Department of Natural Resource Managers, Biologists, and Foresters in Many

Essay

Department of Natural Resource managers, biologists, and foresters in many states work together to successfully manage game populations by determining the number of deer, bear or other animals that can be harvested each year. Harvest numbers can fluctuate based on climatic factors and natural events that affect plant production. For example, squirrels have been documented to have additional litters in masting years. Additionally, in the years following oak tree mastings, the number deer and squirrels that can be harvested tends to increase. Explain why mastings can influence deer and squirrel populations and the benefit of them to the oak tree.