Deer eating everything

Discussion in 'Gardening' started by gentlesenior, Sep 25, 2025.

  1. gentlesenior

    gentlesenior Members

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    Anyone here dealing with these creatures? They have over populated the local woods and are now grazing on our gardens. Amazing creatures that can leap a 6 ft fence without any issues.

    what do you use to get rid of them. I have tried Deer Out amongst other sprays, works but need to reapply regularly.

    thanks for any ideas
     
  2. granite45

    granite45 Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    We have the same problem…only solution is putting hardware cloth around each plant…..or we have considered looking for venison recipes!
     
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  3. Toker

    Toker Lifetime Supporter

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    IMG_20250925_140108689~2.jpg Run chicken wire on metal posts around garden about 6 feet high. Add swinging metal gate. It will keep out most large and medium size animals.
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2025
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  4. gentlesenior

    gentlesenior Members

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    Fencing does help. I have actually extended my 4 ft fence. I added 2x4s which increased height to about 8ft, then ran a wire between the 2x4s and hung strips of caution tape. Seems to work BUT they’re eating everything outside of the fenced area, sad since I have been gardening this area for 40 years. A lot of beautiful gardens being turned into deer poop.

    thanks for the advice
     
  5. Native Vee

    Native Vee Supporters HipForums Supporter

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    Boy Toker what a big/tall fence buddy :)
     
  6. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    Yeah, have the same problem.
    I have to extend my garden fence higher and raise the electric fence wire. I plan on running ground and hot wires alternating.

    upload_2025-9-26_7-19-33.jpeg
    Also lost all our peaches. The deer were eating the low hanging ones, but over one night every peach disappeared even at the top of our trees. We assume ground hogs got them.

     
  7. Toker

    Toker Lifetime Supporter

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    Electrified fence? You got to be kidding.
    You expecting the Russian army?
    Or maybe the Thing? I hear it did work!
     
  8. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    Been around since 1936.
     
  9. gentlesenior

    gentlesenior Members

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    So I did a deep dive into deer fencing recently. Here is a fairly simple way to deal with it. My fence is between 6-4 tall, so I extended the height to 8 but only using wire and 2x4, I have now put up a second fence with just wire. I only did this in areas where a deer could jump fence 1 and could easily land. Take a few minutes and listen to this you tube video, makes a lot of sense, way way cheaper and easier than anything else out there. I has worked in my yard. My original post was geared more toward my yard outside the fenced area. Give it a listen and view.

    I could not post the you tube video. So google YouTube, deer fence keep deer out of your garden Super simple method
     
  10. GuitarMemoir21

    GuitarMemoir21 Members

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    Time to let out the wolves and plant some carnivores in that area....lol
     
  11. wooleeheron

    wooleeheron Brain Damaged Lifetime Supporter

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    Whatever You Do, Don't Feed The Deer! They'll follow you everywhere!
     
  12. Twogigahz

    Twogigahz Senior Member

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    buy a roll of deer netting and drape it over your plants. You'll never keep them out. The netting is thin enough that you really can't see it. I gave up on Hosta. I call it deer salad. They must be really hungry when they start eating roses and sharp pointy holly....
     
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  13. amb5734

    amb5734 Members

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    Put up a tall solid fence. They won't jump it if they can't see the other side. Worked for several friends of mine. They never got into my backyard after I installed it.
     
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  14. Etherea

    Etherea Members

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    ⬆️ That's the best idea in my view. They also don't like the fences that horse owners use. Very mild electric shock.
     
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  15. gentlesenior

    gentlesenior Members

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    I am sure 8 ft fences will work but rather pricey and labor intensive. I put up a wire above my 4 ft fence, ties streamers to it to give it a bigger appearance and it seems to have worked. Might be time to get another dog, lol
     
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  16. amb5734

    amb5734 Members

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    I'm surprised it worked for you. I've seen them hurl over 6 foot chainlink. We had one of those 6 foot white vinyl fences with the decorative lattice at the top. My friends used similar or taller. The local nature center had limited success with 8 foot wire fencing. They're amazing.
     
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  17. gentlesenior

    gentlesenior Members

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    My wire is at 8 ft high. In certain places I put “stuff” in their landing zone. This is also important, they like to land in a clear area. They have slender legs.
     
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