Common Deer Damage Problems

Deer may cause damage to residential properties, gardens, commercial agriculture, and woodlands. To help reduce deer damage, various deer management techniques can be used. Common deer damage problems are listed below in the form of a question.

Use this list to determine which deer management techniques may work for your particular situation. By clicking on a specific solution, you can learn more about a specific deer management technique.

Backyard Gardens, Landscapes

Backyard garden being damaged by deer?

Non-Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Exclusion
• Repellents
• Deterrents: Scare Devices, Baited Deer Fence

Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Regulated Hunting
• Deer Cooperators
  (with community consensus)

Landscaping being damaged by deer?

Non-Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Exclusion
• Repellents
• “Deer-Resistant” Landscape Plants
• Deterrents: Baited Deer Fence, Dogs, Electronic repellent

Lethal Deer Management Techniques
(May be limited by location)

• Regulated Hunting
• Managed Hunting
  (with community consensus)
• Deer Cooperators

Commercial Agricultural Operations

Orchard / nursery being damaged by deer?

Non-Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Exclusion: woven wire fencing, plastic deer fencing, individual plant protection
• Repellents
• Deterrents: Dogs

Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Regulated Hunting
• Deer Cooperators
• Deer Management Permits

Row crops being damaged by deer?

Non-Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Exclusion: for smaller areas
• Deterrents: Auditory and Visual Deterrents

Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Regulated Hunting
• Deer Management Permits

Non-Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Deterrents

Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Regulated Hunting
• Deer Management Permits

Truck crops being damaged by deer?

Non-Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Exclusion
• Repellents (those for use on edible plants*)
• Deterrents

Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Regulated Hunting
• Deer Cooperators
• Deer Management Permits

Tree farms, woodlands, or large landscapes being damaged by deer?

Non-Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Deterrents

Lethal Deer Management Techniques

• Regulated Hunting
• Deer Cooperators
• Deer Management Permits
  (Property must have a forestry management plan)

Maryland Deer Damage Management Techniques