With the recent close of the deer hunting season, the North Royalton numbers are in. North Royalton Chief of Police Ken Bilinovich reported the 2020-21 season’s update to the Council Safety Committee at their meeting last month. The Ohio Deer Hunting Season for 2020-21, for archery started on September 26, 2020 and concluded on February 7, 2021, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Since the passage of the ordinances several years ago that permit bow hunting of white-tailed deer within the city limits, the number of white-tailed deer has been slowly, but steadily declining. This season, a total of 153 deer were taken. The numbers have been decreasing over the past few years, with 122 deer taken last year and 144 taken the previous year. The number of hunting permits that were issued was higher this year, with 96 pulled, versus 85 issued for last year’s season. The following is the breakdown of deer taken by hunting: Ward 1: 71, compared to 56 last year; Ward 2: 16, compared to 7; Ward 3: 11, compared to 14 last year; Ward 4: 10, compared to 8; Ward 5: 17, compared to 8 last year; Ward 6: 28, compared to 29, according to Bilinovich.
In addition to the deer that were hunted, there were deer killed by car collisions and that died from other causes. Bilinovich reported that there was a decrease in deer crashes this past year.
“There were only two deer crashes. I think it has to do with the deer hunting,” he said, noting that there were “less deer running across the road, especially in Ward 1.” Bilinovich said that “this year the program in North Royalton was bigger and better than last year. There were more permits, more deer harvested and actually, very, very few complaints. Most people are used to it now and have more or less accepted it.”
The North Royalton City Council unanimously adopted legislation last March which cut 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 2020-21 season can apply to the city 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, 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