Whitetail Deer Management
The absence of natural predators and ample food supply, along with the Whitetail Deer’s ability to reproduce relatively quickly, has resulted in an over-abundance of deer in many parts of the United States, including in Upper St. Clair, PA. This can cause everything from rather benign nuisance issues in yards and gardens to significant Township safety concerns, including aggressive deer, accelerated spread of Lyme disease, and potentially deadly deer-vehicle collisions. After considerable research and debate, including a public referendum, the Township initiated measures to appropriately manage its deer population (see 2003 Executive Report on Deer Management).
The Township invested considerable time and resources to understand deer management options and carefully evaluated lethal and non-lethal measures. Current non-lethal measures appear to be both expensive and ineffective at managing free-ranging deer populations. The Township continues its partnerships with Whitetail Management, the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to safely and humanely manage the Township’s deer population. This includes special culling operations in February and March (though the USDA) and an archery program (through Whitetail Management) during the scheduled Whitetail Deer season determined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. It is important to note that all citizens and agents participating in these deer-control measures are highly trained in methods that ensure both the utmost public safety and humane management of the deer (see the 2015 USDA WS Report with 10+ year statistics).
In addition to the Township’s deer management efforts, residents can help by making their yards less attractive to Whitetail Deer. This Please Don’t Feed the Deer flier from the Pennsylvania Game Commission highlights the problems associated with feeding deer, including the spread of disease, unnatural and aggressive behavior, and the health risks of corn feed. Additionally, residents may benefit from enclosed gardens and deer-resistant plants.
Other yearly reports on Whitetail Deer management can be viewed below.
Contact
Information
Department of Administration
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer Hours
(Memorial Day - Labor Day)
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
P. 412-831-9000
(ext. 2190)
F. 412-831-9882
1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St.Clair, PA 15241
Accessibility contact for the Township Buildings: Mr. Jeremy Lemley, Buildings/Grounds Administrator at 412.831.9000, ext. 2660.
Deer Management Updates
Boyce Mayview Park Advisory
A controlled Whitetail Deer archery hunt has been authorized to occur between dawn and dusk during Pennsylvania’s official 2014-2015 deer season (excluding Sundays) as indicated below:
September 20 - November 29, 2014
December 26, 2014 – January 24, 2015
The park will remain open to citizens during this time.
Deer Information
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report July 2020
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report October 2019
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report August 2018
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report August 2017
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report August 2015
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report July 2014
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report September 2013
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report July 2012
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report May 2011
- Deer Statistics 2000 - 2010
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report September 2010
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report August 2009
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report September 2008
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report July 2007
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Report July 2006
- Whitetail Deer Management Report May 2005
- 2003 Executive Report on Deer Management
- Press Release September 3, 1998 - Management Initiatives
- Press Release on Deer Hunt Petition November 23, 1998
- Ad Hoc Whitetail Deer Committee Final Report - June 22, 1998
Deer Resources
There are many Internet sites which offer suggestions for plants that are somewhat resistant to deer damage. We have provided links to some of them below. The Township's Library has also compiled a list of their resources on this topic.
Sites offering garden design tips that deter deer along with plant information:
- West Virginia University Extension Service discusses deer feeding habits and lists ornamental plants by degree of damage.
- Landscape designer, Jeff Chorba, has design ideas and lists of trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses.
- Deer-Resistant Landscape Nursery's suggestions for deer-resistant plants and repellents.
Site offering lists of plants resistant to deer damage:
- About.com's Landscaping page produces an excellent list of links on deer resistant plants when "deer" is entered as a search term.