i may be getting a pet deer but i need help

[theoldchick]

Getting a permit to house wildlife is not like getting a permit to build a house. You can't just go in pay some money and get certified. Certified wildlife rehab folks go through several months of training, then the facility has to be inspected and pass muster for what ever species you are planning to rehab.

Deer can easily jump a 10 foot fence, so keeping her up will be difficult. Before they learn to jump the fence they panic and run into the wire and do damage to their eyes and nose. Sad thing is, the deer depend on these two senses in order to survive in the wild. Another thing is, deer tame down real easy, and once they get used to humans they become a nuisance. They usually do not survive the first hunting season.

The first thing animal rehabber does is make sure the animal is fit for survival in the wild. The goal is to keep it wild and give the animal the knowledge it needs to survive. They don't make a pet out of it, and often rehabbers have to make the decision whether to allow the animal to live or humanely euthanize it due to injury or defect.

Keeping a wild animal as a pet is not easy. Good luck, and remember respect the deer for what she is, and give her the best chance to survive. Think of her needs and put them before your needs.

 

[sourland]

At least it's a doe and not a buck. Chances of injury from a doe are less than from a pet buck. Without antlers there is less chance of a fatal interaction. Yes, a deer can kill a human.

 

[ranchhand]

Just need to do a little research first. Deer are on the prohibited to keep list.

Quote: "By Georgia Law, most native species of wildlife cannot be held without permits or licenses. These licenses are not issued for the purpose of holding native wildlife as pets. These restrictions apply to the various species of animal, regardless of the origin or morphology."



http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/1201

Quote: "If there is any doubt about the legality of possessing any species, contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Special Permit Unit."

What the man with the deer is doing is neither legal nor good for the deer.

I know you have the best of intentions, but it's not in the best interests of the deer. I applaud you for your big heart!

On this page, on the left about the middle, there is a list or Wildlife Rehabilitator's. http://www.georgiawildlife.com/

 

[Orchid]

Quote:
True. Just wait till the bucks sniff her out in the fall, though.

 

[boykin2010]

i could probably take care of the bucks that smell her. I am a deer hunter. Although i like them and think they are cute they also taste REALLY good. I dont know if i am up to spending months studying to get the permit. i was thinking i could be done with this in a week or so.

 

[sourland]

Go back and read Ranchhand's post.

 

[boykin2010]

ok thank you i will have to think long and hard about what to do next.

 

[noodleroo]

boykin2010; You seem very young by your writing. Having a wild animal for a pet is not a good idea. It is heartache for you and the animal. I speak from experience. It sounds like a good idea, but a full grown doe will be nothing but a problem; permit or no permit. Did you ever see the movie 'The Yearling'? It didn't end well for human or deer. I know you really want her but my advice is just say 'no thank you'...

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

also, asking advice publicly about an illegal act, probably not a great plan. good luck with making the right decision.

 

[SillyChicken]

I have to add that hunting season does not commence while fawns are that small and dependent on their mothers (unless born late in fall).... so if this were the scenario... the mother would have been shot by a poacher, not a hunter. (Pet peeve ranchand).

If you're under 18 forget about it you'll never get a permit.

I'd pass if I were you.