Deer Tips
The following is a list of native plants that are found in Wisconsin, and are typically unattractive to deer:
- Big bluestem (Andropogon geradii)
- Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Blue flag iris (Iris virginica)
- Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
- Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis)
- Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana)
- Side oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- Wild red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Repellent
According to The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, strong tastes and odors applied to plants can also repel deer. Various combinations of Tabasco, water, egg, soap, and even human hair or urine can be used.
Deer repellent products can also be purchased. A few products and their distributors are:
- Hot Pepper Wax: Hot Pepper Wax, Inc., 800-627-6840
- Ro-pel Mammal and Bird Repellent: Forestry Suppliers, Inc., 800-647-5368
- Tree Guard: Becker Underwood
Whether homemade or store-bought, the deer repellents may need to be varied periodically as deer become accustomed to the taste or smell.
Source
Information from Shoreline Buffer Restoration: A Guide for Landowners. Burnett County Land and Water Conservation Department 2007.