With concerns about property damage and safety increasing across the city, Worthington officials have begun implementing a new Deer Management Plan aimed at reducing the growing deer population. The plan, approved by City Council in January 2025, focuses on lowering the number of deer while maintaining public safety and responsible wildlife management.
Over the past several years, many Worthington residents have noticed an increase in deer-related problems, including damaged landscaping, car accidents, and aggressive encounters. A 2024 community survey found that 63 percent of residents experienced property damage caused by deer, with costs totaling more than $1.4 million over three years.
Despite these issues, many residents still enjoy seeing deer in their neighborhoods.
“I like seeing the deer in my neighborhood, but I think it is smart to start culling deer because there are too many,” Worthington resident and TWHS senior Matt Lacher said.
City officials determined that non-lethal solutions alone, such as the city’s no-feeding ordinance and deer-resistant landscaping, were not enough to reduce the deer population. As a result, the plan includes targeted deer removal conducted by trained professionals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. The first removals are expected to take place in early 2026.
Safety in residential areas remains a major concern for residents.
“I don’t think it should be legal to hunt in residential areas because we should leave the hunting up to the professionals and not amateurs,” Lacher continued.
Another resident, Emerson Seitz, agreed that population reduction is necessary but stressed moderation. Seitz lives in the Rush Creek area, known for it’s mature trees and ravine which serve as an ideal deer habitat.
“There are a lot of deer in Worthington, which is becoming a big issue,” said Seitz. “They need to reduce the population but not kill all of them, only about half.”
Seitz also echoed concerns about allowing untrained individuals to hunt in residential neighborhoods.
“I think it should be legal for professionals but not legal for amateurs,” said Seitz. “Trained professionals are less likely to cause damage to a house.”
In an effort to help the city combat the growing deer population. Worthington City Schools superintendent Trent Bowers has cleared school grounds to be used for deer management at night.
“Worthington Schools has agreed to allow the City to utilize two of our properties: ‘The Flats’ at Thomas Worthington High School and ‘South Field’ at Colonial Hills Elementary School,” said Bowers.
To measure the success of the plan, the city will continue using drone surveys, police reports, and community feedback. City officials hope the program will lead to fewer accidents, less property damage, and improved safety for residents while still allowing deer to remain a part of the Worthington community.
