I have to admit I am in a quandary with my thoughts on the deer issue. I am an avid animal lover through and through, to the extent that I catch and release spiders I find in my home. But over the past year, I have to admit, the deer in my neighbourhood are definitely taking over.
I love to walk my dogs in the green space above my home, and on several occasions over the past year, have been chased by deer. Recently my Chesapeake was attacked and kicked by a mother deer, she was lucky she was not severely hurt. I have always taken the stance that we are in their territory so we need to be aware and be careful.
Over the past few months the deer have decided to take over my backyard. My property is fenced but they have no trouble jumping a four-foot fence and coming into my yard to eat the fruit on the trees and the flowers in my garden. They bed down for the night and make themselves quite at home.
Now that it is getting dark earlier I cannot see them in my yard and have let my dogs out without thinking. The deer are so brave, they are not afraid of the barking dogs or my yelling. They just chase us into the house and lay back down. Both dogs try to protect their property and are in real danger of being hurt. The little Chihuahua does not like to back down, even when chased. I have also woken up in the morning to find them bedded down, just waking up from a good night’s sleep.
I am unable to let my dogs out in their own backyard anymore. I have tried putting on my sprinkler to deter them from coming in but to no avail. Last night, two mothers, each with two babies, were having a lovely rest with the sprinkler providing a light shower for them. My dogs had to go out in the front yard for their evening relief. The fruit is finished and the flowers are eaten so that is not attracting them.
Although I have never believed in culls, I have to say this situation has me thinking differently. I am not one to put up a huge fence around my property but am stymied as to what to do to keep the deer out. I have lived in the neighbourhood for 20 years and this is the worst it has ever been. I have also lived in the country in harmony with the bears, lynx, deer, raccoons, etc. but this is not the country. I want my sanctuary back; I want to reclaim my property. If there is a way to do this, without culling the deer, I am all for it, but something has to be done.
Daryl Meyers
Penticton