Deer management

Two deer standing in a field of wild grasses.

Deer are a common sight in Minnetonka. Follow these suggestions to help keep them out of your landscaping.

  • From mid-August through April, keep hardware cloth or a plastic tree guard on any recently planted trees. Deer can damage young, tender trees by rubbing their antlers on the thin-barked stems. Learn how to protect your trees from deer.
  • Install deer-proof fencing to keep deer out of recently planted areas or to protect existing plants from deer browse.
  • Homemade repellents can be made by placing human hair, soap, or garlic in netting or a stocking and tying it to tree branches or fences.
  • Commercial repellents can be sprayed directly onto plants (many cannot be used on food crops, however). Experts note that, with any kind of repellent, the key is to begin using it as soon as you see deer damage, and change or reapply the repellent often, especially after rain or when new growth appears.

The city maintains a deer management program involving education and also the periodic removal of deer, with the goals of preventing starvation and disease from deer overpopulation, reducing the number of motor vehicle accidents involving deer, to preserve the land of property owners and to contribute to the success of the city’s natural resources stewardship program.

One final reminder, although the wildlife may be driving you crazy, remember that the discharge of any firearm or air-powered weapon is prohibited in Minnetonka (city ordinance 1025.025).

For more information or assistance with any wildlife questions or issues, contact the Minnetonka Police Department at 952.939.8500.