I run a small certified organic organic farm in Western Pennsylvania (Near
Pittsburgh) and we have been hurt pretty badly this year by deer damage. The
deer entirely wiped out our tomatoes this year (our main cash crop), did
significant damage to our pumpkins and winter squash and also wiped out our
sunflowers. They also kicked holes in our floating row covers so they could
get to the beets and swiss chard, while also letting in insects.
I tried a few things to persuade them to go elsewhere, but it really didn't
do any good. Some of the things we tried were . . . bars of soap (new bars
and used bars with human scent) spread out among the crops, dogs, smelly
clothing left in the fields, radio on at night, a spray called "Repel" which
is made from ammonium soaps sprayed around the tree line, scarecrow balloons,
etc. I even chased them away myself by running after them. I have been
carrying a shotgun lately, but it seems they hide anytime I come around with
the gun. I don't really prefer to hunt them down, since I don't eat meat,
and I enjoy having wild animals around, but this is my financial survival
we're talking about.
Next season I will invest in an electric fence. I have talked to a few fence
companies and it seems like each company recommends a different fence setup.
Does anybody have any proven fence setups or suggestions. We are probably
going to fence in about a two acre field.
Does anybody have any other proven techniques which I may try to keep them
out of our fall crops (If we have any fall crops this year due to the
drought).
Thanks in advance for your help. I am really desperate.
Sincerely, Troy Bogdan -
troybogdan@aol.com
Pure Earth Organic
Farm, Bridgeville, PA