When numbers increase or habitat decreases, deer move into yards in search of food. It is difficult to move deer out of areas where they are not wanted. The two types of deer repellents are contact repellents and area repellents.
Netting can reduce deer damage to small trees.
Adequate fencing to exclude deer is the only sure way to control deer damage. Colorado's deer population was estimated at 547,000 in 1999. When numbers increase or habitat decreases, deer are forced into yards in search of food. Although browsing deer are charming to watch, they can cause extensive damage by feeding on plants and rubbing antlers against trees. In urban areas, home landscapes may become the major source of food.