Oxford City Council shares update on deer management

The Oxford City Council shared the progress of its deer management program during its first meeting of the year on Jan. 6. 

White Buffalo Inc., who was contracted by the city to manage Oxford’s deer population, conducted a survey in December to determine how many deer are living in the Oxford area. 

The survey found Oxford has an estimated 37.7 deer per square mile, more than double the recommended 10 to 15 deer per square mile cited in the “Oxford Ohio Deer Management Policy.” 

According to Oxford Chief of Police John Jones, White Buffalo Inc. began culling deer on Jan. 4. 

Jones reported at the city council meeting that White Buffalo Inc. killed 62 deer as of Jan. 6, although he said the city’s goal is to cull at least 100.

As of press time on Jan. 7, 98 deer had been killed. 

The contract between the City of Oxford and White Buffalo Inc. states that 100 deer will be culled, costing the city $400.24 per deer, with a $140 processing fee for each kill.

According to Jessica Greene, assistant city manager, Oxford has obtained a permit from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to allow for the 100 deer threshold to be moved to 117 at no additional cost.

All venison collected by harvested deer will be given to a local food bank.

Jones added his staff has been “a lot more involved” than originally anticipated,” but they have learned a lot in the process. 

White Buffalo Inc. will continue its work through the end of the week of Jan. 5.

The Oxford City Council will meet again on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.