On June 19th, 2023, during the Tega Cay City Council Meeting, Mayor Chris Gray stated, “I want to go on the record, publicly, saying there will be something that will happen in October, and we will have the tracks laid, so it will happen swiftly, and it will happen concisely, and we will be done with the deer in the next two to three years.” 

This problem was created by Tega Cay Government mismanagement! 

• In 2017 and 2018, the Tega Cay Government authorized trapping and killing of the natural predator of deer – coyotes. Is it any wonder the population of deer rose swiftly?
• Tega Cay’s resident population growth from the year 2000-2021 has topped 212.5%! That’s 98% faster than any city of a similar size. Where were the deer supposed to go? OUR GOVERNMENT HAS NO SUSTAINABLE PLAN.

We urge EVERYONE, especially Tega Cay Residents, to OPPOSE this hunt (“cull”)! 

Here's why the experts say deer “culling” does NOT work: Deer Killing Programs Do Not Work (HSUS)

• Deer kills do not keep the numbers down:  Surviving does have more fawns, and deer from neighboring areas migrate to post-deer-kill areas.  This "bounce back effect" leads to an increase in post-cull deer populations.
• Killing deer will not protect gardens and shrubbery:  ALL the deer would need to be killed to protect these plants.  Gardeners can use repellants, alternative plantings, and netting/fences instead.
• Deer kills will not reduce the incidence of Lyme disease:  Young deer ticks that carry Lyme are the size of poppy seeds and are primarily found on birds and mice. All mammals can carry deer ticks.
• Killing deer will not stop deer-vehicle-collisions:  Instead of wasting money on futile deer kills, communities can enforce speed limits that lead to a safer community for everyone. Once the hunting starts, these tame deer will become afraid and skittish, likely leading to more deer in the road, not less!

Learn more: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-deer-killing-programs-dont-solve-conflicts-deer 

There are non-lethal alternatives and solutions to managing deer in communities.  Here are comprehensive plans for living with deer: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-deer and https://www.whitebuffaloinc.org/_files/ugd/7d2503_f085cfbf339c4855919314bb713f7c9a.pdf

Tega Cay is a densely populated area. We, the undersigned residents of Tega Cay, do not feel this plan is safe and puts our children, our pets, and our community at risk.     

IMMEDIATE action needs to take place!!! Please start by signing this petition TODAY.

(pic by Nan Gray)