The Committee of the Whole discussed a recent deer-management study and whether Walker should serve as a county test pilot to address vehicle collisions and nuisance impacts. The presiding official introduced the item and noted Walker has the highest rate of deer-vehicle crashes in Kent County.

Commissioners and staff described multiple implementation questions, including whether the pilot would bring in USDA personnel to manage deer on private or public property, how local ordinances (firearms discharge and bow-hunting rules) would affect options, and whether road-safety funding could be used to mitigate accidents on state or county routes. Commissioner Gilbert urged rapid implementation, saying residents have repeatedly requested tangible action.

No formal motion to adopt a management plan was made; instead the commission directed staff to arrange a focused meeting in December with the police chief, the city manager and the county road commission to align on a pilot approach, discuss costs and confirm how property-owner participation and ordinance constraints would be addressed. Commissioners acknowledged some costs and noted the need to coordinate insurance, road commission rules and safety protocols.

Staff emphasized the pilot's design will vary by community and that public outreach and regulatory reviews will be required before on-the-ground operations begin.