Deer season in the spring isn’t just about watching wildlife wake up after winter—it’s also when deer become a major problem for farmers. As the weather warms up, deer come out in full force, searching for fresh food to replace what they lost over the colder months. The bad news? Your farm is one of their favorite buffets. Without the right protection, these hungry animals can trample fields, destroy crops, and cost you serious money. If you want to keep your harvest safe this deer season, it’s time to get ahead of the problem before it gets out of control.
Why Deer Season in Spring Poses a Threat to Farmers
Spring deer season means one thing—deer are back and hungrier than ever. After months of struggling to find food in the winter, they waste no time raiding farms and gardens as soon as fresh vegetation appears. If you don’t take action early, you could find yourself dealing with trampled fields, stripped plants, and costly damage before summer even starts. Here’s why deer season is such a big problem for farmers:
Deer Are More Active and Always Hungry
Winter is tough on deer. By the time deer season rolls around in spring, they’re desperate for food and will go to great lengths to get it. Your farm is a prime target because young crops, leafy greens, and fruit trees are some of their favorite snacks. If they find an easy meal, they’ll keep coming back—bringing their herd with them.
Fawning Season Increases Deer Movement
Spring is also fawning season, meaning does are on the move, searching for safe places to give birth and plenty of food to support their young. Farms provide both. If a doe settles in near your property during deer season, you can expect her and her fawns to be regular visitors.
Deer Can Cause More Than Just Crop Damage
Most people think of deer season as just a threat to crops, but deer can also damage fences, irrigation systems, and even soil quality. Their hooves compact the ground, making it harder for plants to grow, and their waste can spread disease. Ignoring deer season isn’t just a risk to your crops—it’s a risk to your entire farm’s productivity.
How to Identify Deer Damage on Your Property
If you’re dealing with deer season, you need to know the signs before they destroy too much of your farm. Deer don’t just nibble around the edges—they leave behind clear evidence of their presence. Spot the warning signs early, and you’ll have a better chance of stopping them before they wipe out your crops.
Ragged, Torn-Up Plants
Unlike smaller pests that leave clean bite marks, deer tear plants apart. Their lack of upper front teeth means they rip leaves and stems, leaving jagged edges behind. If your crops look like they’ve been shredded, deer season has officially arrived on your farm.
Hoof Prints & Trampled Soil
Deer leave distinct hoof prints—two pointed, oval-shaped tracks—especially in soft soil. If you’re seeing tracks near your crops or muddy paths cutting through your fields, you’ve got deer activity. Heavy deer traffic during deer season can also compact your soil, making it harder for crops to grow.
Droppings & Bedding Areas
Deer waste isn’t just unpleasant—it’s a dead giveaway that they’re spending time on your farm. Their droppings look like small, dark pellets, often found in clusters. If you notice flattened patches in your fields or near wooded areas, deer are likely bedding down nearby—meaning they aren’t just passing through, they’re sticking around.
Stripped Bark on Trees
Young fruit trees and saplings take a beating during deer season. Bucks rub their antlers against tree trunks, stripping away bark and sometimes killing the tree entirely. If your orchard trees have fresh scrapes on them, deer have already claimed your land as their territory.
Destroyed Gardens & Missing Crops
If you wake up to find entire sections of your crops missing or a once-thriving garden suddenly picked clean, deer have been helping themselves. They especially love corn, soybeans, lettuce, and berries, making these some of the hardest-hit crops during deer season.
How to Keep Deer Off Your Farm This Spring
Now that you know how destructive deer season can be, it’s time to fight back. If you don’t take action early, these animals will turn your farm into an all-you-can-eat buffet. The best strategy? A combination of fencing, deterrents, and smart planting. Here’s how to keep deer away from your crops this spring.
Install a Proper Deer Fence
If you’re serious about stopping deer, a sturdy fence is your best bet. But not just any fence will do.
- Height Matters: Deer can jump over 8 feet, so a tall fence (or an angled one) is essential.
- Material Choices: Woven wire, electric, and mesh fencing work best for keeping deer out.
- Early Installation: Don’t wait until deer season is in full swing—get your fence up before they make your farm part of their routine.
For farmers looking for high-quality deer fencing, ProFence offers durable, effective fencing solutions that can keep deer off your property. Investing in the right fence now can save you from major crop losses later.
Use Natural & Mechanical Deterrents
If fencing isn’t an option or you need extra protection, deterrents can help.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers & Lights: Sudden movement and noise can scare deer off.
- Scent-Based Repellents: Deer hate the smell of garlic, predator urine, and strong essential oils.
- DIY Solutions: Hanging bars of soap or tying strips of fabric with human scent can make deer think people are nearby.
Plant Deer-Resistant Crops as a Barrier
Some plants naturally repel deer. Adding these around your farm’s perimeter can help:
- Strong-Smelling Herbs: Lavender, rosemary, and mint.
- Spiky or Fuzzy Plants: Deer avoid prickly leaves like holly and lamb’s ear.
- Tall, Dense Plants: Rows of sunflowers or thorny bushes can create a natural deer blockade.
Encourage Natural Predators
Deer are skittish animals, and the presence of predators can make them think twice before entering your farm.
- Encourage Owls & Hawks: Keep trees and nesting areas for birds of prey.
- Use a Guard Dog: A farm dog trained to chase deer can be highly effective.
- Coyote Decoys: While not foolproof, they can sometimes scare deer away.
Don’t Let Deer Season Wreck Your Farm
Spring deer season is no joke for farmers. As deer become more active and desperate for food, your crops become their prime target. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away—in fact, it’ll only get worse as they establish feeding patterns on your land. The best way to protect your farm this deer season is to take action early with proper fencing, deterrents, and smart planting strategies.
Protect Your Farm with ProFence
Don’t let deer season ruin your hard work. Invest in a high-quality deer fence now before your crops pay the price. ProFence offers durable deer fencing solutions that keep wildlife out and your farm safe. Get in touch today and secure your property before it’s too late!
