What am I to do!!!!

[MuseCMG]

I live in the Central Coast on 10 acres of land. My problem is this..the neighbor hood is being over run with black tail deer. Yes I know I live in the country and yes they are plentyful. But they have destroyed my grapvin (family use only) and over 60 almond, walnut and fruit trees. And, no I do not have a hunting lic. (Don't know if I want one) yet. But I would like to know if anyone out there knows what options I have. I have read a lot of the Fish and Game sites but nothing there covers my problem. I have a pellet rifle and have shot them in the butt, so I'm not afraid of hurting or killing them but would like to be able to stay on the right side of the Law. Have let my neighbor's son-in-law shoot them but they are no longer in the area.

[Bowhunters]

Welcome to the DHC forum.

Post in our Classifieds and in the California state area of our forum that you have blacktail deer and you have room for a hunter to come in and kill a deer or two, that you want to first meet them and if you don't like the looks of the guy its your property and your say on who you let on there to hunt. Or perhaps there may be a list at the local fish and game that you can put your name and phone number as a contact for someone to call you about deer hunting.

Perhaps drive around your area and nock on some doors and explain that you have deer damaging your property and someone near you may be a hunter.

There are also liquid or spray predator scents that you can apply on your tree's or on cloths tied to trees around your property that may give you some relief, perhaps a mountain lion scent applied once a week would do a good job. I don't know who you talked to before but perhaps calling and asking to talk to an actual fish and game officer could probably give you good info on what works best.

Perhaps get a dog, some dogs like beagles, etc. just love to chase and or trail deer and let the dog have the run of your property, the only problem with that is dogs don't know where the property line starts and ends so I would strongly advise you talk to the neighbors first as they may not want your dog on their land.

The only problem with hunting the deer for relief from damage to your trees is that it will take some time (a couple years or more) to see the deer numbers drop and it won't help you much in the next few spring or summers when deer can't be hunted.

[surfgypsy]

Just a heads up; Even shooting at them with a pellet gun is illegal. You cannot harass wildlife according to DFG code. It would also be considered hunting and depending on the season it would be poaching.
Your best option would be to invite a bowhunter (like me ) to thin the heard.

[Bowhunters]

Hi Surf, welcome the DHC forum.

Maybe drop him an email that you read of his situation and would like to hunt his place.

Good Luck!

[jasonhew]

I live in central/Northern california. I too agree that having a few bow hunters help thin it out would be the trick. Drop me a line I have a few other folks that are also responsible hunters that can help. jasonhew77@hotmail.com