Update from the Town of Yarmouth Deer Management Working Group

Management Strategy Proposal Nearing Completion

The Deer Management Working Group is presently fine-tuning a proposal for submission to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeking permission to conduct a controlled cull during the upcoming hunting season. The group’s first draft proposal, submitted in May of 2025, was deemed to be lacking in detail. The requested details are now being added, and a final proposal will be submitted soon.

Work Completed to Date

Leading up to this proposal, here are some highlights of the group’s work:

• Significant research has been conducted to explore all potential strategies to control the urban deer population. This includes options such as tranquilize and relocate, euthanize, trap/neuter/release, use of contraceptives, deterrence methods, limiting preferred forage, and more.
• A public survey was issued to gauge the extent of the deer population problem, the issues it creates for residents, and public sentiment around forming a population management strategy.
• A public information session was hosted by the Town of Yarmouth and DNR which attracted approximately 100 concerned citizens. The session allowed for one-on-one conversations to discuss the issue and possible management strategies.
• Several invitations have been honoured for a working group representative to attend meetings of concerned groups to provide information and updates.
• Feeding deer has been proven to make the problem worse. A bylaw prohibiting the feeding of wild animals was enacted by the Town of Yarmouth with potential fines up to $1000.
• Signage, social media posts, coverage by mainstream media and one-on-one engagement with the public have also been utilized to both glean information and provide status of our initiatives.
• In accordance with DNR requirements to provide statistical data indicating the size of the urban deer population and the trend over a period of three years, and with the knowledge that anecdotal information was not considered reliable, the Town of Yarmouth engaged a consultant to conduct a Pellet Group Inventory (PGI) in 2024 and 2025.
• To further support the claims of the number of animals in town, volunteers conducted a roadside count over a 14-day period which entailed traveling a prescribed route each day for one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset documenting sightings and where possible age and sex of the animals.
• In support of a successful application, the group also gathered data regarding conflict with deer such as vehicle collisions, property damage, effectiveness of deterrence methods, etc.
• The group confirmed with the local food bank that they will accept meat that has been properly processed and wrapped for distribution to those in need, if a hunt is approved. An outlet for hides has been established for use in the creation of ceremonial drums. The compost facility has indicated they are prepared to accept the non-edible remains and jaw bones will be delivered to the Department for research purposes. Qualified hunters are being identified.
  
  

Work Still to Come

Our work continues, and the group is focused on finalizing the proposal to DNR. To receive authorization for a ‘Nuisance Wildlife Permit’ several conditions must be met, including:

• Permission of property owners where the population control will be conducted.
• Evidence that enough constituents have raised concerns.
• Reasonable prevention methods have been employed to mitigate the harm caused by the animals.
• That the Town of Yarmouth will not rely solely on population control but includes prevention and multiple management methods which are:
  1. Humane and supportive of deer health and welfare
  2. Supportive of sustainable deer management
  3. Compliant with all Provincial Acts and Regulations
• That the town has conducted at least one deer population survey using standard scientific methods (originally three years). We have now completed two.
• The proposal must also include details on how the Town will conduct prevention (education, fencing, plant selection) and why those methods are considered insufficient, on their own, to prevent damage.
• Finally, there needs to be a detailed plan of how the cull will be conducted.
  
  

Planning a Cull Within Very Limited Space

Planning a cull within town limits is the most difficult hurdle. We are frequently reminded that the Town of Truro has conducted hunts for several years. However, comparison of the municipal units will reveal distinct differences. The Town of Yarmouth (population 7000) is approximately 11 square kilometres while Truro (population 13,000) covers more than 37 square kilometres. Truro’s Victoria Park itself is approximately 1000 acres.

When conducting a hunt, specific distances must be maintained from any residences, schools, and businesses. For example, you must be at least 804 metres from any school, and 182 metres from any business or residence. You must also provide details regarding the precise locations of blinds, bait stations, shooting lanes, and access routes is a further requirement which must be satisfied. Given the size of our town, hunting location options are very limited and for the most part may not have an impact on the number of animals that live within town boundaries. We are in discussion on methods of enticing the urban herd to locations that may be approved for a controlled hunt to ensure some success. Finally, we must indicate whether we would plan to continue the hunt in subsequent years and how many animals would be targeted at each site.

PLEASE NOTE: To view a chart indicating the distances which must be maintained from any residences, schools, and businesses, as well as a map of the town showing the areas in which use of any weapon is prohibited, please see the section on this website called Maps & Charts (top right corner). You can also see them as images in the section called "Images & Photos".

Final Thoughts

As a resident, we trust you can understand the complexity of this issue. In addition, we also recognize there are some who oppose any method which harms the animals, and their opinion must also be respected. Reducing the deer population will not eliminate the existence of the black legged tick which is responsible for the spread of Lyme disease as there are other hosts including birds and white-footed mice. This problem is not confined to our area but is prevalent throughout the province and North America. Nova Scotia, with its relatively moderate climate, ample food sources, lack of predators, and a decline in the number of seasonal hunters provides ideal conditions for the white tail deer which are not native to this province. Yarmouth unfortunately has an even more suitable climate (Zone 6B) for deer habitat.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. More details will come soon. You can always find additional information and submit questions right here on this management group website.