Deer can be discouraged by removing supplemental food sources and by using scare devices and repellants. The only sure way to eliminate deer damage is to fence the deer out. A wire-mesh fence is effective if it is solidly constructed and at least eight feet high. Electric fencing also helps reduce damage. These animals may carry rabies and sometimes prey on domestic pets, rabbits, ducks, geese, chickens, young pigs, and lambs.
Coyotes also kill calves, goats, and deer.
For more information about fencing, contact your local county extension office. The protection of livestock and poultry is most important during the spring denning period. Foxes and coyotes will often den close to farm buildings, under haystacks, or inside hog lots or small pastures used for lambing. Shed lambing and farrowing in protected enclosures can be useful in preventing predation on young livestock. Guarding dogs are also useful in preventing predation on sheep.