Enjoy Deer Creek Village’s lakes, fishing, and wildlife.

Explore these helpful resources for tips, guidelines, and information about the fishing and wildlife in the area.

Fishing

Deer

Sandhill Cranes

Ducks & waterfowl

Deer Creek Waterways & Fishing

Our lakes and canals are one of Deer Creek Village’s special features. They’re home to fish, birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Please help protect them by following these simple guidelines.

Catch and release only.
Waterfront residents may fish from their own property, within their side property lines.
Fishing is also permitted at the entrances where waterways meet the street. (See PDF above.)
Fishing or walking beyond these access points or behind another resident’s property is not permitted.
Swimming, wading, boats, kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft are not permitted.
Water may not be taken from Deer Creek waterways for irrigation without a permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I fish if I don’t live on the water?
Fishing is permitted at the entrances where the waterways meet the street. At no time is wandering/fishing past these points permitted.

Can I walk around the lakes?
No. Fishing is limited to the waterway entrances described above, and residents may not walk around the waterways or fish behind another resident’s property and respect all No Trespassing signs.

Can I swim, wade, or launch a kayak?
No. Swimming, wading, and all boats or watercraft—including kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and motorized watercraft—are not permitted.

Living with Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill cranes are a familiar part of Deer Creek Village and are protected by Florida law. The best way to help keep them wild is simple: never feed them. Feeding cranes can cause them to lose their natural fear of people, become aggressive, and create safety concerns for both people and wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed the sandhill cranes?
No. Feeding sandhill cranes is illegal and harmful. It teaches them to associate people with food, which can lead to aggressive behavior.

What should I do if a crane approaches me?
Help keep cranes wild by encouraging them to move away. Wave your arms, clap your hands, make loud noises, or spray the adult birds with a strong stream of water from a hose if necessary.

What if I see someone feeding the cranes?
Please report illegal feeding to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) - See brochure.

Living with White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer are a familiar sight in Deer Creek Village, especially at dawn and dusk. The best way to help keep them wild is simple: never feed them. Feeding deer can cause them to lose their natural fear of people, become aggressive, and damage landscaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed the deer?
No. Please do not feed deer or leave out food that may attract them. Feeding wildlife is harmful and can lead to conflicts with people and pets and attracts coyotes and raccoons.

What should I do if I find a fawn alone?
Leave it alone. The mother is usually nearby and will return. Avoid touching or approaching young fawns.

How can I keep deer out of my yard or garden?
Choose deer-resistant plants, install fencing where practical, or use motion-activated sprinklers or deer repellents to discourage browsing.

Living with Waterfowl

Canada geese, ducks, and other waterfowl are a familiar part of Deer Creek Village. Please help keep them wild by never feeding them. If you see them at the community pool or other common areas, simply make some noise to encourage them to move along.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed the ducks or geese?
No. Please do not feed waterfowl. They can find their own food, and feeding them often creates nuisance and safety problems.

How can I discourage geese from my property?
Avoid feeding them, keep a buffer of taller vegetation near the water’s edge, and use fences or other barriers to discourage birds from walking onto lawns.

Can I move nests or harm geese?
No. Ducks, geese, and other native waterfowl are protected by federal and state laws. Their nests and eggs may not be disturbed except as allowed by law.