Number of white-tailed deer has been steadily declining

With the recent close of the deer hunting season, the North Royalton numbers are in. With this season’s end, North Royalton Chief of Police, Keith Tarase, reported the 2021-22 season’s update to the Council Safety Committee at their February 15 meeting. The Ohio Deer Hunting Season for 2021-2022, for archery started on September 25, 2021 and concluded on February 6, 2022, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Since the passage of the ordinances that permit the bow hunting of the white-tailed deer within the city limits several years ago, the number of white-tailed deer has been slowly, but steadily declining. This season, a total of 115 deer were taken. Overall, the numbers have been decreasing over the past few years, with 153 deer taken last year and 122 taken the previous year. The number of hunting permits that were taken were similar to last year, with ninety-two pulled, versus the ninety-six issued for last year’s season. The following is the breakdown of deer taken by hunting: Ward 1, 53, compared to 71 last year; Ward 2, 9, compared to 16; Ward 3, 3, compared to 11 last year; Ward 4, 12, compared to 10; Ward 5, 13, compared to 17 last year; Ward 6, 25, compared to 28, according to Tarase. The three deer in Ward 1 were harvested through a deer damage permit. In addition to the deer that were hunted, there were deer killed by car collisions and that died from other causes. According to Tarase, “In 2021, there were 37 accident reports involving deer. There were an additional 49 calls where we dealt with dead deer, or injured deer that had to be put down.”
In March of 2020, the North Royalton City Council unanimously adopted legislation that reduced the Municipal Deer Damage Control Permit fee in half. Previously, the fee was $150 and thought by many to be too high, prohibiting hunters to participate in the program.
Those interested in participating in the bow hunting of white-tailed deer program for the 2022-23 season can apply to the City now through August 15. Those applying for a nuisance permit can do so now until the beginning of bow hunting deer season next year. For information about the North Royalton program, you can visit the city’s website at www.northroyalton.org The Municipal Deer Control Permit Packet is located under the Important Information section.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer