OMG! SUCH A CUTIE PIE!!! I LOVE DEERS! If there was a pet I could have after birds, I would go for a deer! Even before a cat or bunny or goat or sheep! I LOVE DEERS! I WANT A DEER! LOL I've petted deers many many times. We have many state forests around here that we sometimes go to for walks, and there are lots of deers there, and they are tame! Such sweeties and we always pet them! Never had a problem with ticks. We figured since there were no signs (as there are in many deer populated areas) it wouldn't be a problem, and we just can't resist petting such a sweet deer coming running to us, but then of course, you can never be too careful. Karen, do all deers carry ticks? Even pet ones?