Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D-Syracuse) announced that legislation she authored to establish clear standards for dealing with the increasing deer population in Syracuse and Onondaga County has passed the Assembly and the state Senate (A.1599). The bill now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.

“The deer population in Central New York has gotten completely out of hand, creating serious risks to our property and jeopardizing public health,” Hunter said. “I’ve been looking for the best ways to combat this problem since I was elected to the Assembly. I’ve met with community members and environmental experts, conducted surveys and secured funding to address the problem. This legislation is the next important step in dealing with this issue head-on.”

The bill would establish a wildlife damage management program, as well as set qualifications for certified nuisance wildlife specialists and procedures for issuing and using permits for wildlife damage management. The legislation would also allow the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to issue cull permits if deer have become a nuisance, destructive or a threat in certain areas, including near an airport or a highway. The existing law is restricted to outdated damage management methods from the 20^th century, when deer population was scarce, noted Hunter. Amending these restrictions would increase safety, limit damage to natural resources, property and agriculture and protect New Yorkers’ health.