Columbus enacts ordinance banning intentional feeding of deer after neighborhood survey

The Columbus City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance that prohibits intentionally feeding white‑tailed deer within city limits, making a violation a minor misdemeanor.

Councilor DeOttkower, sponsor of ordinance 0944‑2026, said the office worked with Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to survey residents and analyze findings. "Of the nearly 4,000 responses submitted, over two‑thirds came from residents of Clintonville and communities along the Olentangy River corridor," DeOttkower said. She told council the survey showed broad support for deer‑management strategies, including both lethal and nonlethal methods in areas of concentrated conflict.

The ordinance—intended as a low‑cost tool—targets intentional feeding that leads deer to congregate on private property and raise risks of vehicle collisions and property damage. The sponsor emphasized the measure does not ban bird or squirrel feeders and will not itself reduce the deer population; rather, it is one of several tools the city may use.

Enforcement: The ordinance allows anonymous reports to the nonemergency police line; police are tasked with issuing tickets for violations. DeOttkower said longer‑term deer management, such as professional sharpshooting, would require further planning, budget allocation and coordination with the mayor's office and other agencies.

Vote: The council moved for passage and the ordinance passed by roll call.

Next steps: Council and the administration said they will continue discussing more comprehensive deer‑management options and potential funding and administrative steps needed for programs that aim to reduce deer overpopulation.