Sharpshooters will begin deer culling in city of Syracuse next week

Deer still wreaking havoc in some Eastside neighborhoods despite recent culling efforts

The city uses a deer management program because of public health risks like Lyme Disease and the problems deer can cause for drivers, home owners and gardeners.

Syracuse, N.Y. -- The city of Syracuse will start culling deer next week as part of its deer management program.

Sharpshooters are used to kill deer in select areas of the city’s east, west and south. The process is carried out by United States Department of Agriculture wildlife managers. It is done with the cooperation of the Syracuse Police Department.

The city operates the program because of the impact that an over-population of deer has on traffic, parks and gardens, as well as the role deer play in public health risks like Lyme Disease.

All of the culling locations are on large private and city-owned properties. Those sites are closed to the public between dusk and dawn, when the culling is conducted.

The sharpshooters use thermal imaging and spotlights, and each location is at least 500 feet from occupied buildings. The owners of the private properties have provided the city written permission.

The culling will take place from December to March.

The deer management program has removed 316 deer from city neighborhoods over the past three years at a cost of $104,000, the city’s chief policy officer, Greg Loh, said earlier this year.

City officials have said the full impact of the program won’t be known until it’s been in place for five years. They have said they believe that it has been effective in lowering the deer population in some areas and ineffective in others.

A state law prohibiting firearms from being discharged within 500 feet of a dwelling has made culling impossible in many parts of the city.

State Assembly member Pamela Hunter and State Sen. Rachel May have been leading an effort to get the state to lower that number to 250 feet in the city of Syracuse.

City funding for the program is authorized by the Common Council. Primary funding is provided by Onondaga County.

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