White Tail Deer: Friend or Foe?

White tail deer--what are the environmental and societal impacts of populations? 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.

Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring 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.
• The logical discovery of hunting as a way to control populations can be explored and students could use argumentation from evidence to discuss the merits and drawbacks of this policy and propose possible new solutions.
• 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?

Related Resources

• Iowa 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 DNR Hunting and Trapping Regulations: Information on restrictions on hunting and limits and seasons.