Compound this with the fact that typically when you see one deer there are more near by. Fall is the mating time for deer. During rut a male deer s hormone level dramatically increases. The new antlers they have grown over the summer are now itchy, as the fuzz, which covered them while they were growing, is coming off. Consequently, you may need to protect your tree trunks and shrubs during this time of year.
Deer are extremely adaptive garden pests.
They will change their routine to meet the circumstances. For example, deer in highly populated areas typically sleep during the day when the humans are out and about. At dusk, when the humans start to retreat inside, they venture out into our gardens. Their ability to adapt to their environment is largely responsible for the recent surge in deer populations throughout the United States. It is estimated that since 1980 the deer population has tripled.