Deer movement is far from over; and it won't slow down for several months. While summer is a great time to enjoy summer fruits and vegetables, deer know it too; and the main concern this summer won't be about 'gardener vs. deer' - it will be 'gardener vs. deer herds'.

By June, female doe have given birth to baby deer (fawns); and they are taking their babies with them everywhere during the first year of life - including home gardens. While doe and fawn will sleep during the daytime hours; they will have plenty of time to scout for food in the afternoon and evening when the weather cools down and they can go unseen by predators.

While deer are prepared to eat corn, a variety of nuts, berries and grasses, they will not turn away from melons and vegetables from the garden. For this reason, gardeners must implement deer management strategies now including: the construction of a deer fence around landscapes; the growing of deer-resistant flowers to rid deer from gardens; and applying tick sprays to lawns because tick season is at its peak, as well.

Summertime officially begins this week; are you ready for deer activity?