The numbers are in for the latest deer hunting season. The Ohio Deer Hunting Season for 2018-19, for archery started on September 29, 2018 and concluded on February 3, 2019, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. With this season’s end, North Royalton Chief of Police, Ken Bilinovich reported the 2018-19 season’s update to the Council Safety Committee at their meeting on February 19.
The number of white tailed deer have 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.
This season, there were 144 deer taken, compared to 193 last year. Eighty-three hunting permits were issued for the season, compared to 91 deer hunting permits granted last season. The following is the breakdown of deer taken by hunting: Ward 1, 44, compared to 71 last year; Ward 2, 36, compared to 41; Ward 3, 15, compared to 12 last year; Ward 4, 8, compared to 6; Ward 5, 12, compared to 23 last year; Ward 6, 29, compared to 40, according to North Royalton Safety Director Bruce Campbell.
In addition to those deer hunted, 51 were reportedly killed by car collisions last year, according to Bilinovich. That number only reflects the collisions that were reported.
In addition, a number of deer died due to a disease that spread, resulting to the killing of a large number of the white tailed deer. According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, “they 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. The disease seems to dissipate after the frost.
Mayor Bob Stefanik does not see any changes for the upcoming year. Those interested in participating in the bow hunting of white tailed deer program for the 2019-20 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