Controlling Hungry Deer

Controlling Hungry Deer

Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

Hey BP.

Anyone have any tips for controlling hungry deer?

I have a house in a moderate to low-density subdivision. We have some small patches of woods here and there, but the area is primarily residential with 1/2 to 3/4 acre lots. It makes for a great deer refuge (free of hunters and predators), with plenty of food (our gardens and shrubs!). My little herd has grown from 2 to 8 deer in 2 years. They are fearless of humans. Our subdivision is in the process of working a petition to take to the village, which will in-turn hire a company to shoot them at the expense of the village. That takes time. Maybe not everyone will agree to getting rid of them either.

In the meantime, I have a property line that is in dire need of a privacy barrier. I need about 15-20 feet of height, and I also want something that does not grow wide - 4 feet max would be perfect. This has me thinking Arborvitae. The problem is, the deer love them! I found some Arborvitae on sale and want to pull the trigger right now, but would hate to simply feed the deer and lose my money and time.

There is stuff you can buy with scent, and my friend also suggested I go primal and spray human urine - lol.

Anyone have any suggestions?

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  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    7y

    Hi Merrit,

    Deer will jump tall fences to eat.

    Maybe fence the property and get a Labrador Retriever to run loose inside the fence.

    They seem to love to chase deer and make a decent pet too.

    Either that or get a sleigh and hitch all 8 of them up for Christmas--you just need a Red Nosed one to lead the pack.

    Good Luck!

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    7y

    I live in an area infested with deer. They eat everyone's trees and flowers, crap all over the lawn, etc. But I actually like them.

    Look into deer-proofing your yard with particular trees, shrubs, and flowers. There are certain things they will not eat.

    ONE EXAMPLE

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
  • Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    7y

    Check with your municipal office to see if you can put up a electric cattle fence. It is not particularly dangerous to people but a deer touching it's nose to it sends a permanent message. If you can not use electric it is time to put up a conventional fence to keep them out 

    Plant your hedge inside the property line and set the electric fence on the property line a few feet beyond the hedge. They will not have room to jump the electric fence and will not be able to reach over to eat the hedge.

  • Specialist · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2015 · 909 posts · 297 votes
    7y

    of all the threads ive read, this is on the books for uniqueness 

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