The number of white tailed deer has been slowly, but steadily declining with the passage of ordinances for the hunting of white tailed deer several years ago, which allowed the bow hunting within the city borders.
The Ohio Deer Hunting Season for 2017-18, for archery started on September 30, 2017 and concluded on February 4, 2018, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. North Royalton Chief of Police, Ken Bilinovich, reported to a recent Council Safety Committee meeting that a total of 193 deer were taken, during the season, 187 from the permits and six through the nuisance ordinance. Four nuisance ordinance permits were issued in Ward 1, 2 in Ward 2. There were 91 deer hunting permits granted. Thirty three hunting permits were issued in Ward 1, 10 in Ward 2, 8 in Ward 3, 4 in Ward 4, 12 in Ward 5 and 24 in Ward 6. The following is the breakdown of deer taken by hunting: Ward 1, 71; Ward 2, 41; Ward 3, 12; Ward 4, 6; Ward 5, 23; Ward 6, 40.
In addition to the deer hunting, the deer in North Royalton and surrounding communities faced another challenge to living this past year. A disease spread that resulted in the killing of a large number of the white tailed deer. According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, “ confirmed cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in both white-tailed deer and cattle in Ohio. The virus was diagnosed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL). The disease shows up about every five to seven years. Mayor Bob Stefanik said that the disease seems to dissipate after the frost. He said the city has not seen any more fatalities this winter.
North Royalton Safety Director Bruce Campbell said the city picked up 495 deer carcasses last year. Of that amount, 22 were the result of a car collision and about 100 were due to the EHD. Animal Control, he said, estimates that out of that total, 100 were attributed to the disease. There were 220 car-deer collisions. Overall, the number is up from last year’s tally of about 350.
Stefanik said that the season went off without any hitches. “The police did a great job of inspecting for the permits,” he said. He noted that there was a slight change in the program last year, with the allowance for permit applications under five acres. He does not see any changes for the upcoming year. Those interested in participating in the bow hunting of white tailed deer program for the 2018-19 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