City of Syracuse Tick and Deer Management Plan Frequently Asked Questions

What Syracuse residents should know about Deer Damage Management (February 2021)

In response to public health and safety concerns, the City of Syracuse, with funding provided by Onondaga County, is undertaking a deer damage management program in certain parts of the City this winter. The purpose of the program is to reduce the overpopulation of deer.

Where will deer damage management take place?

Locations meeting strict New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) criteria have been selected on the City’s east, west and south sides:

• The locations are on large private and city-owned properties and are closed to public
access when work is conducted.
• Only sites where explicit written permission from the property owners has been provided
will be used.
• The specific sites are required to be at least 500 feet from any occupied dwelling. That is
nearly two football fields in all directions from any occupied dwellings.

Syracuse Police are aware of the specific sites and activities. Willful interference in the deer
management operation is prohibited.

How is deer damage management conducted?

The work, referred to as “targeted removal,” is done by qualified United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) wildlife managers. The program is being conducted in coordination with the Syracuse Police Department.

When will this work take place?

Wildlife managers work at night, between the hours of dusk to dawn. They use thermal imaging and spotlights to ensure a safe process. Work will be conducted during the months February and March.

Are there any steps or precautions that residents need to take?

As always, residents should abide by hours of operation at all private or public properties. All
sites are closed to public access when work is conducted. Trespassing is a violation of the law.

No wildlife management officer should be conducting management efforts on private property without permission. Please call 911 if you see suspicious activity on public or private property.

Where can I get more information?

This program is part of a comprehensive Tick and Deer Management Plan developed by a Citizens Advisory and approved by the NYSDEC, Syracuse Common Council and Onondaga County.

A copy of the plan is available at http://bit.ly/syrgov-report0619 or by calling the Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation at (315)473-4330.