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Need deer repellent/deterrents that actually work

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Mesophilic:
When I first moved up in to the mountains, like most lowlanders I was enamored  by the wildlife.  Every time a deer came in the yard my wife and I would grab our phones and text pictures  to all of our friends.

The honeymoon is over and now I view the city deer as rats with hooves.

I have a herd that regularly hangs out in my backyard,  mostly does and last years offspring.  And from what I've seen of the bucks around, this herd will be bigger come spring.  Counted 7 in my yard this morning and another half dozen in neighbors yards.

They eat everything,  including plants and herbs they're not supposed to like.  Plus I discretely discovered my neighbor with a bag of corn, feeding them.  (She's a nice old lady and I've been through wars with neighbors over stupid behaviors before so I'm leaving the issue alone for now)

The easiest solution would be a taller fence, but the yard is good sized and we have other priorities like changing out drafty single pane windows.  Our fences in the neighborhood are only 4 feet tall and my dog can easily escape otherwise I  would just give him the run of the yard to keep them out, but if I turn my back on him he's off down the street.  When I do let him give chase the deer just hop the fence and stand 5 feet away, they know the rules and aren't intimidated behind a barrier. 

Today is a bit warmer, and the snow is melting pretty good.  The aroma in my backyard is that of a feed lot,  and the blanket of deer poo is ridiculous.  The poo is a sticky and nasty from the snow melt,  and I'm not joking about it blanketing the yard. 

Does anyone have repellent or deterrents that actually work?  I let the dog urinate all over with no noticeable effects.  Tried a couple of commercial repellents but they are expensive and I'm not noticing much effect.   Also tried some homemade options found on the internet  without success.   

Pat B:
Yard dogs are the only deterrent I know of and even they aren't 100%. We have 2 dogs that keep bears and coyotes away but when they are in the house the deer eat everything they can in our yard. Any topical deterrents I've heard of or tried work only until it rains.
 I have heard that Lifebuoy soap hung around the yard works but who wants that all over the yard. Electric fences might work too until they figure out how to get around, or over them.

DC:
I think a tall fence is the only "fer shure" option. Anything else they will adapt to. I'm kinda in the same boat as you only not quite as bad. When we had dogs, no problems. As a stop gap you could make a temp top half for you fence. A four foot stick with a few strands of visible wire or line on them will usually stop them but if you weigh the price of that against a new fence it might not be a worth while investment. I've heard that a .22lr in the dark works. Actually got that hint from a game warden. One of my neighbours uses a crossbow.

Mesophilic:

--- Quote from: DC on February 10, 2019, 10:19:47 am --- I've heard that a .22lr in the dark works. Actually got that hint from a game warden. One of my neighbours uses a crossbow.

--- End quote ---

If I lived outside the city I'd be strongly considering these options, ethics be danged.

JEB:
Pick up a couple guinea hens. They will chase about anything off. Better than guard dogs, lol. If they don't work then you can eat them.

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