More than 3 tons of meat gifted in Ohio deer kill
SWANTON, Ohio – A controversial deer kill at two nature preserves in northwest Ohio produced more than 6,000 pounds of venison for homeless shelters and community kitchens.
Sharpshooters killed nearly 200 animals at two preserves in the Metroparks of the Toledo Area system between Jan. 6 and Feb. 8, spokesman Scott Carpenter told The Blade in Toledo. The cull started three years ago is designed to control the population of the animals and reduce the damage a burgeoning herd does to the habitat.
Officials said sharpshooters killed 145 does and 50 bucks at Oak Openings Preserve in Swanton Township and Wildwood Preserve in Sylvania Township. The shooters killed 165 of the deer in a three-night span at Oak Openings Preserve.
The four nights used for the kill were fewer than the 22 nights permitted under the agreement with an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The deer were taken to local processors, and more than 6,700 pounds of venison were donated to local homeless shelters and community kitchens.
Some area residents opposed to the hunt said they believe park commissioners deliberately attempted to minimize publicity about the program.
One opponent suggested the metroparks develop a fenced-area to enclose deer for public interaction.