DEER REDUCTION PLAN
Protect Wildlife In Mill Creek Park
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. The park claimed there were an average of 387 deer per mile. That has never been heard of in any wildlife population regarding white tailed deer species anywhere in the United States.
What’s Really Happening?
Based on that survey and despite public opposition, a 10-year hunting program was approved. From late 2023 into early 2025, over 400 deer were killed—some by hunters near residential areas, others by paid USDA sharpshooters who killed deer, including fawns, on the park golf course. Residents have reported disturbing incidents: wounded deer in neighborhoods, carcasses, and restricted property access due to safety concerns. Hunters posting on social media about the "tame" deer they had killed. Meanwhile, after the second survey the deer population estimate dropped by nearly 4,000 in just one year—without explanation. In January 2025 a helicopter survey was conducted by USDA Wildlife Services with a result of 14 deer per mile. Despite being within the desired number Mill Creek Park plans to continue hunting. The 2026 update to the Deer Management Plan includes estimated harvest quotas through 2030.
Why It Matters
This issue goes beyond numbers—it’s about transparency, ethics, and how we choose to coexist with wildlife. Over $81,000 has already been spent on surveys, over $37,000 to hired sharpshooters to kill deer, $16,000 to kill raccoons, $8500 to kill nuisance animals, $27,000 to kill geese eggs, yet the community still lacks answers.
"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