I have a couple thoughts to share, in no particular order: 1. Oak regeneration is not simply a deer problem. Seed predators, mast cycles, pathogens, and light availability for seedlings all play a role. I agree with an earlier poster that implied fencing, clearcutting, and adding acorns is a risky strategy. Either success or failure could be due to it being an unusual year, rather than the treatments applied.
2. Three acres is rather large as far as exclosures go. It might be possible to satisfy both parties (having part unlogged, and part clearcut). They may even want to have a third treatment in- between, something like a 40% canopy removal. 3. Regardless of how this plays out, DEFINITELY get baseline data, inside and outside the exclosures, before any treatments are put into place. There is no "usual way" that these things are done. In my experience, it is a lot of work to put something together that satisfies the needs of foresters, landowners, and scientists involved. Tom Rooney
