"Beartooth" > wrote in message
news
> On Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:54:57 -0500, cybercat wrote:
>
>> Shoulda put food out for them, James.
>
> I can't speak to MD, but in VA it's not only a very bad idea, but
> illegal -- see
>
> http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlif...p#feeding-deer
>
> One reason it's a bad idea, even if legal, is that there are deer
> diseases which spread much more easily when the deer are crowded together
> (whether by deep snow in the North or by feeding in the South). They're
> beautiful to look at, but the way to do it is to go where they are, not
> attract them into places with diseases -- and car traffic.

I think it's common practice to grow something that deer (and rabbits for
that matter) like more than the ornamentals so as long as they have the
other option, they'll hopefully leave the plants you like alone. Not
guaranteed, but better odds in your favor. As for attracting them to our
yards and highways, that's our fault. We are taking their habitat and they
are just trying to find food.