Use of Dogs Contained within Off-Limits Crop Protection System for Reducing Deer Damage to Orchards and Horticultural Crops

Deer damage to apple trees in commercial orchards is a major problem for growers in Maryland and surrounding states. The use of dogs contained within "Off-Limits Crop Protection Systems" has been shown to be an effective way to reduce deer damage in orchards in New York State.  To test this system in a controlled research environment, this fencing system was installed around the 30-acre main orchard areas at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center.