A deer spends too much time on the outlines of tree stands and forests, which makes it an edge species. It's also because it feeds on immature supple sprouts and shoots which are placed at the perimeter of forests. At the center of an old growth forest, there is no sufficient light for lush plants like saplings to grow. Everytime the land where adult trees grow is cleared, the young trees can sprout up because they are able to get some light. The growth of the new trees provide enough nutrition for the baby deer.
A deer is considered an edge species also because of safety. In this case, every time that a deer munches away on young balsam, aspen or your ornamental shrubs and plants, it can get away from danger very quickly as it runs to the dense woods.
Deer population control seems impossible because after all the efforts of hacking lands to kill them, they always seem to increase in number. Getting rid of a deer is very challenging because there are always forest edges, which means that there is always some food for the deer. More food automatically means an even fatter baby deer.
Controlling the population of the deer is made even more difficult because of the declining number of animals that feed on it. Mountain lions, coyotes and wolves are decreasing in population, and these animals are the ones that can naturally control the population of the deer.
The following tips offer you ideas when it comes to dealing with deer. You can either get rid of them, learn to live with them, or at least reduce the negative impact they give to you. Since there are different types of deer species, here are the different tips that work for every species, including the elk, black-tailed deer, mule deer and the white-tailed deer.
Preventing the Damage the Deer Causes
The Power of the Fence – Do not underestimate the power of a good fence. Since you are dealing with a deer, you need a fence that a deer cannot jump over with. Since the deer can jump real high, you will need to set up a fence that stands up to 10 feet high. Make sure that there is at least a foot buried under the ground. You may not want to build another Great Wall of China at the back of your house, so why not consider setting up an electric fence? To make sure that catch them, spread some peanut butter on the fence as bait. Warn your kids about the electric fence and keep your cats and dogs away from it, so that no one will inadvertently receive an electric shock.
Tubings on Trees – It is a wise idea to surround the trees with tubes to protect your trees from being destroyed by the deer. During the fall season, the deer always attempts to molt their antlers. They rub them against the trees' trunks, which destroys the tree. The tree may die, or its growth may be stunted. You can now purchase commercial tree protectors. If not, then cerate your own tree protector by slicing some part of your drain pipe lengthwise. Surround your tree trunks with the sliced corrugated drain pipe.
Row Covers for Protection – Row covers are efficient protectors of plants. You can use row covers that are light weight, which you can drape over your trees or plants. Other row covers need to be suspended by stakes or hoops. Designs for row covers are intended to keep the deer from attacking your plants and your gardens. Row covers also protect your plants from frost. They also provide extra moisture which the plants in your garden need.
Small Cages – Bushes, shrubs, and plants that you think are vulnerable, should be protected by small cages. Small cages can either be bought or made by yourself. In fact, you can use chicken wire, fencings and stakes as small cages. Make sure that you install the cages to the ground very securely because the deer can just push it over and proceed like there is no obstruction at all. Long tent stakes are ideal for small cages.
Animals Should Not Be Fed – When you feed other animals, you are giving the deer a free handout. Underneath birdfeeders you will find a deer grazing seed. The deer is popular for tilting the mouth of a birdfeeder after grabbing it, so that the seed will spill for them to eat. If you want to feed your quails, pheasants, turkeys and ducks with corn, you will also be feeding the deer with it.
Using Deer Repellents – Deer repellents can be classified into three: the electronic repellent, contact repellent and area repellent. If you are going to use an electronic deer repellent, you will have to attach this device to a tree or a stake, or to any place where the deer is usually found. This repellent works by startling, scaring or irritating the deer. The contact deer repellent, on the other hand, is a liquid repellent which you need to spray onto plants. Once th deer feeds on the plants, the leaves will smell and taste terrible. The area repellent can be made of powder, granules or liquid. You will have to apply this around the areas where deers usually go. Because of its offensive odor, the deer will not even attempt to get near your plants and your gardens. The sense of smell of the deer is more sensitive compared to that of humans.
The deer is still a precious animal like a tiger, a lion or an eagle. The only reason why you need to get rid of it is because it tends to be destructive. Because of this, you need to understand that getting rid of the deer does not necessarily mean killing it, which is why these tips are here to help you prevent the damage it can cause, rather than take away its precious life.