Can they take a deer- yes. Are they a good choice? IMHO- not by a long shot....and speaking of long shots, don't try them with .410 slugs. A .410 slug is under 100 grains in weight and even moving at 1800 fps, it is not very energetic and at 50 yards, it's worse at around 1300 fps. Another problem is that most .410 shotguns are full choke and while the barrel won't be hurt by a slug, the accuracy is pretty poor. I'd sell them if you can, but there's a reason .410 slugs go on clearance.
I normally hunt deer with 50 cal, archery and a ruger 44 carbine, but was thinking for my son. I do have a savage model 24 22/410 but that's not legal to hunt with. I think your right I might just trade or take out the invading melon population.