Deer Deterrent

Anyone know anything about keeping deer away from a particular area. I've done a bit of poking around and have gotten mixed info. I've seen, electronic noise and flashing light devices, propane cannons, chemical deterrents, suggestions to plant particular plants, etc all of which seem to get mixed reviews. Some of which would not go over well in a residential neighborhood.

I live on a large Island that is 2/3 National Park. There is no hunting on the island and hasn't been for at least 80 years. There will never be hunting in the National park. The deer population is out of control in terms of deer/human interaction...car accidents, landscaping/garden mutilation etc. There is currently a move toward a controlled deer herd culling on the island although it is getting a lot of pushback.

I totally respect wildlife and realize that I live in the middle of the woods...in their environment but at the same time it can get especially annoying. The vehicle accident thing is a crapshoot...I wont be caught out on my motorcycle after dark, however around my home it would be nice to deter the activity a bit if it can be done. My neighborhood is completely wooded with 1.5+ acre lots.

I have dogs, the dogs love to chase the deer and I allow them to, to some extent. When the dogs are outside the deer don't come around. When the dogs are inside and they see a deer outside, its chaos in the house. This is one of the reasons I want to deter the deer. I have been working with the dogs to try and curb this behavior while inside the house, but it's a tough go.

 

Next time you go to the barber ask for the floor sweepings and spread them where the deer would enter your property. Take a leak there too. Have the dogs take a leak there too. Spread the smell of danger all over.

Other than that, there's no fool proof way to keep them from entering your property other than a 10' fence. You can keep them from eating stuff, but its damm near impossible to keep them out entirely.

 

Since the coyotes moved in, deer haven't been so much an issue. Perhaps you need a few on the island for a while. I hate having overcrowding. Overpopulation of deer isn't just a problem for humans. The deer will compete for food, then die off from disease and starvation. Either hunting or culling the herd is in order. It is the only humane option for checks and balances.

 

Hair, shaved irish spring soap, your pee, hang pie pans in the trees, dog crap spread on peremiter, coyote pee, scarecrows.

Then there is the ribbon fence you periodically spray with something to keep em out (used on food plots to allow it to mature before the deer eat it) be warned. ..it's pricey.

If that doesn't work, start feeding the coyotes butcher scraps and draw em in close to home.

Then there's archery equipment
Shoot shovel and shut up.

 

There are plenty of coyotes around too. Oliver! Got in a fight with one a few weeks ago, not 10 yards into the woods behind my house, needed a few stitches on his ankle. He thinks they are dogs, and he loves all dogs, tries to play with them so they try to eat him. I think he may have figured it out this time!

 

The hair idea sounds good, and I've got a lot of dog crap.

I had thought about a pellet or BB gun, something that wouldn't actually penetrate, just sting a little. I know nothing about guns.

The coyotes are already too close for my comfort. Oliver thinks they are play buddies and then they try to eat him, the two other adult dogs know to keep their distance, and now I've got two new pups in the house.

 

Had a cousin just tell me the same trick using hair from the barber to keep coyotes/deer away. Said his father used to do it around their camp/garden.

 

If all you want to do is scare them (deer & coyotes) away, and you want to be able to do it when you see them... how about high pressure air? Strategically placed nozzles could make a lot of noise. Thinking air released when lines are disconnected x10. Pex tubing? One valve punch and all nozzles hooked together... blast a loud shot of air. Be fun to try if you already have a decent compressor.

 

BB gun is not a good idea. It may penetrate an area that is lightly covered in thick hide , and seeing that you are not knowledgable about guns your aim might not be the greatest. any wound , even small can fester, and leave you with a slow dying deer. I sympathize with your plight. You may want to check if there are any plants that might deter deer from entering your property. I'm sure that someone here will have had the same problem and have an answer.

 

Well.. with an over abundant and growing Deer population, I'm pretty sure the SSS treatment won't work. I've heard that a double fence is pretty effective. You'd have to put up an 8' tall fence around the areas you don't want deer- using 4"x4" or 6" x 6" "hog wire" mesh- this is the initial deterrent. Then, another fence line about 3-4 feet inside of the 8' one. Only has to be visible, about 4-5' tall. The theory is that the deer see both lines of fencing, but can't judge the distance. Makes them nervous. So only a few brave ones attempt it, and get stuck between the two fence lines. After a bit, they learn and don't try anymore.
Coyotes are a different story. Invest in a Ruger 10/22 and a good scope. JB

 

A paintball gun would be an option if you can get within range.

 

Sounds entertaining. Would be easy to spot the repeat offenders too.