City of Columbus Deer Survey
Residents made their voices heard on the topic of deer in Columbus.
Columbus City Council and the Department of Neighborhoods partnered on an initiative to examine the impact of the white-tailed deer population in our community. As deer-related concerns continued to grow across Columbus neighborhoods, the city began working with residents, community stakeholders and subject matter experts to better understand the challenges associated with the local deer population and explore potential management strategies.
This initiative has included public engagement, research and ongoing discussions about how Columbus can balance public safety, neighborhood concerns and wildlife management in a thoughtful and effective way.
Community Survey
After consulting with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and The Ohio State University, the city launched a community survey in summer 2025 to better understand Columbus residents’ general sentiments surrounding deer in neighborhoods. The survey also collected feedback on potential city-led deer management strategies to help identify practical ways to address issues associated with the deer population.
The survey closed in August 2025. We sincerely thank the nearly 4,000 residents who completed the survey and helped inform the city’s understanding of how best to manage relationships with our four-legged neighbors. In fall 2025, the city continued its partnership with OSU to analyze the survey results and better understand key trends in perceptions of deer and deer management options. The report summarizing these findings can be found by clicking here(PDF, 2MB).
Community Meetings
Council held a community meeting in May 2026 to discuss a proposed no-feed ordinance and talk more about what it would take to implement a culling management program. You can view the presentation given at that meeting by clicking here(PDF, 846KB).
No-feed Ordinance
On May 11, City Council unanimously passed a no-feed ordinance to prohibit the purposeful feeding of deer in the city. To learn more about the no-feed ordinance, which goes into effect June 10, and to learn about other ways to deter deer from your property, please click here to view our informational graphic(PDF, 2MB).
What's Next?
Passing a no-feed ordinance is simply the first step towards a meaningful deer management program in the city. Council is currently working with the Mayor’s office to discuss how the city can make the necessary administrative changes needed to implement an effective deer management program aimed at curtailing the deer population in the city, while still understanding the fiscal and personnel limitations of the city at this time. If you would like to share any feedback, please feel free to contact Councilmember Day-Achauer’s Legislative Aide, Jacob Dilley, at jadilley@columbus.gov, or you can reach out to the Mayor’s office at officeofthemayor@columbus.gov.