Controlling deer damage in Georgia / Kent Kammermeyer, David Gregory, Emily Jo Williams

Controlling Deer Damage
in Georgia

Roy Barnes, Governor State of Georgia

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Game Management Section

Lonice C. Barrett Commissioner
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
David Waller, Director Wildlife Resources Division
The Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer and offers all persons the opportunity to compete and participate in each
area of DNR employment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or other nonmerit factors.

Board of Natural Resources

Bill M. Gilbert, Chairman Summerville -- Seventh District

Donald J. Carter Gainesville -- Ninth District

J.D. Caswell, Vice Chairman Norcross -- Fourth District

Jamie Reynolds Greensboro -- Tenth District

Reese Thompson Vidalia -- First District

Bob Rutland Decatur -- Eleventh District

Loyce Turner Valdosta -- Second District

Walter McNeely Brunswick -- Coastal District

James E. Butler, Jr. Columbus -- Third District

Walter A. Hudson Douglasville -- Member-at-large

Thomas W. Wheeler, Jr. Duluth -- Fifth District

Pierre Howard Atlanta -- Member-at-large

Sara S. Clark Alpharetta -- Sixth District

Glenn E. Taylor Atlanta -- Member-at-large

Ben G. Porter Juliette -- Eighth District

Sally Bethea Atlanta -- Member-at-large

Controlling Deer Damage
In Georgia
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
Game Management Section
Authors: Kent Kammermeyer, Senior Wildlife Biologist
David Gregory, Wildlife Biologist Emily Jo Williams, Senior Wildlife Biologist
DNR Publication State of Georgia December 2001

Preface
This booklet is intended to provide advice to all types of individuals experiencing deer damage problems. The Wildlife Resources Division hopes this booklet will serve as a quality source of information for handling deer damage problems. If you need additional assistance with deer damage or any other wildlife related problems, feel free to contact your local Wildlife Resource Division office.

Game Management Offices

Region I Region II Region III Region III Region IV Region V Region VI Region VII

Armuchee Gainesville Thomson Thomson (Augusta) Fort Valley Albany Fitzgerald Brunswick Headquarters

(706) 295-6041 (770) 535-5700 (706) 595-4222 (706) 667-4672 (478) 825-6354 (229) 430-4254 (229) 426-5267 (912) 262-3173 (770) 918-6416

Acknowledgements
We express our sincere appreciation to all the deer committee members for their valuable assistance reviewing and editing this booklet. Deer committee members include: Haven Barnhill, John Bowers, Bill Cooper, Jim Ezell, Dan Forster, Ken Grahl, Scott McDonald, Nick Nicholson, Mike VanBrackle, and Greg Waters. We also thank Melissa Cummings, Wildlife Resources Division Public Affairs Office, for layout and printing assistance. Additionally, we would like to thank Jeff Jackson and Gary Wade for their assistance in producing the deer tolerant plant list.

1

Table of Contents

Introduction ...................................................................... 3

Deer Tolerant Plants ........................................................ 4

Feeding Wildlife ................................................................ 4

Harvest .............................................................................. 4

Special Crop Damage Permits ........................................ 5

Fencing ............................................................................. 5

Tree Wraps or Tubes ........................................................ 7

Audible Scare Tactics

7

Scare Pistols .......................................................... 8

Gas Cannons ......................................................... 8

Visual Scare Tactics

8

Shiny Objects/Scary Eyes ..................................... 8

Scarecrows/Human Scent ..................................... 9

Yard Lights/Sprinklers/Water Spray Repellent ....... 9

Repellents ......................................................................... 9

Home Remedy Repellents

9

Human Hair ............................................................ 9

Guard Dogs ............................................................ 10

Milorganite .............................................................. 10

Animal By-Products ................................................ 10

Eggs and Egg Mixtures .......................................... 10

Soap ....................................................................... 10

Naphthalene/Ammonia ........................................... 11

Commercial Repellents

11

Table 1 .................................................................... 12

Hinder ..................................................................... 13

Deer Away .............................................................. 13

Miller Hot Sauce ..................................................... 13

RO-PEL .................................................................. 13

Deer Off .................................................................. 13

Deer Stopper .......................................................... 14

Liquid Fence ........................................................... 14

Plantskydd .............................................................. 14

Garlic Oil Dispensers ............................................. 14

Conclusion ........................................................................ 14

Appendix 1 ........................................................................ 15

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INTRODUCTION
White-tailed deer were once nearly eliminated in the state of Georgia, but through diligent wildlife management efforts deer were successfully restored throughout the state. In fact, current deer densities in some localized areas may inflict significant damage to forestry, agricultural or horticultural crops, home gardens, and shrubbery. However, deer are a valuable natural, recreational, and economic resource and because of their substantial value, control of deer damage needs careful consideration. Economic value derived from license fees, sporting equipment sales, food and land leases totaled more than $600 million per year (1996) in Georgia alone. Although minor on a statewide basis, deer damage may be severe on a local level and very important to an affected individual farmer or homeowner. This brochure is intended to assist landowners experiencing deer damage problems.
The first step in controlling deer damage is making sure that deer rather than another animal are causing damage. Plant shoots or twigs browsed by deer have a crushed, torn appearance, while those eaten by rabbits are cleanly snipped at a sharp angle. This is because deer have no top front teeth and must pull and tear vegetation. Deer are the only native animals that routinely browse plants 4 to 5 feet above the ground. Fertilized and cultivated plants are often more attractive to deer than surrounding natural vegetation, especially in late winter and early spring. In high deer populations, more competition for natural foods increases this attraction.
Landowners should determine the extent of the damage and estimate the monetary impact of the deer browsing. Not all deer browsing causes economic loss. The amount of time and money invested in damage control should be in proportion to the actual cost of the damage. This brochure explains methods of deer damage control. One or more of these methods should be effective in solving most problems caused by deer.
Fertilized and cultivated plants are often more attractive to deer than surrounding natual vegetation, especially in late winter and early spring.
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DEER TOLERANT PLANTS
Planting ornamental plants that are a low preference to deer is one solution to deer browsing. Please remember that very few plants, if any, are totally deer resistant. When deer populations are high and food is scarce, hungry deer are more likely to feed on low preference and otherwise unpalatable ornamental plants. Deer prefer tender new foliage on young plants and fertilized ornamentals. During dry conditions, deer may be attracted to irrigated plants. Appendix 1 will be helpful when selecting deer tolerant ornamental plants for your landscape.
FEEDING WILDLIFE
Many people enjoy feeding wildlife, especially deer. Artificial wildlife feed may, however, contribute to unnaturally high deer populations. Supplemental feed can increase deer reproductive rates, promote locally high deer densities, and may result in deer that are less fearful of humans typically resulting in increased deer damage problems.
HARVEST
One of the most effective ways to reduce deer damage to crops is to reduce the number of deer. This can be accomplished by allowing gun or bow hunting on your land during the liberal legal hunting seasons for no charge or with a paid lease agreement. Providing hunting access not only reduces deer pressure on crops but also provides a source of food and recreation for hunters. Deer can build up high populations quickly where agricultural crops are adjacent to good cover, therefore the continuation of hunting year after year is necessary to maintain acceptable stable deer populations.
Revenues from hunting leases can be used to recover losses from damage or pay land taxes. With open hunting land at a premium and leases ranging from $2 to $20 per acre, leasing your land to hunters can be profitable. Some organized bow hunting groups specialize in urban/suburban deer harvest in a conscientious and discrete manner. These groups often donate harvested game to selected food pantries and shelters. Contact any DNR Game Management office for information on bow hunting groups for your area.
The key to controlling deer numbers is harvesting existing nuisance deer, especially does. The landowner can require hunters to shoot antlerless deer on legal doe days. Biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or agents of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service can assist landowners in developing deer harvest plans and hunting lease agreements.
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SPECIAL CROP DAMAGE PERMITS
Under most circumstances, deer harvest during legal hunting seasons should adequately reduce deer populations. However, in some instances special permits may be issued to commercial farmers to allow removal of nuisance antlerless deer outside of the open hunting season. These permits can only be issued to growers having a 3-acre minimum of commercial crops. Crop damage permits to remove a specific number of antlerless deer are obtained from the DNR Game Management Section (see page 1). A field assessment of damage by wildlife biologists or technicians may be required.

FENCING

In some cases, significantly reducing deer populations may not be practical, and

even low numbers of deer sometimes cause problems with cultivated plants. The

most reliable way to prevent deer damage over the long term is to fence deer out

with either a conventional deer proof fence or an electric fence. Ideally, fences

should be constructed prior to nuisance deer problems. This may minimize any

established feeding behavior.

An ideal deer proof fence should be constructed of woven wire at least 8 feet

high. Building and maintaining a deer proof fence can be expensive ($6 to $8 per

foot) and labor intensive, but a well-constructed fence will last for many years.

Shorter fences may be appropriate in certain situations and can be constructed out

of less expensive materials but effectiveness may be compromised. Temporary

fencing material may work well in certain situations. Several factors should be

considered when choosing a fence including fence design and costs, deer density,

crop or landscape value, and aesthetics. Plans for fence designs are available at

Game Management offices statewide.

A more economical method of excluding deer

may be with an electric fence. Electric fences

should be constructed of highly visible polytape wire

and quality fencing components. Tying or stapling

together broken polytape strands will easily repair

damaged fences. For best results, a New Zealand

style charger delivering a minimum of 5,000 volts

should be used to power the fence. They provide

high voltage for good shocking power and low

impedance that helps avoid shorting out by vegeta-

tion or ground contact. Chargers are available for

AC (household current), DC battery (6-volt, 9-volt,

or 12-volt), or solar power. Several fence designs

are available using from 1 to 5 or more strands of

charged wire. Higher deer populations typically require more charged wires because deer are hungrier and more difficult to deter.

Example of an electric fence setup

5

The Peanut Butter Fence, a single or multiple

Deer receive a memorable

strand electric fence using high visibility

shock when lured to the

polytape with peanut butter smeared on it, may be

Peanut Butter Fence

used on a temporary basis for low-density deer

populations. In some cases, a single strand fence

has proven effective for several years. The fence

should be checked daily for breaks in the wire until

deer learn to avoid it. The single polytape wire

should be 34 inches above the ground and attached

to stakes or posts spaced about 25 feet apart. The

bait, spread directly on the fence or dabbed on

aluminum tags attached to the fence, lures deer to

touch the wire with their noses or tongues and

receive a memorable shock. Bait should be applied

as needed but at least every 3 to 4 weeks. A

variation of this fence substitutes Hinder or Deer Away repellent for peanut butter,

and in recent studies is shown to be effective at repelling deer. Polytape fences are

portable, have a life expectancy of more than 15 years and can be installed for

$0.10 to $0.25 per foot.

The Pennsylvania Five Wire fence has proven effective even in areas with high

deer populations. The bottom wire should be no more than 10 inches from the

ground with the remaining wires 12 inches apart. If the bottom wire is more than

10 inches high, deer can crawl underneath. Posts should be widely spaced (30 feet)

to avoid the appearance of a fence. This will encourage deer to walk up to the

fence and be shocked rather than jumping over it. With pressure-treated pine posts,

this type of fence can last for 35-40 years, making it a low cost, low maintenance

device. Installation and material costs range from $0.50 to $1.50 per foot. Fences

can be constructed on a slant to increase the width of the fence. The slant will

increase effectiveness but is more complicated to construct and requires additional

vegetative control.

The Pennsylvania Five Wire Fence has proven effective even in areas with high deer populations.
6

Perceived high cost is the major objection of many farmers and gardeners to electric fences. However, simple designs are often inexpensive and effective in controlling deer damage. Designs using electroplastic wire and high output chargers are also affordable. A single strand fence can cost only 11 cents per linear foot for materials. A more effective three-strand fence costs only a few cents more per foot. For example, a 500 X 500-foot field containing almost 6 acres could be fenced with a single strand of electroplastic, high visibility wire for about $220, or with a three-strand fence for about $330. This investment would last many years and should give good control of deer damage. Assuming a 10-year life expectancy, even a three-strand fence would cost only $33 per year or about $6 per acre. Such a fence certainly would be cost effective for control of browsing on high value crops such as orchards, vegetables, or ornamental shrubbery.
Deer often are attracted to freshly plowed fields. Electric fences erected after plowing but before planting may condition deer to avoid fields before they begin browsing on new growth. With any electric fence design, maintenance is crucial. Vegetation should be cleared for 3 to 4 feet around the edge of the wire with herbicides or weedeater. This cleared strip will encourage deer to come in contact with the fence instead of jumping the vegetation and fence. If batteries are used, they should be replaced often to maintain full power. Information on electric fencing components and designs is available at many agricultural supply and hardware stores as well as from your local DNR Game Management or County Extension Office.
TREE WRAPS OR TUBES
Wrapping trees or placing tubes or tree shelters around the trunk of the tree will effectively reduce browsing. This protection also reduces antler-rubbing damage which typically occurs in the fall as bucks are entering the breeding season and marking their territory. Effective tree wraps or shelters range from commerciallyavailable plastic wraps to home remedies such as burlap, a cylinder of wire, or 4-6 inch diameter plastic drain tile. This type of exclusion is particularly important for protecting high-value individual plants such as nursery, orchard or landscape trees. Remember, it is very important to protect the terminal bud; so building a 5-foot tall cylinder around a 2-foot tall seedling makes good sense.
AUDIBLE SCARE TACTICS
Scare devices can be effective in keeping deer away from both small and large cultivated areas. These devices often produce only short-term results but may be more effective when combined with other damage control techniques.
7

Scare Pistols In places where deer are visible during daylight hours and have lost their fear
of humans, scare pistols may be an integral part of a deer repellent strategy. Scare pistols can be purchased for approximately $25 and a box of noisemaker ammunition for another $25. "Boomer" and "Screamer" type ammunition are available with screamers probably being more effective. Scare pistols may be borrowed from local Game Management offices or purchased from USDA Wildlife Services in Athens by calling (706) 546-2020.

Gas Cannons Gas exploders or cannons are the most effective devices for large areas and can
be used on small acreages. Exploders can be purchased for about $250 and can be set to explode at regular intervals. Both timing of explosions and location of cannon should be changed frequently to keep deer from getting acclimated to the noise. Gas cannons can be obtained by contacting USDA Wildlife Services in Athens by calling (706) 546-2020.

VISUAL SCARE TACTICS

Visual scare devices may be the quick fix for deer depredation problems. However, deer quickly may become accustomed to visual scare tactics and resume nuisance behavior. These devices may be more effective when combined with other damage control techniques. Methods should be varied every 2 to 3 days so that deer do not become accustomed to one type of tactic.

Shiny Objects/Scary Eyes

Shiny objects generally include

balloons, plastic milk bottles, aluminum

pie tins, colored flags or streamers. Scary

eyes are round, colorful or reflective

objects painted with large eyes.

Effectiveness really varies but can be

short-lived unless repeated changes are

made. The continuous movement and

bright colors of shiny, mylar balloons

filled with helium may help repel deer.

Balloons can be attached to stakes, fences

or branches so they float freely 4-6 feet

above the ground. When the helium dissi-

pates, the limp Mylar balloon can be

attached so it hangs down and flaps in the

breeze. Moving the balloons every 2-3

days and using them in conjunction with

other techniques will add longevity to effectiveness.

Shiny objects such as Mylar balloons and aluminum pie tins may help repel deer.

8

Scarecrows/Human Scent Scarecrows accompanied by a portable radio may temporarily frighten deer in
small areas such as home gardens. Moving the scarecrow and radio every few days may increase effectiveness. Placing recently worn articles with fresh human scent such as baseball caps, socks or T-shirts also will increase effectiveness. Again, deer may become acclimated to the situation and resume depredation.
Yard Lights/Sprinklers/Water Spray Repellent Motion activated yard lights, common to both farm yards and suburban areas,
will startle deer and may discourage them from using the lighted area. However, deer may still remain in the shadows and eventually become accustomed to the light. Flashing lights or strobe light systems seem to work better than continuous light sources. Depending on location, lights can be powered by household electricity, 12-volt battery or solar power. Motion activated sprinklers attached to your garden hose also can be effective deterrents for deer on lawns or gardens. Several systems are commercially available including a reasonably priced battery operated system.
REPELLENTS
Repellents are the most commonly used method of preventing unwanted deer browsing on small acreages. Both home remedies and commercial repellents have been used with varying degrees of success. There are two general types of repellents: 1) area repellents that produce a noxious odor and 2) contact repellents that are offensive-tasting to deer. Both types of repellents are more effective if applied before deer browsing begins. It is much easier to discourage deer from feeding on certain plants than to interrupt established feeding patterns. A variety of repellents are available for discouraging deer, but most are effective only on small acreages such as home gardens. Expense, inconsistent effectiveness, and limitations on application make most repellents a poor choice for large-scale agricultural crops.
HOME REMEDY REPELLENTS
Human Hair Human hair is used by some as a repellent, however its' effectiveness is
uncertain and/or short-lived. Hair should be placed in mesh bags or socks and suspended from plants to be protected or hung around the perimeter of cultivated areas. Bags containing about 1 handful of hair are placed at a height of 2 to 3 feet and spaced about 3 feet apart. Bags should be replaced several times during the growing season. Hair can be obtained easily and inexpensively from barbershops or beauty salons.
9

Guard Dogs Instead of using hair, use the whole animal! A dog confined by an invisible
fence or tethered in the yard or around the garden may frighten away deer or other intruders.

Milorganite Milorganite is partially composted sewage that has been dried at an intense heat.
It is also a high quality, slow-release fertilizer. Apply about 5 lbs per 100 square feet at two to four week intervals. It is reported to work well in spring and summer, but may be less effective in winter. Milorganite may be purchased from most landscape and garden supply stores.

Animal By-Products Animal wastes or by-products, such as rotten meat scraps, blood meal and
feather meal are placed in cheesecloth, nylon bags or such and suspended from plants or posts. These substances also can be spread on the ground or mixed with water for direct spray-application. Blood meal will act as a deer repellent and can fertilize your plants at the same time. Some success has been reported but many of these substances are found in nature and their effectiveness is uncertain.

Eggs and Egg Mixtures (including garlic and cayenne pepper) About 4 to 6 raw eggs thoroughly mixed with one gallon of water can be
sprayed directly on plants to repel deer. This simple, inexpensive treatment is often very effective, particularly for ornamentals, nursery stock, or small gardens. Try mixing raw eggs with liquid soap, hot cayenne pepper and garlic. Be sure to strain the mixture carefully before running it through your garden sprayer. Always test the mixture sparingly on a plant before making a wholesale application. The mix may damage some tender plants.

Soap Some orchards have discouraged deer browsing
by hanging bars of soap from trees or shrubs once per season. One paper-wrapped, motel-sized bar of deodorant soap per tree or shrub will work for individual trees. Drill a hole in the soap, tie a string or fishing line to the hole and suspend soap from a limb so that it hangs about 4 feet above the ground. Effective area of protection is about 3-feet. Irish Spring soap hung in a nylon stocking seems to be a popular favorite, but any scented soap probably will work. Deer may be more repelled by the animal fats used in soap making than with the actual perfume scent of the soap. Scented soap melted in water and sprayed directly on plant leaves also is reportedly effective.
10

Hanging bars of soap from trees may discourage deer

Naphthalene/Ammonia Mothballs (naphthalene) or flakes also may be suspended in mesh bags or spread
on the ground as area repellents. Mothballs should be replaced as they evaporate. Their effectiveness is questionable outdoors because the odor dissipates rapidly. Household ammonia is a general wildlife repellent. Rags are saturated with ammonia and put into milk jugs with cutout holes. These jugs are placed around the perimeter of a garden or small orchard and may serve to repel deer.
COMMERCIAL REPELLENTS
All commercial repellents should be used only in accordance with label instructions. Repellents are more effective when applied before browsing begins and effectiveness of all repellents can be increased by use of a commercial sticker/spreader. Effectiveness of repellents will vary depending on weather conditions, amount of deer pressure, type of plants to be protected, and persistence and ingenuity of the applicator. Table 1 gives a sample list of common repellents, their ingredients and costs. Scientific testing of repellents recently concluded that those emitting a sulfurous odor (e.g. predator urine, meat proteins, garlic, eggs) were most effective. Read labels carefully to determine both active and inert ingredients. Many repellents are effective for the first few days following application but fail to reduce browsing over long periods of time unless reapplied often. Taste repellents (typically containing bittering agents) often are less effective when compared to odor repellents. A combination of different techniques including repellents and scare tactics is usually the most reliable, temporary deterrent to deer browsing. However, hunting and electric fencing have proven to be the most cost effective deer protection in the long-term. Contact your nearest Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division office for location information to buy commercial repellents and other nuisance wildlife equipment.
Table I (facing page) Cost per ounce for ready-to-use (RTU) and concentrate forms of selected deer
repellents. Prices were selected from readily available catalogs and web sites in October 2001. This was not intended to be an exhaustive list, but to demonstrate to the reader how prices vary by the formulation and type of product. In general, RTU formulations are much more expensive per ounce than concentrates. Also, the cost per ounce will decline with the purchase of larger quantities of a RTU or concentrate formulation. There might be differences in the coverage of different products, which might make one product treat more vegetation than another per ounce.
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Table 1

Trade Name
Deer-Away (Two components mixed with water) Deer Off
Deerbusters Deer I Deer Stopper
Hinder Liquid Fence Repellex Ro-pel
Bobbex
Plantskydd
Tree Guard

Active Ingredients Egg Solids

*Cost of one quart (32 oz) of ready-to-
use

*Cost per ounce of
RTU material

*Cost of concentrate
that will make about two gallons
(256 oz)

*Cost per ounce for actual spray
from concentrate

N/A

N/A

$37.18

$0.15

Egg Solids Capsaicin Garlic
Egg Solids Garlic White Pepper
Eggs White Vinegar Xanthum Gum Water Mint Oil Rosemary Oil Table Salt
Ammonium Soaps
Egg Solids Garlic Powder
Dried Animal Blood Plasma
Benzyldiethyl Ammonium Saccharide
Thymol
Edible Fish Oil (other assorted materials)
Dried Blood Garlic Oil
Edible Animal Protein
Vegetable Fat Salt Water
Denatonium Benzoate

$18.99 $19.95
$16.99 $5.20 $9.95 $18.99 $19.98
$18.00
$23.00 $14.50

$0.59 $0.62

$44.99 $49.95

$0.18 $0.20

$0.21

$15.36

$0.60

$0.16 $0.31 $0.59
$0.62

$3.56 $14.98 $57.50

$0.01 $0.06 $0.22

Not sold as a Not sold as a concentrate concentrate

$0.56

$26.00

$0.13

$0.72

$33.00

$0.15

$0.45

Not sold as a Not sold as a concentrate concentrate

Note: Read the label and compare prices, active ingredients, and coverage.

*Costs presented herein are best estimates based upon actual cost attained from area vendors at the time of publication but are subject to change.

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Hinder Hinder is an ammonia-based odor and taste repellent that has proven quite
effective and inexpensive in scientific tests and field use for a short period of time (1 or 2 weeks). It was highly rated by Consumer Reports in a repellent test. It can be applied directly to plants as an aerial or ground spray or painted on with a brush. Hinder protects vegetable and field crops, gardens, ornamentals, fruit trees, vines and nursery stock. It is approved for use on food and feed crops during the active growing season. Hinder is sold as a concentrated liquid and is applied in a mixture of 4 to 6 ounces per gallon of water. It is applied once every 1-2 weeks.
Deer Away Deer Away (BGR-Big Game Repellent) is an odor repellent derived from rotten
eggs. This repellent comes in liquid and powder forms. The powder form is more effective than liquid and lasts for an entire growing season. This product is commonly used by the timber industry to protect tree seedlings. It is effective when used once per season on conifers, hardwoods, and ornamentals. Fruit and citrus trees should be treated before flowering and after harvest. Properly mixed, DeerAway protects about 400 plants that are 2-4 feet tall.
Miller Hot Sauce Miller Hot Sauce is a taste repellent with an active ingredient of capsaicin, a
concentrated derivative of hot peppers. A mixture of 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce with 8 ounces Vapor Guard in 12 gallons of water applied with standard sprayers is reported to be effective. Vapor Guard is a sticker used to extend the effective period of Hot Sauce. This product is recommended for commercial use on ornamentals, fruit trees, nursery stock, and other crops, not residential use. When used on fruit trees or food crops, it should be applied before fruit sets or edible portions begin to form.
RO-PEL RO-PEL is an extremely bitter tasting repellent that has limited effectiveness in
reducing deer browsing. RO-PEL is nontoxic to plants and animals, but is extremely irritating to humans if tasted or inhaled. The liquid is applied at full strength with a brush or as a spray. The repellent is weather resistant, however, annual reapplication is recommended. It should not be used on edible plants or crops.
Deer Off Deer Off is a mixture of putrescent whole egg solids, capsaicin, and garlic. It is
a combination odor and taste repellent. One quart of concentrate treats up to 400 ornamentals 4-feet tall or approximately 4,000 square feet. It can be used on flowers, grass, bulbs, shrubs, plants, seedlings and trees. One application per season is recommended.
13

Deer Stopper Deer stopper is a new repellent composed of eggs, vinegar and other ingredients,
which has shown some promise in recent tests. It deters deer by both smell and taste and will dry clear and odor free on all plant material. This repellent can be applied to all shrubs, flowers, edible crops, forest, and fruit trees.
Liquid Fence Liquid fence is a new repellent composed of eggs, garlic and other ingredients.
Like many of the egg-based products, it has proven quite effective in recent testing. It deters deer by both smell and taste. It can be used on landscaping, gardens, flowers, shrubs, trees and vines. Under normal weather conditions, it should be reapplied once per month.
Plantskydd Plantskydd is composed of 87% edible animal protein (blood meal). It has
proven effective in recent tests for 4-6 months when applied to tree seedlings, flowers, shrubs and ornamentals. Plantskydd repels by odor which is reportedly not unpleasant to people.
Garlic Oil Dispensers Garlic is a component of many commercial deer repellents. This dispensing
system utilizes the repellent characteristics of garlic in a convenient, easy-to-use system. Dispensers simply are clipped on the plant to be protected and may last up to 6 months. Each dispenser will only protect a single plant.
CONCLUSION
White-tailed deer are a valuable natural resource in Georgia. Although these animals sometimes cause damage to agricultural and horticultural operations, deer also provide substantial economic benefits and recreational opportunities for people throughout the state. Through wise management and careful use of control methods, Georgia can continue to have a healthy deer population, profitable agricultural and horticultural operations, and productive gardens. Many control methods are available for both small and large landowners requiring various investments of time and money. Managing deer damage must involve careful assessment of the problem, selection of the most suitable method of population control, exclusion or deterrence, and persistence in following through with the best technique or combination of techniques.
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APPENDIX 1
Plants Known to Have a High Degree of Deer Tolerance
Jeff Jackson, Professor of Wildlife Management (retired) Gary L. Wade, Extension Horticulturalist

TREES

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) False Cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis x leylandii) Palms, windmill and needle palms are hardy in N. GA Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) Fir (Abies spp.) Gordonia (Gordonia lisianthus) Most Hollies
Pines (Pinus spp.)
River Birch (Betula nigra) Spruce (Picea spp.)

SHRUBS

Anise (Illicium spp.) Banana Shrub (Michelia fuscata) Bottlebrush, Striped and Red Buckeye (Aesculus spp.) Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) Eleagnus (Eleagnus pungens) Forsythia, yellowbells (Forsythia spp.) Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina spp.)
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica) Oleander (Nerium oleander) Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus) Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)

Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) Barberry (Berberis spp.) Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.) Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.) Gardenia (Gardenia spp.) Holly, many species including Dwarf Yaupon, Japanese Holly, Rotunda Schellings Dwarf and Inkberry (Ilex glabra) Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) Ornamental grasses Spirea (Calycanthus floridus) Winter Daphne (Daphne spp.)

VINES/GROUNDCOVER

Bugleweed (Ajuga spp.)
Cherokee Rose (Rosa Laevigata) Trumpetvine (Bignonia capreolata)

Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemim sempervirens)
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

15

ANNUALS

Ageratum Annual Periwinkle ( Catharanthus alba rosea ) Cleome Cornflower ( Cenaurea cyanus ) Flowering Tobacco ( Nicotiana alata ) Gaillardia ( Gaillardia pulchella ) Marigold ( Tagetes spp. ) Morning Glory ( Ipomea spp. ) Pentas Poppy ( Papaver spp. ) Snapdragon ( Antirrhinum majus ) Verbena Zinnia ( Zinnia elegans )

Alyssum California Poppy ( Eschscholzia californica ) Coreopsis Dusty Miller Forget-me-not ( Myosotis scorpioides ) Lobelia ( Lobelia laxiflora ) Melampodium Parsley ( Petroselinum spp. ) Plectranthus Scarlet Sage ( Salvia spp. ) Sweet Pea ( Ipomea spp. ) Wax Begonia ( Begonia semperflorens )

Deer are the only native animals that routinely browse plants 4-5 feet above the ground.
16

Important Contacts

DNR Game Management Office
Phone: ____________________ Contact:____________________

DNR Law Enforcement Office
Phone: _______________________ County Ranger: _______________

UGA County Extension Office
Phone: ____________________ Contact:____________________

Georgia Forestry Commission Office
Phone: ______________________ Contact:______________________

Deer Damage Supplies
Item: ____________________ Phone: ____________________
Item: ____________________ Phone: ____________________
Item: ____________________ Phone: ____________________
Item: ____________________ Phone: ____________________
Item: ____________________ Phone: ____________________

Business Contact: _______________ ______________________________
Business Contact: _______________ ______________________________
Business Contact: _______________ ______________________________
Business Contact: _______________ ______________________________
Business Contact: _______________ ______________________________

Other Contacts Phone: ____________________ Phone: ____________________ Phone: ____________________ Phone: ____________________

Contact:____________________ Contact:____________________ Contact:____________________ Contact:____________________