Why can't I shoot a deer in my yard ?

[Blakesdad]

Honestly I don't know the answer. I'm not a hunter.
But my yard is being over run with bucks and does. Loosing valuable bushes trees and shrubs
They are so acclimated to suburban life my three screaming barking shepards don't even faze them.
WTF ????

It's getting old...

So why can't I eliminate they problem ?
Talk to me.l.
Thank you

[Skip]

DNR allows farmers to " remove " nuisance deer.

You might be able to apply for permission and zap them with a bow.

Bow is quiet.

[Bug Guy]

Who says you can't? (from last year's regulation book - I don't think this will change for the upcoming season:

Who May Hunt Without a License?

It is unlawful to hunt without a valid hunting license in your
possession unless you are exempt from this requirement as
described in this section. You are not required to possess a hunting
license or stamps (except the Maryland Migratory Game Bird
Stamp, the federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation
Stamp, and a Furbearer Permit) if you are:

• A resident of Maryland (and their spouse) who owns property
and who hunts only on that property. This also applies to: (1)
the landowner’s children and grandchildren if they are under the
age of 16; and (2) the landowner’s children and grandchildren,
and the spouse of the children or grandchildren, regardless of
age, if the child, grandchild, or their spouse, lives on the property,
has worked on the property for at least 30 days during the
preceding 12 months, or manages the property. Each person
must individually qualify under these criteria. To qualify for this
exemption, a landowner does not need to live on the property
but must be able to prove ownership.

.
.
.

Notes:

• Hunters not required to have a license must obtain a Maryland
Big Game Harvest Record from a Maryland Sport License agent
at no charge.

• Nonresidents of Maryland who own property in the state and
hunt on that property are required to purchase a Nonresident
Hunting License.

• Individuals who are exempt from Maryland hunting license
requirements are subject to all State and federal laws and regulations
relative to hunting and trapping.

• The Hunter Education and Safety Requirement applies to all
individuals hunting in Maryland, even if they are exempt from
the requirement to purchase a hunting license (see page 12).

[reds]

Check your local or county laws on discharging a firearm near a dwelling. That may rule out using a gun.

[Mikie]

Just because you're a landowner and exempt from needing a license, doesn't mean you can shoot them anytime. You still have to wait for the legal open season. Therein lies the problem - those rat b*stards will destroy your garden in a heartbeat this time of the year, come hunting season they will disappear.

On the other hand, you know the old saying "Nothing's illegal if you don't get caught"! I hear that if you gut shoot them, there's a good chance they will go someplace else and die.

[Capt. Charlie]

If you live in a "suburban" community with neighbors close by you are out of luck if you want to "eliminate" them. You cannot discharge a weapon (gun/bow) within 450' of an occupied dwelling without the owners permission. You probably don't qualify for the farmers "deer deprevation" permit which allows you to shoot them year round, on your property. You should contact your local DNR office for your options.
Lowes carries a pretty good repellant which you spray on your plants and it does work. I use it and we have a pretty healthy deer population around here. I shot 15 last year within one mile of my house! The only problem is that you have to reapply it after heavy rain. In time the deer become accustomed to the fact that your stuff tastes bad and they leave you alone. I've used it for years and it does work.
Good luck!!

[hippie]

No one says you "can't" shoot a deer but if you do you'll have the fine to pay!

[Ed D]

Get a big spray bottle. Fill it 3/4 with water and 1/4 with whole milk.

Spray the trees and shrubs with it once a week.

The deer will leave you alone.

Honest, it works...

[hippie]

If the deer are eating your shrubs, spray with water & a small amount of soap. Then sprinkle red pepper on the leaves.