Humane Alternatives Exist!
The city wrongly claims the cull is a necessary response to an alleged "overpopulation" of deer. Many residents and wildlife advocates argue there are far more humane, effective, and science-based solutions that have been ignored by the city.
Homeowners can minimize deer damage by choosing beautiful, deer-resistant plants.
There are many attractive options that deer naturally avoid.
Using these plants reduces browsing damage to tolerable levels.
No need for lethal action—just smart landscaping!
No cull necessary: Tips from the CDC to Prevent Lyme Disease
Personal Protection:
Avoid tall grass & brushy areas
Walk in the center of trails
Use EPA-approved repellents (like DEET or picaridin)
Treat clothes with permethrin
Shower within 2 hours of being outdoors
Do a full-body tick check: underarms, behind knees, scalp, etc.
Pet Protection:
Talk to your vet about tick preventatives
Check pets daily after they’re outdoors
Remove ticks immediately
Never use dog products on cats without vet approval
Yard Management:
Mow the lawn & clear brush
Remove leaf litter
Add a gravel/wood chip barrier between lawn & woods
Keep play areas away from trees
Stack wood neatly
Use fencing to keep deer and wildlife out
Pesticides may help, but use as a last resort—and follow safety guidelines.
Deer & vehicle safety: choose nonlethal solutions
Local governments often look to kill deer in hopes of reducing car crashes—but research shows there's a better way.
The issue:
Deer-vehicle crashes (DVCs) are a traffic safety issue—not a deer population problem.
The wrong approach:
Farmington Hills has only consulted with the DNR, which lacks traffic safety expertise.
Other cities tried deer culling, which caused public outrage, lawsuits, and failed to fix the problem.
The proven solution:
Rochester Hills replaced lethal culling with a science-backed, community-supported safety plan:
Installed seasonal deer crash warning signs (“DEER CRASH AREA” / “USE CAUTION”)
Targeted peak crash months: Sept–Dec
Supported by studies from Virginia DOT and national traffic researchers
Result: Fewer crashes, no killing, and a united community
Bottom line:
We don’t need to kill deer to keep drivers safe. Smart, nonlethal solutions work—and everyone wins.
Deer repellent that works (and won't break the bank)
Homeowners have affordable, long-lasting, rain-resistant deer repellent options—like Trico®—that protect gardens without harming deer.
Featured repellent: Trico®
EPA-registered, safe, and effective
Dual-action scent and taste repellent (active ingredient: sheep fat)
Rain-resistant and long-lasting
Protects flowers, shrubs, trees—even through winter
Available in Michigan for approximately $84 per gallon
Research-backed:
A single treatment in late fall protected yews through spring. Easy to use, especially for busy homeowners.
Other repellents that work:
Bobbex
Hinder
Deer Away BGR
Liquid Fence
Plantskydd
(Effectiveness ranges 6–12 weeks depending on deer pressure)
Pro tip:
Choose your repellent based on ease of use, local deer activity, and how often you're willing to reapply. Even in high-pressure areas, consistent use can keep deer damage tolerable.
The University of Minnesota Extension recommends a simple, cost-effective fencing solution to protect small garden areas from deer—without needing an 8-foot barrier.
What is it?
Micro-exclosures: small fenced areas using 4-foot (50") tall cattle panels.
Why it works:
Deer avoid small, enclosed spaces out of fear of getting trapped. The fencing doesn’t need to be tall—it just needs to create a space that feels too tight for deer to safely enter.
Key facts:
Panels: 16-foot galvanized cattle panels (50" high)
Layout: 8' x 16' or similar configurations
Cost: ~$150–$200 total, lasts up to 10 years
Easy to assemble, move, and adapt
Works in veggie gardens, flower beds, landscaping, reforestation projects, and more
If a deer does get in?
Just make the area look smaller by adding a center wire or a fifth panel with flagging.
Bottom line:
You don’t need towering fences to keep deer out—just smart design that works with their instincts.
