The F&G didn't like it because they said it built up a dependency and discouraged the deer from foraging for themselves.
I completely understand that concern. And I don't mean to sound as though we are immune from that, but we only feed them two months of the year (mid-December through mid-February), and they are in no way 'domesticated'. They always approach the trough through the woods (never across the yard), and if they see or hear anything out of the ordinary (especially human), they scatter immediately.
I suppose it is somewhat selfish doing this (we absolutely love watching them), and I will be the first to admit that. But if it appeared that we were doing them obvious harm, such as having them lose their fear of man, we would stop feeding them in a heartbeat.
What really gripes me is an acquaintance who used to feed them in the late autumn, and then, when they came to the yard during deer season, he shot them. Fortunately he got caught doing so. That, to me, is beyond despicable.
Although he has not said so, I am going to assume that LindyBill has had enough 'deer talk', so will end my part of it now. :) |
