Effect of Simulated and Natural Deer Browsing on Mountain Maple

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Abstract
This long-term study (1952-62) was made to measure the growth response of mountain maple (Acer spicatum)in Minnesota to different intensities of simulated and natural browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). For the test clumps browsed by deer, the annual growth of twigs within reach of deer (ground level to 7 feet) was measured in late Oct. and remeasured in late April to determine the amount removed. Similar information was obtained on test clumps within two exclosures. To simulate various intensities of browsing, the annual growth was clipped 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%. The degree of browsing had no apparent direct effect on the amount of growth the following season; other environmental factors were more important. Tolerance of mountain maple to browsingwas high, however, since only 1 of 6 clumps had died after 100% of the annual growth had been clipped for 9 years. Sustained production of food within reach of deer was maintained at a level of use of about 80%. Since clumps are established primarily by the growth of underground stems, opportunities for management by cutting or by the application of common weed killers are excellent.

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