Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D-Syracuse) announced that legislation she authored to direct the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to report out on deer management techniques has been signed into law (Ch. 466 of 2017).

“This law is an important step in addressing the deer overpopulation in our community and the dangers it poses, like tick-borne illnesses, traffic accidents and property damage,” Hunter said.

The law requires the DEC to report out on deer management techniques best suited for urban and suburban areas within the state. The findings will help direct local and state governments in cities like Syracuse to better manage the overpopulation of deer and resulting issues.

"Individuals can often suffer for years before being diagnosed with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. In Syracuse and Onondaga County, the overpopulation of deer that carry ticks is creating the potential for serious public health risks. Passage of this legislation is a step toward better managing the local deer populations and mitigating this problem," State Senator David J. Valesky said.

Controlling the deer population has been a focus for Hunter during her time in the Assembly. Earlier this year, she conducted a survey of nearly 12,000 constituents to get their feedback on handling the rapidly increasing deer population. Last year, she secured $200,000 in the state budget to fund and develop a detailed deer management plan with SUNY-ESF.