Deer Proofing

Deer Proofing is only achieved with an effective deer fence, or perhaps a dog. This isn't always an option, or the desired aesthetic you’re looking for on your property. There are many things you can do. The first thing you need to understand is that deer are individuals, and individual deer or regions of deer have adapted to there environ in many ways. What might send a wild deer into a frenzy of panic may not get an eye blink with an urban deer. The urban deer is much different than his wild, rural, or even suburban cohorts. I have a couple deer stories to share, that I think illustrate my point. I hiked in the wilderness one summer, and unimaginably came nose to nose with an Elk. It's was definitely not a deer, I can attest it is a bigger animal, but for the stories sake, I will say same difference. The two of us locked eyes frozen in mortal panic, both afraid to move. It felt like a long time, long enough to wonder ...haven't I heard somewhere eye contact may be the absolutely the wrong thing, I didn't want to pick a fight! I tried to look behind myself for my hiking partner without turning, and croak a calm, um, umm....ELK. This broke our eye lock, and the terrified animal crashed down the mountainside, shaking the ground I stood on as it fled. It was exponentially more afraid of me. Thank Goodness, we were no match, I thought I was scared enough for both of us. This is my experience with wild deer. My urban deer experiences, much different. Some of the Gulf Islands are extremely over populated by deer, and they barley react to the sights, sounds, and smells, of the local human population. I was trudging through the area on a rainy day, and we came across a number of deer tucked in under the trees for shelter. They looked at us, but it was more of a plea, "it's wet, I don't want to move, your not going to be annoying, are you?" I tested how close I could get, I caved in our game of chicken first, having some respect for hooves, even if though these deer were small and seemed docile enough. I opted to jump up and down and yell like a lunatic, to see the reaction. I got one ear swivel, and maybe, maybe detected a note of veiled interest to my odd behavior. These deer would not be deterred by bits, and bobs of human hair tied in the trees, nope, not a chance. They weren't even bothered by my dog, they seemed to know all about leashes, and leashed dogs. I have heard all sorts of deer stories over the years, one of my co-workers tells a great one. She was struggling through a gate with a massive load of fruit tree prunings, and felt herself caught up. She assumed she was wedged in the gate opening, but was shocked to discover she was in fact having a tug o war with a deer. The deer was trying to save itself the trip to the compost area, and helping itself to her armload of branches. I am pretty sure a scare crow, or pie plates on string would not phase this deer. Apparently the family cat could run off this deer however, so go figure. I have put together a list of deer proofing suggestions, check the link on the right.

Please add your comments, stories, or suggestions.

Sandra