City Council Approves Controversial Deer Sterilization Plan

In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a proposed agreement with White Buffalo to sterilize up to 200 deer as part of a comprehensive wildlife management program. The initiative aims to address the growing deer population, which has raised concerns among residents regarding safety and environmental impact.

The council is considering funding not to exceed $304,000 for the wildlife management program in the upcoming fiscal year. If approved, White Buffalo would be authorized to submit necessary documents and permits to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and commence sterilization efforts between late October and early November.

During the meeting, council members raised questions about the feasibility of sterilizing the full 200 deer, with some expressing concerns about the costs associated with the sterilization process compared to the culling of deer. Dr. DeNicola, the wildlife expert leading the sterilization, indicated that while he is confident in sterilizing 100 deer, achieving the target of 200 may be challenging due to behavioral changes in the deer as the process progresses.

The culling of up to 80 deer is also planned, with an estimated cost of $36,000. This culling would occur after the sterilization process, with the aim of reducing the deer population significantly. Council members discussed the importance of timing, noting that the culling should ideally take place in colder months to ensure the meat can be processed and donated effectively.

Concerns were raised about committing funds for a number of sterilizations that may not be achievable, echoing past experiences where the council allocated funds but did not meet the targeted deer removal. Some council members suggested tabling the decision until further details on the culling contract could be reviewed, while others emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the sterilization to avoid further population growth.

The council is expected to make a decision on the agreement in the coming weeks, with the hope that successful sterilization and culling will alleviate the deer overpopulation issue in the community.