-tailed deer herd has hovered near 235,000 animals, a drop from the peak of 300,000 in 2002 but an increase from the 150,000 average in the 1980s and early 1990s. Recent estimates for 2024 place the population at about 230,000, with hunters harvesting 84,201 deer during the 2024-2025 season, including 32,148 antlered and 47,271 antlerless white-tailed deer. This harvest marked the highest in five years, reflecting efforts to manage the population amid concerns over forest health.
In Southern Maryland, where forests cover portions of Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, the impacts are particularly acute. Dense deer herds create a distinct “browse line,” stripping vegetation from the ground up to six feet high, limiting regrowth and opening space for invasives. Native trees and shrubs struggle to regenerate, affecting habitat for species like wild turkeys, bobwhite quail and pollinators, some of which are already in decline. Over-browsing suppresses young forest growth, reducing biodiversity and allowing non-native plants to dominate.
Invasive species thrive in these disturbed areas, as deer preferentially avoid them while consuming natives. Common invasives in Maryland forests include Japanese stiltgrass, garlic mustard, wisteria and kudzu, which compete for sunlight, water and nutrients. These plants spread rapidly in deer-affected zones, further degrading ecosystems. Studies show that high deer densities enhance the abundance of such invasives, as browsing reduces competition from preferred native vegetation. In addition to browsing, male deer cause damage through antler rubbing in fall, stripping bark from young trees and exposing them to pathogens and insects.
To combat these effects, the Maryland Forest Service employs physical protections like tree shelters — often visible as plastic tubes around seedlings — to shield new growth until it reaches beyond browse height. These are the most cost-effective option, with alternatives including shrub cages, fencing and electric polywire systems. Repellents using scent, sound or visuals offer temporary relief but are less reliable than barriers. For landowners facing crop or forest damage, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources issues Deer Management Permits or Cooperator Licenses to allow targeted harvests.
Declining hunter numbers exacerbate the problem. Licensed hunters in Maryland have fallen more than 40 percent since the 1970s, with sales dropping from 195,000 in 1975 to 135,000 by 1998. Recent data shows about 116,422 paid hunting license holders, or 1.9 per 100 residents, ranking Maryland ninth lowest nationally. Deer harvests have decreased over 20 percent since 2010, contributing to population pressures.
State officials promote hunter recruitment through education programs and initiatives to reactivate lapsed participants. The Department of Natural Resources offers year-round classes to build skills and encourage participation. Another strategy involves easing Sunday hunting restrictions, a colonial-era legacy affecting several counties. Maryland remains one of 10 states with such limits, despite strong safety records. Liberalizing these rules could provide more opportunities for hunters, boost economic benefits for outfitters and help control deer numbers. Pennsylvania repealed its Sunday ban in 2020 for similar reasons, leading to increased harvests.
The 2020-2034 White-tailed Deer Management Plan outlines long-term goals for sustainable populations, including monitoring health indicators like chronic wasting disease, which affected 62 deer in 2024 samples. In Southern Maryland, recent seasons have seen robust activity, with the 2024-2025 harvest contributing to statewide totals and antlerless takes rising due to extended seasons.
Forests in the region, part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, support diverse wildlife and recreation. Overpopulation threatens this, but targeted Maryland deer management efforts aim to preserve native habitats. Officials emphasize that balanced deer numbers benefit all species, including the deer themselves, by ensuring adequate food sources.
Additional measures include forest restoration projects, such as fencing exclosures to protect regeneration areas. In urban-adjacent zones like Baltimore County, deer browse consumes an average 8.8 pounds per deer daily for eight months, highlighting the need for integrated approaches.
As Maryland deer management evolves, collaboration between foresters, hunters and landowners remains key. The winter firearm season, which opened January 10, 2025, in most areas, provides another chance to address the issue. Public input on plans, like the draft solicited in 2020, helps shape strategies tailored to local needs.
Chronic wasting disease monitoring adds urgency, with positive cases underscoring health risks from dense herds. By promoting ethical hunting and protections, the state seeks equilibrium between wildlife and woodlands, vital for Southern Maryland’s natural heritage.
A large contributor to the problem is also the cost of a hunting license. The state continues to raise the cost of hunting. Firearms, ammo, license and large game tags cost a fortune. If the state waived licensing fees for a year or two, the problem would be solved.
Adopt the Urban Archery season format Virginia has to eliminate more deer.