Ohio Town Using Sharpshooters to Reduce Deer Herd

Sharpshooters will be thinning out the deer herd in Worthington, Ohio, through the end of February or possibly March. (Photo by Jim Cumming)

A deer-removal program utilizing trained sharpshooters began on New Year’s Day in Worthington, Ohio, angering some residents and relieving others.

According to 10tv.com, federal wildlife professionals are conducting the culling operation. The city will work with trained experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services. Specific operation dates are not being released to maintain security and operational effectiveness.

“Something has to be done,” said Jane Moore, a 30-year resident of Worthington. “I’m not too worried about the deer, but a lot of people are.”

Moore says she’s observed more problems caused by the growing deer herd.

“It’s been worse the last couple of years than I’ve ever experienced before,” Moore said. “They eat all the garden plants, everyone has had to change their landscaping, so it’s kind of a nuisance.”

“People don’t see them at night and stuff and run into them,” she added. "There normally are five or six or seven prowling up and down the street here."

To address those concerns, last year, Worthington City Council unanimously approved hiring federal wildlife professionals to carry out the removals, at the suggestion of a deer task force that was formed in 2023 to study the issue and propose possible solutions. The city established a Deer Task Force, which recommended the targeted removal program, in addition to some archery hunting, as part of a long-term plan.

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The deer population control permit, issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, runs through the end of February and could be extended into March if needed.

According to the city, operations will take place on pre-approved properties during select weeknights, after dark, when parks are closed and public activity is minimal. Spotters and police will ensure safety as sharpshooters use suppressed firearms and frangible ammunition from elevated platforms.

Upon learning deer removal could take place at a property adjacent to his home, resident Kevil Callinan filed a lawsuit challenging the program. A Franklin County judge has granted a temporary restraining order preventing the operation from being conducted within 1,000 feet of his house.

According to city officials, two community surveys drew responses from thousands of residents, with 73% supporting the use of firearms by trained experts as a deer management tool.

According to city officials, all processed venison from the operation will be donated to local food pantries.