MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - According to a Meridian Township press release in 2020, the Deer Management Program has come up with a plan to reduce the overpopulation of white-tailed deer in Meridian Township and other County-owned properties starting on Thursday, Oct. 1 for the regular 2020 archery season.
The plan states that deer management begins Oct. 1 and continues through Jan. 1 and is managed over a total of 2,340 acres. The harvest is not open to the general public, but instead 75 qualified, competent and experienced hunters who are familiar with the area can participate. Archery will be the only method of hunting allowed.
As part of the Deer Management Program, Meridian Township is working with Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to track and manage deer with Chronic Wasting Disease.
“We are working closely with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to do what we feel is best to help reduce the population of deer. We have placed our hunters in all Township-owned properties that are practical and safe for archery hunting,” said Jane Greenway, Senior Parks & Land Management Coordinator.
Neighbors of the township properties that will be managed will receive notifications about the harvest and all parks and land preserves will remain open to the public during this time.
Due to the overpopulation of deer in Meridian Township, damage to landscaping has increased along with an increase in reports of vehicle/deer accidents, concerns for the public health, and a distribution to the ecological balance of natural areas.
According to a 2021 Meridian Township press release, as part of the Deer Management Program, Meridian Township Police are preparing to conduct a deer cull from Jan. 15, 2021 to March 31, 2021.
Using firearms, the Meridian Township Police Officers will conduct targeted culling at sites that are pre-selected due to their suitability for a safe and controlled culling of the deer herd during the evening and overnight hours when parks are closed. Signs will be posted to notify the public.
“This program is done in an effort to protect our community members from injury and property damage resulting from car/deer traffic crashes,” said Meridian Township Police Chief Ken Plaga.
This plan of action is in response to the continued complaints from residents regarding deer-related vehicle accidents as well as for support of biological diversity in natural areas.
“We anticipate that a targeted culling of herds along these areas will greatly reduce the danger of injury to people in our community and costs resulting from property damage due to these crashes,” Plaga said.
According to the deer management plan, hunters are required to donate their first deer to feed the hungry. The Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger organization will provide funding for the deer processing and then venison will be donated to local food banks through the Okemos and Haslett Church Community Food Banks.
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