Trained federal wildlife professionals allows overnight deer removal beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, through March 31, 2027, as the city launches its first deer management program.
The program, reported by WBNS-TV, authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services division to remove up to 100 deer by rifle through March 31. If that cap is reached before contract funds run out and USDA staff are available, an additional 25 deer may be taken, according to the city's deer management page.
Operations will happen at night on mostly city-owned land, not at private homes. Every session will be under Dublin police supervision. The city is not releasing a public schedule, but residents near removal sites will see posted signage before work begins.
Twenty-one properties are approved for the program: nine city parks, nine open spaces and three non-residential private properties. Parks on the list include Shannon Glen Park, Indian Run Meadows Park, Scioto Park, Avery Park, Earlington Park, Wellington Park, Brandon Park, Thaddeus Kosciuszko Park and Coventry Woods Park. Open spaces include Riviera Reserve, Hutchins Open Space, ML "Red" Trabue Nature Reserve, Dublinshire Greenway, Scottish Corners Woods, Brandon Open Space and Tartan West Open Space. Not every approved site will necessarily see operations, the city said.
The program responds to years of resident complaints about aggressive deer, landscaping damage and deer-vehicle collisions. Dublin Management Analyst Mitchell Ament told WBNS that concerns have been increasing since 2018.
"We have been here 20 years. Initially I could plant stuff in my backyard and not worry about it getting eaten, but in the last five years it is just insane," said Valerie Bergdall, a Dublin resident who has tried to deer-proof her yard, in the WBNS report.
The city began formally studying the issue in 2022 through its Community Services Advisory Committee. An Ohio State University research team found the local deer population was roughly 50 to 85 deer per square mile, according to the city's Deer in Dublin page. A citywide survey launched in January drew 3,656 responses.
City Council adopted Resolution 28-26 on June 8, authorizing the city manager to enter an agreement with USDA Wildlife Services. Council then approved specific site locations at its Sept. 28 meeting.
Trapping and relocating deer is illegal in Ohio under state law, and sterilization and fertility control are permitted only for research, the city said. Hunting is also prohibited within Dublin city limits under the city's code of ordinances.
The city plans to donate the venison.
Residents with wildlife safety concerns can call the Dublin Police non-emergency line at 614-889-1112. Questions about the deer program can be directed to Dublin City Government at 614-410-4730.
