" Oh, Deer ! What can the Matter Be ?"

 

   How are they are 'counted' ?  One wildlife agency guesstimates that currently 1.1 million deer live in our state.  Judging by the decimation wrought on our flowers and other vegetation this year, a high percentage of those live close by.  In years past, we have steadily added to our daylily varieties and have delighted in the many colors.  Not this year.  This view of one 'harvested' plant 

        (look  closely for places buds have been eaten)

contrasts with these view  from past years:   

           

                 

       There have been 'challenging' times in previous years; however, grazing has been more intense in 2023.  I can tell you lots of deterrents that don't :

  .a granular substance placed around plants that are designed to make the deer scram.

  . small pieces of  a well known hand soap place at intervals

   .coffee grounds

   .aromatic plants such as lavender and thyme

   .lots of marigolds

   .most recently, ultrasonic sensors that emit sounds and flashing lights

   .a neighbor indicated that the presence of her indoor dogs and their barking have not always been effective.

   Up until recently high fencing has not been thought a realistic option given the size of the lawn.  Today, we are considering a high fence (8 feet seems to be minimal, given a deer's capacity for jumping great heights) for next year.

   In addition to destruction to vegetation, deer are a huge threat for vehicular traffic. Last summer, a deer jumped into the street one block from our house and totaled an approaching  vehicle.  One of my brothers remarked once that he had killed more deer with his pickup truck that year than most hunters.

  What have you found effective in deterring Bambi ?

   

Satchel