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Council approves comprehensive deer-management ordinance, adds sharpshooting program
Summary
Medina City Council on July 13 adopted a new deer-management ordinance that preserves the city’s archery program, adds a winter sharpshooting effort aimed at reducing deer-vehicle collisions and restoring native understory, and creates an advisory committee; the emergency clause passed unanimously and the ordinance passed 7-0.
Medina City Council adopted Ordinance 111-26 on July 13, 2026, replacing the city’s prior deer ordinance with a comprehensive management program designed to reduce vehicle-deer collisions and restore damaged native plant understory.
The ordinance retains the existing archery harvest and establishes a new sharpshooting program to operate after the archery season, between January and March, with the city anticipating an additional harvest of about 200 deer during that period. Council also directed the creation of an advisory committee to monitor the program and make recommendations.
“Some of the highlights related to the ordinance would be we are still maintaining the archery program… however, the car deer incidents are still winning,” the council president said while introducing the ordinance, noting that roughly 142 deer were killed by cars in the city last year. An emergency clause was adopted by roll call (7-0), and the ordinance passed later in the meeting 7-0.
Supporters framed the measure as a multi-year effort. “It’ll take some time,” one councilmember said, urging patience as the city pursues a maintenance-level deer population over five to eight years. Council members and staff emphasized coordination with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and use of targeted signage and public notification lists so residents can opt in to receive hunting schedules.
Council also discussed ecological impacts. A presenter cited local ODNR staff observations that deer overpopulation has removed understory vegetation and harmed pollinators and other species reliant on native plants; several councilmembers said restoring understory is part of longer-term planning tied to the program.
The ordinance includes: continuation of the archery program; an added sharpshoot window (January–March) anticipating additional harvests; a notification system for residents who want advance notice of operations; plans for signage at high-risk deer crossing locations; and an advisory committee to oversee implementation. Council members pledged to monitor outcomes and adjust the program as needed.
Council voted to add the emergency clause and then the ordinance; both votes passed unanimously. The council indicated follow-up work and public outreach will occur in the fall and next year as implementation proceeds.
