Deer Management
Deer Management Presentation
Deer Management City Council Study Session Presentation Summer 2021 Urban Deer Presentation Farmington Hills 2021
Farmington Hills Deer Management Presentation Video Deer Management City Council Study Session Update 2024
Farmington Hills City Plan
The City is working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to determine the best course of action for the management of deer in Farmington Hills. We have completed a residential Deer Survey and will conduct annual aerial deer surveys, continue to track deer/vehicle crashes, and continue researching other communities’ deer management practices. For more information read our full plan. Farmington Hills Deer Plan
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Managing Deer Within Suburban Communities Deer Management Initiative
Other Michigan Cities’ Plans
Ann Arbor
East Lansing
Rochester Hills
About Deer
Deer are found in every county in Michigan. Michigan White-Tail Deer
Fawns
Baby deer, or fawns, are born with white spots to help camouflage them from predators. Fawns are born between May and June and are born with very little scent so that predators have difficulty finding them. The mother deer, or doe, will leave the fawns for limited amounts of time until she feels it is safe to return to her fawn. The best practice for when you find a fawn is to leave it alone and refrain from touching it. Human or other animal interaction with the fawn can transfer unwanted scent and could ultimately do more harm.
What To Do When You Find A Fawn
Leave the Fawns Alone
Facts About Fawns
Helpful Videos
Detailed Garden ManagementFH Nature Calls “Deer”
Deer Proof Your Garden
It is recommended that you do your research when deciding which method to use as each garden and land plot is unique. These suggestions are not meant to be an exhaustive list, but merely a starting point for you. The City of Farmington Hills is not responsible for any issues caused by wildlife in your yard.
Fencing/netting
Used for containing a specific area- Burlap works well for winter
- Can be an eye sore
Scent/taste
- Deters deer from returning
- Not efficient in the winter
- Plant oils, hot peppers, capsaicin, rotted egg solids – can smell bad to humans too
- Deer can become use to a flavor
Electronics
- Scarecrow
- Sprays deer with water
- Deer can get used to it if it doesn’t move frequently
Deer “Resistant” Plants
Type of plants residents use. If you have had any success with a specific plant – let us know.
Annuals
Ageratum
Begonia, Wax
Coleus
Geranium
Marigold
Snapdragon
Ground Covers
Lamium
Lilly of the Valley
Perennials
| Alyssum Astilbe Bee balm Butterfly Flower Catmint Columbine Coneflower Coral Bells Coreopsis Dianthus Gaillardia Geranium |
Helleborus Hibiscus Lady’s Mantle Lamb’s Ear Lavender Rudebeckia Salvia Sunflower Veronica Yarrow Yucca |
Vehicle Deer Crashes
The Michigan State Police Department has information regarding vehicle deer crashes.
Community Deer Survey
Farmington Hills conducted a survey that produced 5,409 responses. Community Deer Survey
Farmington Hills Aerial Deer Survey
2022 Farmington Hills and Farmington Aerial Deer Survey
Feeding Ban
Feeding Deer in Farmington Hills is prohibited by Ordinance C-5-2017. Ordinance C-5-2017
Contact Information
To contact your Farmington Hills Deer Management Representative with questions or comments please call Farmington Hills Special Services at (248) 473-1800. You may also contact us by email by clicking here to fill out our Contact Us by Email form.