I think deer would rather have them around..When squirrels haul tail somethings up..Deer pick up on this and use them for burglar alarms so to speak..Smaller deer are just being cautious..older deer dont pay them much attention..Now as far as turkeys thats a new ballgame..Deer want feed through turkeys they go around them..Must have something to do with those spurs..Turkeys will have their way no matter what..