City consultant recommends killing deer in NW Austin

KXAN coverage of city consultant recommendation to kill deer in NW Austin
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Deer study in Northwest Austin
Lethal measures to control population recommended
Updated: Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:22 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:14 PM CST

Doug Shupe
AUSTIN (KXAN) -
The deer population in Austin's Northwest Hills neighborhood is at a "crisis state," according to a newly released report prepared for the City of Austin Health Department.

A consultant company called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management conducted the research in the 78731 zipcode. The survey found about 400 deer living in an area suitable for about 100 and recommended drastically reducing the population.


Some residents say growth and new development have forced deer into their yards because they have nowhere else to go. But some blame people for feeding the deer despite a city ban on it.

"I like to see them in the neighborhood," said Charlotte Flynn.

Flynn has lived in the 7800 block of West Rim for 40 years. Watching the deer at dark reminds her of the times she fed them with her husband before he died.


"It was just part of our evening. After he got sick it was always his joy, if he was well enough, to come out and watch me feed the deer," said Flynn.

But increased populations of people and deer have led to growing concerns about deer and vehicle collisions, confrontations with people or pets, economic damage to vehicles and landscaping, and health issues like Lyme Disease.


"They're a nuisance here absolutely a nuisance," said resident William Deginder.

Deginder says deer populations have exploded since he moved to the neighborhood in the early 80's


"The longer I stay the more I see," he said.

So the city asked for a deer study in Northwest Hills. Once complete, it found very high deer populations and recommended reducing deer density through two lethal methods--trap, transport and process to donate their meat or the use of sharpshooters in larger, open space areas.

The report did not recommend the non-lethal method of capture and release. There's mixed feelings about the report's recommendations and also a difference of opinion on whether the deer population should be lowered at all.


"Something has to be done," said Deginder.

"I think we're missing a wonderful opportunity to share nature," said Flynn.


The city has not made a decision yet on what to do about the deer. The Northwest Austin Civic Association will call a special meeting on November 29th and eventually vote on a recommendation to present to the city.