Deer Repellants - Need Advice

[Land_Owner]

I am doing research for "temporary protection" of 3 irregular acres in wildlife food plots [1.25 acre "round"; 2 x 0.5 acre "round"; and the remaining 0.75 acres in 20' wide roads...or about 1,600 LF of road].

What "works"?

I am seriously considering Plot Saver vs. solar charged electric fence.

If fence is ultimately selected, is it necessary to cut back all vegetation, say 3' from the fence to prevent short circuiting?  Anyone with experience?

[ncsurveyor]

The strawberry farmers around here use the electric jobs, with high wires because for some reason, deer can jump.

Yes they keep them clear.

I'll try to take the alternative route home and take a cell phone pic of the set-up, if my Alzheimer's doesn't act up and I forget.

[SHOOTALL]

I have to keep my solor elec. fence clear of weeds , I spray and area about 2 ft wide under the fence . Some around me have plug in fences and they don't clear as much claim the fence is a weed burner . Go out an a moist night and watch them arc.
Some lay a woven wire fence on the ground claiming a deer won't cross it ( remember they can jump ) , some put post in ground on a 45 deg. angle so the fence can't be jumped as easy . some spread hair from barber shop or soap . there is a chemical you put on a rope streached around the area you wish to protect also on the market .
Short of lead nothing seems 100%

[newstart2k]

It might not help but I can send you some of my hunting clothes to hang up in the area. It will at least keep all the big deer away.

[Land_Owner]

I used to say the same thing about my clothes.    Now, the deer just ignore me and my place too!

I have a TON of Sable Palm and pametto, each of which drop branches all day every day making keeping an electric fence clear a nightmare.  I am thinking only my big field is suitable to the fence and the rest Plot Saver. 

Both methods probably have start up costs to absorb.  More research is warranted.

[jdtuck]

We have a small garden with a eletric fence protecting it. We used roof flashing and hung small pieces of it from the fence, put peanut butter on it and it "trains" the deer to stay away. They get a interesting taste. 
 :)If we start seeing three eyed deer we will have to try something else lol

John

[borrowed time]

We could send a couple wolves.

[Graybeard]

You are wanting to discourage deer but only temporarily of course from an area you hope the same stuff later attracts them to? Think real hard on that and I think you'll see it is not such a wise plan.

You really want them there but just not rat now. Sorry but if you discourage them now what makes you think it's gonna be so easy to encourage them later? In a perfect world what you want would be easily do able.

This ain't a perfect world.

[kynardsj]

No personal experience as I'm usually trying to draw deer to me but I heard moth balls were a good way to keep deer away.

[sk330lc]

I go to the Dollar store and Buy the Cheapest  30 or 40 Lb test Fishing Line I can .  I then drive Stakes around the area I want to protect.  Put the fishing line around the the stakes. At about what would be chest hight of a deer.  It's funny to watch them walk in to it at dusk.  They really freak out.  I've used this method for My garden and Food plots. When you want them to start eating just take it down. They Figure it out fast.   

[Spanky]

Buckshot out of a 12 gauge makes a pretty good repellant.



Spanky