Vienna council reviews draft deer-management ordinances, asks staff to return with legal and operational details

Vienna’s town council spent the bulk of its Feb. 10 work session on proposed deer-management code changes that would make it unlawful to feed deer, expand local authority over feeding of wild animals generally and authorize population-reduction operations coordinated with state and county agencies.

The town’s police chief summarized the package as three ordinances drawn from the state model and Fairfax County language, saying they are meant to "update our code so we can make these things happen when the county is ready to make them happen with us." He recommended outreach first and local enforcement by departmental personnel, with the animal-control officer providing first warnings and escalation to a civil fine or criminal charges if necessary.

Councilors focused on operational safeguards, penalties and the scope of activity. Council member Ray said the proposed $50 civil fine for confirmed feeders is “de minimis” and urged a structure that allows escalation so repeat violators face meaningful deterrents. The chief responded that the draft includes both a civil-penalty path and a class-3 misdemeanor option that can escalate under local enforcement or state action.

Members also pressed staff on who would enforce the rule, whether feeding birds or small wildlife should be exempted, and how a population-reduction program would operate in town parks or on private property. The chief repeatedly emphasized the town would not create a hunting season: “We’re not putting in a hunting season. We’re not putting in hunting of deer. This is a calling program to try and limit the deer population,” he said, and added that any removal would be done under Department of Wildlife Resources permits and, where appropriate, a Fairfax County MOU.

Council member Sandra described a recent incident in her yard where responding officers could only chase deer from the property and said she wanted clear procedures so residents and dispatchers know what to expect. The chief said Officer Barker and other departmental personnel would handle outreach and that staff would draft the implementation procedures and the required MOU with Fairfax County.

Several councilors asked staff to return with the town attorney’s guidance about whether a public hearing and formal ordinance steps are required. The town manager said staff will consult the attorney and bring clarified language back to council. The chief said the county’s fall program window remains the likely operational season if the town proceeds with an MOU.

Next steps: staff will bring the attorney’s advice and proposed implementation details back to the council, and the chief intends to continue MOU discussions with Fairfax County.