Oh deer! Base animal population booming

  • Published
  • By Ashley Mangin
  • Volunteer contributor to the Combat Airlifter
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  This year Little Rock Air Force Base has reported a deer population of approximately 550, the most ever recorded by the base. The number has been escalating for years, but has finally become a problem. 

"There are too many deer for the habitat," said Kimm Hunt, 19th Airlift Wing safety office wildlife biologist. "When there are too many deer, like we have now, there may not be enough food for all of the animals and the habitat can become damaged." 

There are also safety issues associated with an excess of deer in a populated area. 

"Our primary concern is keeping the deer off the flightline to avoid any catastrophic incidents involving deer and aircraft, but also with motor vehicle accidents," Mr. Hunt said. 

The most accidents involving cars and deer occur between now and the end of November. To prevent a car accident involving a deer, Mr. Hunt reminds drivers to be mindful of deer crossing signs, to remember deer are most active between 6 to 9 p.m., to not travel alone and to use high-beam headlights as much as possible. He also recommends drivers not swerve if a collision is inevitable because swerving could cause loss of control of the vehicle or place the vehicle in the path of oncoming car. 

However, the base has a plan for reducing its deer population. 

"Right now we have around 550 deer and we would like to eventually see that number down to 250. We have been given extra doe hunting tags for use on base. We have also opened up the current archery season to firearm hunters as well." 

There are many legal hunting areas on base. There is a large area around the flightline and some archery areas near housing. 

Mr. Hunt said this plan is positive for everyone. 

"By reducing the herd [of deer], we are also helping the herd by sustaining their habitat," Mr. Hunt said. "We also want to keep our aircrews safe on the flightline and keep our drivers safe while on the road."