How can I approach and talk to deer?

Question

It's something i've always wanted to do--talk to a deer or two. However, every time i try to approach one, it runs away. When i look from afar, they run away. When cars come, they run away.

I just want to be able to talk to one, and see where they go. They run into the woods, but where? Why can't they just not run away from people. There has to be a way to reassure them there is nothing to fear.

When they scatter, they all run in different directions, how do they find each other again? I would really like to know.

Answer 1

Their fear response has evolved over thousands of generations as their best way of staying alive.  I do not think you will be able to overcome it easily.  You would likely have to work with an individual for quite some time to establish some trust.  You might be able to follow very quietly, but if you get too close (they decide how close!) the deer will run away.  Be careful, as deer, beautiful and delicate as they appear, can be dangerous.  They kill visitors to US national parks every year.

Answer 2

Although it takes a long time to be able to do this, you may get one to approach you, but you need to learn to stand VERY still for quite a while. Then if you learn to move v-e-r-y slowly you might be able to approach them, but if they give any indication of flight, you have to freeze again. I've gotten within about twenty feet of a doe and fawn. But you also must respect them. Think at them, don't talk and don't try to follow them. The above answer is also true.