Worthington's deer management program didn't happen overnight. It's the result of a methodical, two-year process that included expert consultation, community surveys, and extensive public discussion. Here's how the city moved from rising concerns to an actionable plan.
The Problem
Over the past two decades, Worthington's deer population has grown significantly. This growth has led to increasing resident complaints about property damage, traffic collisions, deer aggression, and other conflicts. By the early 2020s, it was clear the city needed a comprehensive approach to address these concerns.
In early 2022, the city took its first step by passing a No-Feeding Ordinance, which prohibits residents from intentionally feeding deer. While an important measure, city leaders recognized this alone wouldn't solve the underlying population issue.
Creating the Deer Task Force
In November 2023, the City of Worthington established a Deer Task Force to study the issue thoroughly and provide recommendations to City Council. The Task Force was charged with:
- Consulting wildlife experts
- Researching deer management programs in other communities
- Sharing educational materials with the public
- Conducting community surveys to understand resident experiences and preferences
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What the Surveys Found
The Task Force partnered with capstone student groups at The Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to conduct two comprehensive community surveys.
Spring 2024 Survey: Understanding the Problem
The first survey, conducted in spring 2024, sought to understand residents' experiences with deer:
- 91.7% of residents reported seeing deer daily or weekly
- 71% said they would like to see the population decrease
- 63% reported property damage or expenses from deer in the past three years
- Respondents identified deer-vehicle collisions and property damage as their top concerns
The financial toll was substantial. Survey respondents reported:
- Nearly $1.5 million in property-related costs over three years
- More than $200,000 in injury and veterinary expenses
Fall 2024 Survey: Gauging Support for Solutions
A follow-up survey in fall 2024 asked residents about their support for specific management strategies:
- 73% supported targeted removal
- 67% supported a combination of targeted removal and archery hunting
- 61% supported archery hunting alone
When asked to choose their single preferred approach:
- 47% favored a combination of targeted removal and archery
- 26% favored targeted removal alone
- 18% favored no action
- 9% favored archery hunting alone
Notably, 74.9% of respondents supported using public funds to address deer management.
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Task Force Recommendations
In December 2024, the Deer Task Force presented its final report to City Council. Based on community feedback and expert consultation, the Task Force recommended:
- Implementing a targeted removal program to achieve an initial population reduction
- Considering an archery hunting program in future years to maintain population levels
- Continuing non-lethal strategies including the no-feeding ordinance, deer-resistant landscaping education, and public information about deer behavior
The Task Force concluded that a combination approach would be most effective at reducing deer-related problems while maintaining public support.
City Council Action
On January 21, 2025, Worthington City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to implement a deer management program consistent with the Task Force's recommendations. Council directed an initial focus on targeted removal in the first few years.
Ongoing Oversight
The city has established a Deer Advisory Committee to evaluate the program and assist with implementation. This committee, appointed by the City Manager, includes community representatives with diverse perspectives. The committee will:
- Review program details
- Monitor progress using data on damage reports, survey responses, carcass collections, and police calls
- Recommend adjustments as needed
- Provide reports to City Council at key milestones, with at least one report per year
Why It Took This Long
Some residents have questioned why this process took two years. City officials note that deer management is complex and often controversial. The methodical approach allowed the city to:
- Build a strong factual foundation
- Ensure community voices were heard
- Develop a program with broad public support (surveys showed majority support for the chosen approach)
- Meet Ohio Department of Natural Resources requirements, which mandate a 10-year management plan
The result is a program that has been thoroughly vetted by experts, supported by data, and backed by community input, giving it the best chance of success.
This is part of a special edition newsletter on Worthington's Deer Management Program.