Increasing White Tail Deer Population

Deer populations are increasing nearly to the point of being a nuisance in some areas. Students can investigate the changes in the ecosystems that might be causing increased populations.

Video

Iowa City

Iowa Core Standard

MS-LS2-4

Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations

Driving Question

What are the environmental and societal impacts of increased deer populations?

Probing Questions

How many deer are in Iowa now compared to the past?
Why do you think the number of deer has changed?
What effect do deer have on humans?
What effect do humans have on deer?
Are deer a benefit or a problem to humans and the environment?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Investigate the changes in populations over time and make predictions for why the changes have occurred.
Use argumentation from evidence to discuss the merits and drawbacks of hunting as way to control populations and propose possible new solutions.
Research to compare and contrast the positive and negative effects of deer populations can be brainstormed and researched.
Use a representation to gather data on deer populations using the Iowa DNR website
- Write an explanation, using evidence to explain patterns in deer populations.
- Share and discuss explanations for these patterns in deer populations.
- How do you think availability of resources play into these patterns?
- What factors might contribute to the pattern repeating or changing?
- How does this impact the "bag limit" for hunting season?
- Why is hunting season limited and not a year-round event?

Resources

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Population Harvest Trends: This website contains data on deer and data on Iowa deer populations from 2006-2020. There is also data on a variety of other animal sightings along with antlered and non-antlered deer in various areas of Iowa from 2008-2019
Project Wild | Deer Dilemma: "Deer Dilemma" activity where students advocate for varying opinions on managing deer populations.
Project Wild | Oh Deer: "Oh Deer!" activity where students become deer and habitat components to demonstrate population fluctuation, carrying capacity and limiting factors.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Hunting and Trapping Regulations: Information on restrictions on hunting and limits and seasons.

Contributors

Submitted by Jennifer Bliss.