Vertebrate Pests Home Page Deer and Antelope Deer and antelope can be problematic, consuming significant amounts of crop in some fields. Their feeding can be considerable in fields adjacent to wooded or brush areas. After obtaining a depredation permit from the State Department of Fish and Game, you are permitted to shoot deer. Shooting is unlikely to solve the problem, however. Using traps, poisons, and toxic bait to control deer and antelope is illegal.
Deer fences are the only legal, somewhat effective control measure.
A few strands of barbed wire no more than 4 inches apart can extend the height of shorter fences. Deer fences are costly and almost never worth the expense and effort.