Deer Movement In Spring

by Jenn Smith March 20, 2020

Ah, yes, the first day of spring has arrived; and homeowners are excited to plant fruits, vegetables and flowers to make their home gardens come back to life. They aren't the only ones excited, though. White-tailed deer have waited months to indulge on fresh plants; and they are ready to make their move. Here is what home gardeners should know about deer movement in spring.

Natural resources were scarce in winter; but now that spring is here, deer have a buffet of options to satisfy their cravings. Deer will move throughout the day in search of food. Doe will leave their newborn fawns behind in the afternoon to bring back food and continue to search for food in the early evening hours. In the mornings, they may sleep in - this will change come summer months.

In the spring, bucks and doe will eat as much food as they can find. Doe will need to eat-up in order to produce enough milk for their young.

To protect plants from deer damage in spring, home growers should install a 7.5-8' foot high deer fence system around home gardens or property lines. Deer fencing is the most effective means for deer management and will be less maintenance work than applying deer repellents to yards.

Remember, spring is prime time for deer activity and agriculture damage. It's time to spring into action to rid deer from lawns and gardens.