Odocoileus virginianus
Read this information before buying Deer Repellents
There are various products such as "deer whistles" that allege to send out a sonic signal to prevent deer/vehicle collisions. Studies have shown these products don't work. Visit Deer Sonic Devices for more information. See http://www.usroads.com/journals/rmj/9705/rm970503.php for similar information.
L.A. Romin and L.B. Dalton, "Lack of response by mule deer to wildlife
warning whistles." Wildlife Society Bulletin 20:382, 1992.
J.R. Stout, et al "Perceptions of Risk from deer-related vehicle accidents:
Implications" Wildlife Society Bulletin 21:237, 1993.
M. Bomford and P.H. O'Brien's "Sonic Deterrents in Animal Damage Control:
A review.." Wildlife Society Bulletin 18:411 1990.
Many people think that various odors will repel deer and/or stop them from
eating plants. The difficulty in evaluating repellents stems from a number of
factors. First, if deer have the opportunity to eat untreated food they will
do so. However, if food supplies become too low, they will hold their nose so
to speak and eat the treated food. Studies have found that the larger the plot
you intend to protect the less effective the repellent becomes.
Second, the palatability of the food to begin with also impacts
the effectiveness of the repellent. For example if the deer doesn't particularly
like the plant to begin with, adding the repellent will only increase the deer's
dislike and ultimately avoid eating the plant. Third, sometimes the cost of
the repellent in material and labor is more expensive than the product you are
trying to protect. Finally, hunting and environmental pressures impact the efficacy
of repellents. Heavy rains or heavy hunting will certainly diminish or enhance
repellent efficacy for obvious reasons.
For the philosophy behind repellent effectiveness read Abderrahim El Hani, etc. "Comparative Analysis of Deer Repellents" (Mammal's Chapter 14)Berryman Institute and Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Utah State Univ. Logan, UT 84322-5210
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