In 2023, around 66 drivers in Syracuse were involved in collisions with deer. The city is about to launch its 2025 deer management operation this week to reduce the hazard. Specially-trained USDA wildlife managers will use firearms to cull deer, and plan to work in unoccupied areas in the city. That means private or public properties that are completely closed-off. Chief policy officer Greg Loh says each site must meet important safety criteria, including having all targets in line-of-sight.
“For distance from any occupied dwelling. And further, the USDA wildlife managers select the sites very carefully to ensure they meet their own safety criteria for any use of firearm,” Loh said.
Wildlife managers will focus on the east, west and south sides of the city. Something new to the program this year is the use of soft traps. Loh says residents volunteered to allow the traps to be placed on their properties where deer activity is high.
“It’s only going to be on the east side. We’re going to see how this trap and euthanize method works for us in the city," Loh said. "It is a method that is permitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.”
When deer are caught, the traps send notifications to wildlife managers who then go euthanize the animals. Loh says the county and other areas of the state have seen success using soft traps. But, he says in order to significantly decrease Syracuse’s deer population, the use of firearms will remain the main method.
The deer management operation will continue through the end of March between dusk and dawn. Last year, Loh says the city decreased the deer population by slightly more than 100. Residents who witness any suspicious activity are encouraged to call 911.
