City reports 361 deer removed in 29 nights; staff proposing targeted follow-up surveys and outreach to HOAs

Public Works staff gave an update on the recent deer management operation run by contractor White Buffalo. Staff said the final report is pending and scheduled for the March 10 city council meeting, and the contractor’s project manager will attend virtually.

Staff reported that 361 deer were culled over 29 nights, averaging about 12.44 deer per night; the tally included 215 female deer and 146 male deer, with 322 antlerless animals noted in their summary (staff emphasized this number reflects the population composition and the number of antlerless deer removed). Staff said the operation exceeded target removals and that low resident complaints indicated operations were handled with limited disruption.

Follow-up actions include deer sampling surveys in specific precincts to assess remaining concentrations. Staff identified Southeast 1 as a logical next focus for sampling and said crews plan to revisit Northeast 2 and, if timing allows before spring leaf-out, Northeast 1. Staff noted several homeowners’ associations (Wildhorse, Barton Valley, West Hampton Woods, The Highlands, Shepherd Oaks and others) either denied access to common ground or did not respond; those gaps explained some missed areas in the removal map. Staff said they will share results and targeted site lists with HOAs and ask for renewed cooperation if council approves continuing efforts.

Staff also reported the department will increase outreach to report suspected illegal feeding, send letters where staff have credible reports, and work with code enforcement to document feeding when evidence is visible. The department said it will include a summary and site map in the final White Buffalo report for council consideration on Monday.