Charlotte’s growing deer population has created increasing challenges for public safety and ecosystem health. Overbrowsing by deer threatens the regeneration of native plants and forest understory, while deer–vehicle collisions in the city cost residents and businesses millions of dollars each year. High deer densities also contribute to the spread of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, by supporting larger tick populations in suburban and urban green spaces.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Community Deer Management Assistance Program (CDMAP) provides a safe and sustainable framework for communities to manage local deer populations. This program has been implemented successfully in municipalities across North Carolina, improving ecological balance and reducing both collision risks and disease-carrying tick populations—without compromising public safety.

Unfortunately, Charlotte City Code Sec. 15-13 currently prohibits the use of bows and crossbows within city limits. As a result, Charlotte residents and neighborhoods are unable to participate in this proven, science-based program.

We respectfully call on the Charlotte City Council to amend City Code Sec. 15-13 to allow participation in CDMAP. This simple change would enable our city to adopt a safe, sustainable, and evidence-driven approach to deer management in partnership with state wildlife professionals.

By making this amendment, Charlotte can enhance public health and safety, protect local vegetation and green spaces, and promote the long-term ecological health of our community.