Deer Ecology

Two youth smile at the camera while holding deer antlers

An evening time program focused on white-tailed deer and their impact on their environment. The first portion of the program covers some basic deer biology, how the herd changes with the seasons and how the herd is managed in Wisconsin. Next is a herbivore hike highlighting their unique digestion and how that affects the composition of the forest. The lesson finishes with OH DEER!, a game which helps explain concepts like carrying capacities and population dynamics.

 

Accessibility notes:

This class starts indoors and moves outdoors at the end. The herbivore hike typically occurs on the riverbend trail, but can be done on any trail. OH DEER! involves some running back and forth and typically occurs outdoors, but can be done in the lodge if needed.

Deer Lesson Plan