After months of planning following recommendations from a community task force, Worthington City Council has approved the final steps needed to begin targeted deer removal operations in early 2026. The program aims to improve public safety and reduce property damage while donating processed venison to local food pantries.
Contracts Approved
Council unanimously approved Resolution 39-2025, authorizing City Manager Robyn Stewart to execute a contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, whose trained professional markspeople will carry out the removal operations using firearms.
The city will also contract with Ohio Penal Industries (OPI) for deer processing at their USDA-inspected Meat Processing Career Center at Pickaway Correctional Institution. The facility was selected based on guidance from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, primarily for its proximity to Worthington.
"We selected this processor... one of the main reasons... is its proximity to Worthington. There are just not many processors nearby," explained Riley Hoover, who has been coordinating the program's implementation.
The processed venison will be packaged and donated to local food pantries, including the Worthington Resource Pantry.
City Properties Approved for Operations
In a separate vote, council authorized Wildlife Services to conduct operations on seven city-owned properties:
- East Granville Park
- Huntley Bull Park
- Linworth Park
- Olentangy Parklands (including the Olentangy Trail)
- Park Boulevard Park
- Perry Park
These locations were evaluated by Wildlife Services throughout the year, with safety as the top priority in site selection.
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Safety Measures
Multiple safety protocols will be in place during operations:
Technical Safety:
- Use of frangible ammunition that breaks apart on impact
- Elevated shooting platforms including tree stands and truck beds
- Adequate backstops using terrain, vegetation, and structures
- Night vision and thermal optics for visibility
Operational Safety:
- Operations conducted after dark when parks are closed
- Worthington Police escort for all operations
- City drone support
- Property screening before each evening's operations
- Spotters with each team
- Additional staff at locations with multiple access points, such as the Olentangy Trail
"We will be screening each of these properties each evening before operations begin to evaluate if there is any activity to be able to manage that and work around that," Stewart said, noting that teams will have night vision and other capabilities to monitor for any human presence.
Community Notification
Residents and property owners within 200 feet of each approved site will receive direct notification before operations begin. The 200-foot distance is measured from the edge of the property where operations will occur.
The broader community will receive general notification that deer removal operations are being conducted, though without specific location details. While existing signage indicates parks close after dark, Hoover noted that specific dates and times cannot be posted due to operational considerations.
Emergency dispatchers will also be informed of operations so they can appropriately respond to any calls from residents.
Council Discussion
Council members expressed appreciation for the thorough planning and safety considerations.
"I read this and I think it does look thorough. I appreciate everything that you've put forward on this," Dorothy said, specifically noting the elevated shooting positions that provide natural backstops.
Dorothy also highlighted that the venison donation addresses community concerns: "I am also excited that the venison will be donated."
Stewart confirmed that council will be provided with the list of properties once the screening process is complete. The city is still receiving contacts from private property owners interested in volunteering their land for the program.
Timeline and Background
Operations are planned for January and February 2026, scheduled around processor and Wildlife Services availability and dependent on weather conditions.
The program results from a year-long effort by a Deer Task Force that studied the issue and made recommendations to City Council earlier in 2025. Council voted to proceed with implementation, and staff have been working with Wildlife Services, the Ohio Division of Wildlife, and an advisory committee to develop the program details.
Jeff Pelc, district supervisor for Wildlife Services, attended the meeting and was available to answer questions, though none were needed given the thorough presentation and documentation provided to council.
The program represents a significant step in addressing long-standing community concerns about deer-related safety issues, including vehicle collisions, and property damage from deer activity.