DEER REDUCTION PLAN
Protect Wildlife In Mill Creek Park
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Protect Wildlife in Mill Creek Park
Mill Creek Park is a cherished natural space where wildlife and community coexist. But a controversial deer reduction plan approved in April 2023 has raised serious concerns among residents and conservationists. The plan claimed a staggering 387 deer per square mile—numbers that longtime park neighbors and wildlife experts, including former ODNR officer Dennis Malloy, have publicly disputed as inflated and inaccurate.
02
What’s Really Happening?
Despite public opposition, a 10-year hunting program was approved. From late 2023 into early 2025, over 400 deer were killed—some by unknown hunters near residential areas, others by paid USDA sharpshooters who baited and killed deer, including fawns, on the park golf course. Residents have reported disturbing incidents: wounded deer in neighborhoods, carcasses along roads, and restricted property access due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, the deer population estimate dropped by nearly 4,000 in just one year—without explanation.
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Why It Matters
This issue goes beyond numbers—it’s about transparency, ethics, and how we choose to coexist with wildlife. Over $79,000 has already been spent on aerial surveys, fencing, and lethal removals, yet the community still lacks answers. Protecting Mill Creek Park’s ecosystem means demanding responsible, science-based wildlife management that values both ecological health and public input—not plans driven by questionable data and silent approvals.
"Mill Creek Park has always been a peaceful place for my family. It’s heartbreaking to see the changes happening without real input from the community."
— Lifelong Resident, Youngstown
DEER REDUCTION PLAN