Hello Worthington! Usually the Pulse only covers city meetings, but with the holiday break from meetings and with the city preparing to launch its targeted deer removal program starting January 1, 2026 I felt it was timely to do a special edition newsletter focused entirely on the deer situation in Worthington — a topic that generates considerable discussion in neighborhoods across our community.
Whether you've noticed deer munching on your hostas, had a close call on High Street, or you're curious about the removal operations scheduled to begin in January, this guide has you covered. Below you'll find everything we know about the deer in Worthington, organized for easy reference.
Deer Removal Begins January 2026
The city is preparing to launch its targeted deer removal program starting January 1, 2026, the culmination of a two-year planning process that included extensive community input.
Professional markspeople from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services will conduct operations on both private and public properties after dark. The program emphasizes safety above all else, using suppressed firearms with specialized ammunition, elevated shooting positions, night vision optics, and police accompaniment.
Public sites approved for operations include: East Granville Park, Huntley Bowl Park, Linworth Park, Olentangy Parklands (including John Galipault Field), Park Boulevard Park, Perry Park, Walnut Grove Cemetery, the Flats at Thomas Worthington High School, and South Field on East South Street.
Operations will run through February 28, with possible extension into March. All venison will be donated to local food pantries, including the Worthington Resource Pantry.
Why This Program Exists
Worthington's deer population has grown significantly over the past two decades, leading to increased complaints about property damage, vehicle collisions, and aggressive encounters. A spring 2024 survey found that 91.7% of residents see deer daily or weekly, and survey respondents reported nearly $1.5 million in property-related costs over three years.
The Deer Task Force, established in November 2023, spent over a year studying the issue, consulting experts, and gathering community input. Their December 2024 report recommended a combination of targeted removal and potential future archery hunting—and City Council unanimously approved moving forward.
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The No-Feeding Ordinance
Since July 2022, it has been illegal to intentionally feed deer in Worthington. The ordinance prohibits putting out fruits, grains, salt licks, vegetables, nuts, or other edible materials for deer. Bird feeders, gardens, and compost piles are exempt.
Community compliance is essential—feeding deer undermines other management efforts by concentrating animals in residential areas and making them less wary of humans.
Violations can be reported through the city's online complaint form or by contacting the Planning and Building Department.
Living Safely with Deer
Even with population management efforts underway, deer will remain part of our community. The city maintains helpful resources on fawning season safety, how to handle aggressive deer, avoiding vehicle collisions, deer-resistant landscaping, and tick prevention.
Visit the city's Deer Facts page for detailed guidance on all of these topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't the city just relocate deer?
Under Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulations, it is illegal to trap and relocate deer in Ohio. Relocation is also highly stressful for deer—many don't survive—and risks spreading parasites and diseases.
What about birth control or sterilization?
These methods are not authorized in Ohio for deer management except for research purposes. They're also costly and ineffective in "open herds" where deer migrate in and out of the community, as they do in Worthington.
Will there be a hunting program?
The Deer Task Force recommended considering an archery program in future years to help maintain population levels after the initial reduction. City Council has not yet taken action on this proposal.
How will the city measure success?
The Deer Advisory Committee will track damage reports, survey responses, carcass collections, and police calls for service. The goal is reducing property damage, vehicle collisions, and human-deer conflicts to levels the community finds acceptable.
Why aren't exact dates and locations shared?
Operational security and privacy. The city doesn't publicly share specific dates/times to maintain effectiveness, and doesn't share private property addresses to protect property owners' privacy.
Key Dates & Resources
Targeted removal operations: January 1 – February 28, 2026 (may extend into March)
Important contacts:
- General questions: Riley Hoover, contact information is here
- Injured deer: Worthington Police, 614-885-4463
- Dead deer on roads: Worthington Service Department, 614-431-2425
- Wildlife emergencies: 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543), request District 1
Online resources and sources:
The city's main deer information page is the best starting point for all deer-related topics. You can also read about the no-feeding ordinance, browse tips on deer-resistant landscaping, or share your concerns with city staff. To stay informed as the program progresses, sign up for email updates. For detailed documentation, the city has published both the full Deer Management Plan and a Deer Management FAQs document.
Thanks for reading this special edition on Worthington's Deer Management Program. This has been a long-discussed issue in our community, and we hope this guide helps answer your questions. As always, the Pulse will continue to cover developments as they occur.