The City of Grand Haven should form an ongoing, voluntary committee to analyze the data and dynamics of its deer population, evaluate various programs of herd management, and recommend a developed strategy to both implement and promote. Through its knowledge of the behavioral characteristics of deer, this committee would be responsible for educating our citizens on the incentive and deterrent effects within plant selections, landscaping, repellants, and fencing. There are alternative methods to “culling” that can be tried and implemented. The currently presented facts indicate that culling can actually have an adverse effect and may only be a short-term solution, at best.  This committee can help City Council establish a policy for future education and research, which is the best next step. 

As I am not opposed to culling, I am not convinced that is the only option and best long-term method to control the number of deer.