Deer herbivory is currently limiting to seedling establishment and growth, and deer populations are not expected to change dramatically due to climate alone. However, preferred browse species may change as forest composition changes.

Deer use conifer-rich lowlands to avoid severe winter weather, so even low deer populations can be damaging. Changes in herbivore populations may have substantial effects on forest growth and composition. Browsing pressure may increase on hardwood species as northern white-cedar and other conifers decline.