Beans devastated by a deer

 

I went up to the allotment yesterday, and nearly broke down and cried.
All of my runner beans have gone.  Lock stock and barrel.  A neighbour
told me that a deer had been seen on the site, and another guy next to
me had lost all of his beans as well.
The beans were netted at the bottom of each wigwam of canes, but he(she)
still got at them.  The peas were spared as they have only just broken
through, and I had laid a net across the top of them, prior to putting
in pea sticks.
Well, along with the rabbits and pigeons we now have deer to contend
with.
It's an expensive hobby, feeding the wildlife.  I don't begrudge the
local ducks a bit of stale bread, but this is ridiculous.

Peter

--
He spoke with a certain what-is-it in his voice, and I
could see that, if not actually disgruntled, he was far
from being gruntled.
P.G. Wodehouse 1881 -1975

 

On Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:21:53 +0100, pfjames2000@googlemail.com (Peter
James) wrote:


Are deer fair game once they stray on to your allotment?
--
http://www.Voucherfreebies.co.uk
http://www.holidayunder100.co.uk

 


I believe they are fair game but feel there will be some disagreement.
If you wish to shoot deer on land that you own, the law only requires
that you have a DSC1 (Deer Stalking Certificate).... unless you wish to
sell the venison when you need a DSC2. Farmers who rent their farms are
entitled to shoot "trespassing" deer, tho' the majority do not choose
this option unless necessary. I assume that allotments, rented by users,
fall into the same category. The DSC1 is to ensure that you are a
competent shot and thereby unlikely to harm others as well as not
allowing the deer to suffer.

Deer are elegant, beautiful and iconic animals; but they are also hugely
destructive. Stripping (bark removal), browsing (nibbling of vital new
shoots) and thrashing (by stags to remove velvet) can and do all cause
great damage to woodland, orchards etc. resulting in many thousands of
trees being lost.

Let's hope a more sympathetic way of protecting your vegetable
investment can be found without resorting to the ultimate sanction. But
it/they will keep returning until an effective deterrent is in place.

--
Gopher .... I know my place!

 



 The DSC1 is to ensure that you are a

   Since allotments are usually urban and  surrounded by the public,
using a deer rifle is unlikely to be legal there.

   Janet

 



It takes an 11 wire fence to keep deer out.  They can jump - well, like
stags ;-)
It's an expensive option to keep them out, but if you can afford it..
Otherwise, do you like venison?
Tina