AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Healthy deer populations depend on careful monitoring and informed management decisions. Since 1984, the Alabama Deer Management Assistance Program, provided by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, has been a leading force for sound deer management across privately owned or leased properties.

Norm Haley, an Alabama Extension forestry, wildlife and natural resources agent at Auburn University, said that the program offers a valuable opportunity to hunters and landowners.

“They’re guiding folks to make better hunting and habitat management decisions and also giving them tools to have a balanced harvest,” Haley said.

About the Program

The program is a free tool used to track deer health, harvest data trends and address habitat gaps for landowners, hunting clubs and leased properties. Landon Johnson, assistant deer coordinator of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said that after a one-on-one site visit, management goals are discussed and a plan is developed to best suit each individual property.

“With Alabama consisting of almost 93 percent privately-owned land, programs like the Deer Management Assistance Program play a vital role in shaping the management of the deer population on a statewide level,” Johnson said.

Program participants can expect one-on-one visits with a Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries biologist, a specifically designed management objective selected from four options, annual harvest data analysis, specific habitat recommendations and antlerless harvest flexibility when justified.

“The primary focus and value of the program is to help landowners better understand what they should do in terms of harvest,” Haley said. “It’s really helpful that you can get a biologist on site for free.”

Extension Resources

Alabama Extension provides many opportunities for Alabamians to grow their deer management knowledge, as well. Along with the many deer related publications, Extension’s Natural Resources Webinar series has experts and partners share practical knowledge to help landowners, outdoor enthusiasts and community members better understand and care for Alabama’s natural resources.

The archives of the Natural Resources Webinar series include the June 4, 2026, presentation “Alabama Deer Management Assistance Program” that provides more information about the program. Additionally, the Oct. 16, 2024, webinar “Data Driven Deer Management” discusses the how and why behind deer data collection. Contact your local forestry, wildlife and natural resources Extension agent for additional assistance with deer and land management.

More Information

For additional information about the program, visit the Deer Management Assistance Program | Outdoor Alabama, or contact Johnson, at landon.johnson@dcnr.alabama.gov. Visit aces.edu for Extension resources.