Since this has turned into a deer discussion....
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/irc/docs/00014598.pdf
Deer were almost none existent in St Mary's County by the early part of the 20th century. I can remember Robert Thompson talking about relocating deer to this area.
We counted thirty-two of the critters in the field in front of our house last week. Looked and acted like a herd of beef, just milling around, totally unconcerned that we were out there watching them.
I will admit, we get a lot of pleasure out of watching them. But I like fresh veggies from the garden better, which they have a tendency to also like.
Brushing my dog near my gardens seems to help keep them away from that area.