Nuisance deer hunting

[Chuck from WI]

I could use a little advice. While I sit next to a window, I look into my backyard and see 5 deer- 2 does and 3 fawns. They spend a lot of time in our neighborhood. They eat most of my garden if I don't have high fences up, and I have to limit any plants I plant to those that are recognized to be deer-resistant. I grow my trees in cages to protect them from the deer.
My city has a program to allow for hunting in the city limits. There is a written exam, a proficiency exam performed at a local archery shop, and a $20 fee. You are allowed 2 doe tags. Any shot I would take would be between 12 and 20 yards. My wife is worried about upsetting the neighbors, some of which feed the deer, despite it being against the law due to chronic wasting disease being at the margins of our county. My intent is to talk to each of the neighbors around about the destruction they cause, the limited food supply during the winter, and the risk of someone hitting one of them.
Is it worth the hassle and risk of p***ing off the neighbors? It isn't much of a hunt, I recognize, and I have two deer from earlier this fall. I butcher my own and I'm willing to share the meat with them (after getting the deer tested). Does anyone do this?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Chuck

 

[swat1018]

I guess it's all about priorities. I would take what I could legally. But, gardening is more important to me than neighbors. Then I'd invite friends over to do the same, if I could. Make lethal, ethical shots and utilize the meat. You are doing so legally, I wouldn't worry about those feeding them illegally, but that's just my personality.

 

[Fishman]

Does anyone do this?

Several years ago there was a reality show, I believe on History Channel, on deer hunting in urban areas. The guys would go around and just knock on doors and ask if people were okay with them hunting their backyard. Most people were tired of the deer ruining their yards and agreed to let them set up tree stands or hunt from their back porch.

Just talk with the neighbors and tell them what you would like to do. You might find out that they would love to do something to get rid of the deer.

 

[MarkDarvin]

Taking two in your back yard won't do any good for your garden. What I would do though is cash in those two tags for some venison. Find somewhere in town you don't have the politics of neighbors and get some deer hung.

 

[Mennoniteman]

Good neighbors and way more valuable than some shrubbery. I am willing to go to great lengths to stay on good terms with my neighbors.