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[C.Ann]

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[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

The deer population can become quite a nuisance if it gets out of control.

I lived on the edge of some woods at my last house. I couldn't ever keep flowering bushes--specifically azaleas--because the deer would always eat them. I used to think my bushes were just dying on their own until I saw the tracks.

A little later I found that I had a mama and three babies feeding off my flowers.

If you're not into having flowers and nice bushes, go for it. But to have them just for a photo opportunity seems a little odd to me...especially knowing they won't go away once they get there!

 

[bunny]

I agree that once they come they won't go away. My neighbor set up a little feeding trough for deer. Every night 30 or so deer would appear for months afterwards. They still eat everything in our yard. Even worse, my neighbor's 2 year old son developed lime disease from a deer tick he picked up somewhere in his yard.

 

[daisax]

TICKS! TICKS! TICKS!

They brush off the deer and get on the vegetation and from there onto you.

You really don't want a tick borne disease -- there are many worse than Lyme.

 

[C.Ann]

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[Abbie]

I would hesitate only because you're in essence "training" the deer to come to a place where they can find food. What happens next month when they come to find food and you're gone?

 

[C.Ann]

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[Evil Genius]

Lyme disease from ticks is a big factor. Rutting season can also be a dangerous time.

 

[TCPluto]

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True - although I hadn't planned on putting something out there every day.. Just for a day or two to see if they would come..

I'm thinking "bad idea".. LOL

Check with your DNR.

Baiting deer is illegal in many states.

 

[C.Ann]

Rutting season can also be a dangerous time.

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Okay.. What is that? LOL

 

[staley7580]

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Okay.. What is that? LOL

I BELIEVE it is baby making season.. But dont quote me on that one.

 

[TCPluto]

I BELIEVE it is baby making season.. But dont quote me on that one.

Yep. the fall, then comes spring babies...

Bucks can be a bit stubborn and focused on the task at hand.....

 

[Meriweather]

My aunt puts out hay and salt licks for them all the time. She is very rural and likes them around especially in the winter.
She has a group that come around and she has been doing it for over 40 years.
It is up to you.
the ones we have here, just come when they want to.

 

[C.Ann]

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[Cool-Beans]

Deer are a major pain in the butt when driving through an area that is populated with them. I wish to God we could get rid of them.

In the yard, though, they aren't really a problem. They run away when you get close enough. They might eat some stuff in a garden, I dunno. I seem to remember a neighbor being all kinds of pissed off that the deer ate something she liked.

Once in a while, one will startle me, especially if it is on the deck or something. But they just freeze when you pull your car into the driveway (like a deer in the headlights ) and then run off.

It's driving through the neighborhood that is the major pain.

Good luck.

 

[maelstrom]

We have tons of deer on our property and the only problem they cause is that they eat the rose and azaela bushes and the shrubbery. We've never gotten ticks from them and we have no problem during rut season. We love to watch the deer and see the baby deer in the spring.

You might want to check on your local laws, though. Around here, we can't have centralized feeding (ie: a saltlick), because of a disease that can be transmitted that way. Spreading corn kernels for the deer to eat is allowed.

 

[ChrizJen]

I guess I'll be in the minority and say that I don't really see the big problem.

My MIL lives on a lot that butts up to a wooded/creek area. She puts out corn for the deer, and they regularly visit. She LOVES it!
If you're in a rural area anyway, chances are you're subject to the same ticks that the deer would bring in. Also, deer are wild animals. I can't see them "forgetting" where to get food once you're gone. Trust me...when they no longer find food at your place, they'll look elsewhere.

I'd say if it's something you'd like to do, then do it. I think you're right. It would make lovely photos.

 

[WDWBarb]

I think it's a wonderful idea - I love having deer around. You wouldn't want to attract them if there's a road nearby, but otherwise they are incredible creatures and a joy on the eyes.

But just remember - deer attract deer hunters.... I have to keep my horses up all hunting season.

 

[Evil Genius]

With the medical problems that the OP has, it would be a danger for her to get Lyme's disease. I wouldn't chance it if I was her. As for rutting season, my house butts up against the forest preserve, we get a flyer every year telling us to be careful when going out at dusk or dawn. I've had deer in my yard looking to make babies, the male can be downright nasty if they think you want their female.

 

[C.Ann]

As for rutting season, my house butts up against the forest preserve, we get a flyer every year telling us to be careful when going out at dusk or dawn. I've had deer in my yard looking to make babies, the male can be downright nasty if they think you want their female.

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This is pretty darn interesting to me.. I think I need to do some deer research..

I wonder if I accidentally came across a "situation" last year.. There was a deer across the road (I'm in a densely wooded area) near a neighbors summer place.. I spotted it while I was outside, so I quick ran in and got my camera.. I started up their dirt driveway and this deer started stomping it's feet and making some kind of noise I had never, ever heard before.. (I didn't even know deer made noise!) Anyhow - I took that as a definite "sign" that I was doing "something" annoying - backed away (while keeping my eyes on the deer) and came back inside..

I thought it was just a once-in-a-lifetime unusual incident, but based on what you have written here, now I'm guessing it had something to do with this "rutting" thing you're talking about..

Gotta love the DIS.. Always learning new things here..