Contract: Solon Could Pay USDA $128,000 to Cull 400 to 500 Deer

Solon deer, courtesy Chris Mazzolini/Solon Patch

Solon City Council approved a contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wednesday to have the federal agency run the city's deer culling program…

… That will include killing about 400 to 500 white-tailed deer, said Solon Public Works Commissioner Jim Stanek.

According to the contract, USDA sharpshooters will remove white-tailed deer from Solon using rifles with silencers in pre-approved shooting locations…more

USDA, Ohio Wildlife Officials Brief Solon on Deer Issues

One focus of the discussion was the effectiveness of nonlethal lighting deterrents on streets to prevent deer from crossing. Solon had installed one such device, called Strieter-Lites, at two locations on the north side of town, on SOM Center Road and Cannon Road.

Ward 6 Councilman and Vice Mayor Ed Kraus said he believe the lights were effective deterrents, despite Peters' saying that deer can become acclimated to the technique, making its effectiveness dwindle as time passes…more