The deer in the Port Townsend area have lost their habitat due to extensive destruction of the forests in the area. As the population in the Port Townsend area has increased, the demand for housing has taken most of the natural habitat of the deer and other wildlife. In an effort to survive, they have moved into Port Townsend. The minor damage to they cause to landscaping in their attempt to find food and survive is easily avoided with the use of suitable fencing and use of plants that deer won't eat.

Killing the deer because they're trying to survive is inhuman and unnecessary. Mere inconvenience of learning to live with our deer is not a viable reason for killing them.

Education of new-comers as to proper gardening techniques that allow them to live in harmony with deer and other wildlife is a more appropriate and caring solution to this issue.