Pilot of a small aircraft aborted takeoff to avoid deer crossing the runway.

Narrative

While taxiing for takeoff on Runway 20 from Southbridge Municipal Airport (3B0); I noticed a herd of deer on the far side (right) of the runway closest to the woods (across the runway from the FBO/Hangar area). The herd was approximately 125-200 FT from the runway edge. During my run-up; the deer remained stationary and as I initiated my taxi onto the runway I watched the deer carefully for signs of movement. Noting none; I advanced the throttle and checked my gauges. During the first part of the takeoff roll; the deer remained approximately 125-200 FT from the runway edge until I was approximately 1/4 of the way down the runway. At that point; the entire herd of deer sprinted directly toward the last 1/4 of the runway. Upon seeing the deer stampede on an intercept course with my takeoff roll; I immediately reduced throttle to idle and heavily applied braking. As the aircraft skidded (nearly sliding off of the left side of the runway) I observed the deer pass approximately 10 FT in front of me with the closest deer passing what seemed to be 1-2 FT in front of the wings. No collision occurred; but the experience required that I taxi off of the runway; shut down the engine; examine the entire aircraft for potential issues; and calm myself down before making another attempt (no deer were in sight at the time of my actual departure). In NTSB language; probable cause of the near catastrophe is the failure of the airport management/commission to secure the gates around the facilities to ensure that animals such as deer do not enter the airport environment. The entire airport is fenced; but in many places the gates are broken and even though we paid $25 for a key card; one of the gates is continually kept open.