Photo by Vicki Smith
A family of deer at the Old Lennoxville Golf Course this summer
Insights from the Ministry of the Environment
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Anaïs Gasse, Biologist and Head of Big Game Management for the provincial Ministry of the Environment, is leading efforts to control and manage deer populations in the Sherbrooke area. In a recent interview, Gasse discussed the challenges of maintaining ecological balance while minimizing human-deer conflicts. Her team is focused on preserving biodiversity and reducing the negative impacts of an overabundant deer population.
According to Gasse, an aerial survey conducted last winter revealed a deer density of 25.7 deer per square kilometre in Sherbrooke’s Beckett Woods region. The Sherbrooke area’s general figure is more than double the recommended population density of five deer per square kilometre, which is the target for achieving a healthy ecological balance.
The environmental impact of overpopulation is significant. “Too many deer will overgraze vegetation, especially in the zero to two-metre range,” Gasse said. This leads to a loss of biodiversity as deer strip vegetation essential to other species, such as nesting birds. Additionally, an excessive deer population increases the risk of car accidents and causes damage to crops and gardens. “When food in the bush is scarce, deer often venture into residential areas, eating plants like cedars and hostas,” she added.
In 2022, the Estrie region recorded 1,203 road accidents involving deer, a figure consistent with the average number of such accidents observed between 2018 and 2022. This statistic underscores the challenges posed by the high deer population and the resulting safety concerns for drivers.
Efforts to reduce the deer population involve various strategies, with hunting playing a key role. Gasse’s department collaborates with municipalities to guide local decisions and manages hunting zones, particularly in “zone six south” around Sherbrooke.
“We issue over 9,000 hunting permits annually and encourage hunters to target antlerless deer, as females are crucial for controlling future population growth,” she said. Hunting seasons are also more permissive, allowing the use of guns, crossbows, and other equipment. Specific weekends are designated for new hunters, giving them exclusive opportunities to participate.
Gasse also addressed the public’s concern about the connection between deer and ticks. “Deer are not reservoirs for the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, but they can transport ticks,” she clarified. Only the black-legged tick can transmit Lyme disease, and there are over 12 species of ticks in Quebec. Gasse reassured that deer density does not directly correlate with Lyme disease risk.
Winter conditions also play a crucial role in regulating deer populations. “The mild winters in southern Quebec allow more deer to survive, unlike harsher northern regions, where up to 30 per cent of the population may die each year,” Gasse explained. Although natural predators such as coyotes and bears exist in the region, they are not highly effective at controlling deer populations.
For residents dealing with deer in their gardens, Gasse recommends fencing as the most effective solution. “A fence higher than two metres is ideal, but it must be secured with no gaps underneath, as deer can squeeze through openings,” she said. Other deterrents include using coyote urine, aluminum plates, or motion-detecting sprinklers. However, Gasse cautioned that these methods require frequent maintenance and may not be effective long-term solutions.
Gasse’s team remains committed to managing Sherbrooke’s deer population, with ongoing studies and public awareness campaigns aimed at addressing the negative impacts of overpopulation. As hunting season approaches, Gasse encourages landowners with too many deer to allow more hunters onto their property, as it is “an effective way to help reduce the population in the region.” She concluded by highlighting the importance of deer to the local ecosystem while stressing the need for proper management. “Deer are vital to the biodiversity of Sherbrooke, but when their numbers become too high, it disrupts the natural balance,” she said. Her department continues working toward achieving that balance, ensuring a sustainable future for both wildlife and residents in the Eastern Townships