The Town of DeWitt will be conducting a deer reduction program throughout the area from January through March 31.
While “natural” levels for deer are generally accepted to be approximately 8.5 per square mile, some areas of the Town of DeWitt have approximately 85 deer per square mile.
The intention of the deer reduction program, known as a deer cull, is to stabilize the deer population in DeWitt, reduce the incidence of Lyme disease, deer vehicle collisions and limit damage to landscape plants and other vegetation. The deer cull phase of the overall Deer Management Plan will occur on both private and public lands throughout the town.
As a safety precaution, night-time park closures, from dusk to dawn, will be in effect and enforced for resident and visitor safety.
Following a three-year process of gathering information and working in partnership with town residents, regional experts and the greater community, the DeWitt Town Board adopted a Deer Management Plan in October 2017 and subsequently received a Nuisance Permit from NYS DEC permitting the town to conduct a cull and harvest of antlerless deer.
“This deer reduction would not be possible if it were not for the tenacity and commitment of the many town residents who partnered with town staff, town committees and regional experts to help us determine the actions necessary to reduce the very significant deer population we have here in DeWitt,” said Town of DeWitt Supervisor Ed Michalenko. “In order for this initial deer reduction to be optimally effective, as we move forward, we will be collaborating with neighboring communities and also continuing to coordinate with SUNY-ESF. My sincere thanks to Assemblywoman Pam Hunter for obtaining special funding that will support us in creating the most comprehensive deer management plan possible.”
Through the Venison Donation Coalition and Hunters Feeding the Hungry Program, all the useable meat will be donated to the regional food bank. According to the “Venison Donation” page of the DEC website, one deer donated for food creates approximately 200 meals for local families in need.
