Those who read Rural Ways each day know that we have a big problem with deer. Actually, deer are probably an issue everywhere, but at The Homestead we would almost certainly lose EVERY living green plant to the deer during the spring and fall browsing seasons. So, something must be done. We've sprayed, and covered, and, of course, fenced. Nothing has been fool-proof . . . until now. Pictured above is the prototype of a new weapon in the war against deer. As you can see, it is primarily a defensive weapon, but defensiveness is really our only option.
The prototype tree cage is six feet tall and two feet wide. It was built in two hinged pieces, which are bolted together. Remove the bolts and the two sides fold flat. Thus, it can be stored during the summer when the herd has migrated to the plateau. In the picture, the prototype is not anchored, because the ground is frozen, but when properly deployed this fall, it will have at least two anchors so that it cannot be blown or pushed over.
The only problem with the prototype is its cost. The materials alone were around $50, and then it took several hours to assemble. That might be fine if we had just one small tree to protect, but we've got at least a dozen. The task now is to move from the prototype to a production model that, ideally, can be built for about half as much. Most of the tree cages that we used this past fall were ad hoc constructions using old fencing wire. Those are far cheaper to deploy, but they are fiddly, ugly, and difficult to disassemble. Hopefully we can improve on the old model without spending thousands.
What ever happened to a .22 rifle and a watchful eye?
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be great--sitting on the porch taking rimfire revenge on these locusts? There are just three problems. One, it is illegal to fire a gun inside the Parowan city limits. Two, it would have to be a massacre . . . the neighborhood deer herd numbers in the high thirties or low forties. Three, I would need to operate between 3a and 5a, to match the nocturnal wanderings of the enemy.
DeleteMy parents live in a small town in south Utah County (on the hill in Elk Ridge). They get lots of deer in their yard as well and my dad, the crusty old hick that he is, got so fed up with his failed attempts at deterrents that he slept on a lawn chair on his deck with a .22 in hand. He shot one during the early morning hours to scare it away. Needless to say, he got cited from the city.
ReplyDeleteNow, that, is a good story, Jess. If your Dad wants to run for Mayor, he can count on my vote.
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