According to my dad (who is a retired game warden), depending on what state you are in owning a deer may or may not be illegal. There are exceptions that require special permits and licences to own them thoughv(its a long process to get the req. licences here). One of my neghibors here owns a deer farm though they are raised for commercial reasons (i.e. provideing restaraunts with vennison and such). But in the state of maine you are legally allowed to have them for commercial purposes or conservation/protection purposes (wildlife sanctuary, animal hospital, etc) , but you cannot keep them as domesticated pets.