In a recent government meeting, wildlife management practices concerning deer populations were a focal point of discussion. The meeting highlighted the protocols established by the USDA and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for managing deer within urban areas.

Under the current guidelines, trained wildlife managers utilize a DEC-permitted method involving baited soft-sided clover traps to capture deer. Once captured, a wildlife manager, alerted by a cellular camera, responds promptly to euthanize the deer on-site. The meat from these deer is then processed and donated to local food banks, ensuring that the resources are utilized effectively.

A significant point of discussion was the possibility of relocating captured deer instead of euthanizing them. However, it was clarified that trap and relocate methods are not permitted due to logistical challenges, such as finding suitable relocation sites, and concerns regarding the potential spread of diseases among deer populations.

The meeting also touched on the issue of tick-borne illnesses, particularly Lyme disease, and the challenges faced in tracking these diseases. The previous collaboration with Upstate Medical University, which operated a tick-borne illness laboratory, has been suspended due to funding issues, leaving a gap in the monitoring of tick-related health risks.

The discussions underscored the complexities of wildlife management in urban settings, balancing public health, animal welfare, and community resources. Further inquiries regarding the management practices and health monitoring were encouraged, with DEC representatives present to provide additional insights.