DEC Report - Deer Management in Urban and Suburban NY

[Rebel Darling]

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/bulletins/2423783

Deer Management in Urban & Suburban New York

DEC published a comprehensive review of deer overabundance and management in urban and suburban areas. You can download this report as a PDF from DEC's website. 

Because deer in developed areas are occupying and using many small private parcels with different landowners, widespread resident support and participation are usually necessary for effective deer management. In some communities, unfamiliarity with deer biology and discomfort with population reduction methods hinder and delay the development of management programs. Expense can also be a significant obstacle.

Due to the nature of biological systems, reducing deer populations is necessary for long-term, community-wide reduction of deer-related impacts (deer-vehicle collisions, overbrowsing forests, damage to landscape plantings). Successful programs include hunting, culling, or both. Continued research on fertility control methods may produce additional useful options in the future. Actions that are taken to reduce deer populations must be maintained, or the problems will quickly return.

With guidance and assistance from DEC biologists, many communities are finding ways to address their problems with overabundant deer, but it's important to recognize at the outset that urban/suburban deer management is a complicated process requiring a long-term commitment. Communities and individuals interested in developing a deer management program can find DEC’s Community Deer Management Guide and other useful resources and contact information on DEC's website.