Unbelievable! I am ashamed to say that I live in this city....this city that I have lived in for over 30 years....this city that I love so much. The council should be ashamed of themselves. I hope when an accident occurs due to the culling, and it will, that each one of those council members is able to live with themselves. This is completely unnecessary legislation and one in which the voices of the voters was not taken into account. Why not send it to a vote? See what the majority of the residence want. I just find this all very disturbing. My only hope is that when these council members are up for re-election, people don't vote for them. It's time we get some people in there that actually care about their constituents and this city. Shame on all of them! The only one with enough guts to vote against it was Larry Meiners....I guess one council member has a heart and a brain.

Deer density statistics (avonlakedeer.com)
Avon Lake has FAR fewer deer than other cities that hunt. ODNR has been telling the pro-hunting faction of council that we should have only 40-50 deer in the entire city - that is 4 deer/sq mile. We can find NO OTHER DNR IN THE UNITED STATES that supports this ridiculous density number and that would lead to the wholesale SLAUGHTER of this community's deer herd!
We are THE most densely populated city amongst other local cities that allow hunting !! How can hunting/culling so close to so many homes ever be safe?

First of all, Jen, it will be on parcels of land 5 acres or more. Second, how about all of the accidents due to deer running in front or into cars? The deer are not healthy - they don't have enough to eat. They scare horses at the 2 riding facilities which cause the horses to throw the riders. Ever hear of Christopher Reeve?

Poor deer, they didn't do anything to deserve this. The people that build and buy these outrageous homes are the ones that don't like them. Get over yourself and your precious landscaping...it was their home first.

From my point of view something had to be done. I'm not sure why contraception is illegal in Ohio, but if it is, the city had very few options. Understanding it is not an easy choice, I am glad they took action to do something. It can always be reviewed at a later date.

I, like Jen G am ashamed of this city and it's council. I also hope those members are voted out during the next election. This legislation was based on lies and a narrow, self serving interpretation of the term "over-population." Everything I've been exposed to on this issue left me with the feeling that lies, half truths, and self serving people were having at it for their dubious reasoning. Too many people, not too many deer is the problem. What a stupid solution to a non-problem, good luck living this one down Avon Lake, no wonder we've become the laughing stock of Northern Ohio. Hunters have their way again! Stupidity has found a safe haven in Avon Lake, sheltered by an equally stupid, non-thinking city council! Its a very sad day!
Hugh Hendry

I agree with Jen and am horrified that I now live in a city that allows deer hunting. I never, ever would have moved to AL had I known this was a possibility. Also, Laurie, please get your facts straight. The ordinance allows hunting not just on parcels 5 acres or more but allows hunting on 3 combined parcels that total 5 acres or more. Big difference. If other are truly angered by this, REMEBER IT WHEN RE-ELECTION TIME COMES AND BE SURE NOT TO VOTE FOR COUNCILMEMBERS WHO PASSED THIS RIDICULOUS, UNNECESSARY, RECKLESS, AND DANGEROUS LAW.

I guess we should all invest in some bullet proof jackets and windows! Please don't respond about how people can't be hurt and how safe hunting is....IT ISN'T safe in a densely populated area.

MZ - have you ever given thought to the possibility that Avon Lake is/has been over built??? All those ticky tacky houses require that old forest land be destroyed; now the inhabitants of those horrible track homes want the wild life to be destroyed in order to stumble through their sad, dull lives at the expense of nature's ceations. What a mess this town has become. To be more concise and hopefully answer your less than thoughtful question, culling people is illegal, destroying forest land to build horrible little houses should not only be illegal but stopped. Is that a simple enough explanation for you to understand??

"Bow hunting on private property would be permitted under certain circumstances by a designee of the police department, city appointee or contractual agents."

I hope the police dept will be taking precautions to deal with those deer that aren't felled by the first shot/arrow.

Last spring I counted 9 deer on their hind legs, eating the buds off my maple trees less than 100 feet from my house. Last week I had to honk at several deer in my driveway, so that I could exit my drive onto Avon Belden. Just sayin'.
Cheryl Lister

Thank you council for approving this ordinance--the safety of humans over animals must be top priority. Please get this culling done today; not next year. . Deer have destroyed vegetation, caused disease and killed and or maimed humans. It was said that the number of traffic accidents with deer in Avon Lake have been reduced, but the reporting is the issue. Deer have destroyed two of my cars, but thankfully not hurt me or my passengers--both in Avon Lake while driving below the speed limit. Motorists have gone left of center just missing my car to avoid a deer. None of these incidents have been reported. THE SAFETY of humans must be a priority in Avon Lake. Deer meat is a nutrious meal and the soup kitchens will appreciate. Those who think deer are all bambi; go look at the destruction that deer have caused and will continue. Re birth control; seriously? Hunters killing a deer for meat might ingest this poison. Again, thank you leaders, but now please get 'er done today.

I agree with no culling, Why is it illegal for birth control? This seems to be the most humane way of dealing with our overpopulation of houses in these cities. I agree and always say that it was their home first.

None of you who threaten to Vote out this Council even votes-and as for deer, yea its too bad but they kill MORE people than all the other natural wildlife. Do we wait until Jen and her family or worse me and MINE die in a head to head car wreck on Walker from herds of deer running out? And yes i watch for them-does every other driver i pass? Heck they ran into a police car on Jaycox-Lori posted the video. Yes they were here first, now we are-otherwise call the Native americans and we can open one HUGE casino here! Start Hunting Avon Lake (yes i have been here a long time also-not a newbie like most above in bridgeside, westwinds, Waterside......

I don't vote??? Really?? I have voted in every single election since turning 18. So, please don't speak of things that you have no idea about. Do we wait until Kimber's family is injured or killed by a hunter or by an injured deer running into traffic?? Accidents happen! If you don't like or want wildlife, you should have moved to a place like Lorain where gunshots and bloodshed are commonplace.

This should have been voted on “by the people.” It should not have been voted on by the so-called “representatives” of the people. Council’s vote clearly does not represent the people when, “about half the population had concerns about hunting” as noted above. God watch over us when an errant bullet flies. It is unbelievable how this council operates. Next, they are going to want to license trash collectors!!

I never said anything about a conspiracy nor about rich people ruining the city. North Ridgeville, Solon, Mentor, Avon, and many others have a much lower population per square mile.....by far. I'm sure the council could care less about my vote. They made it clear that they don't care about anyone's vote. Nobody has been killed by a deer in Avon Lake. This is completely unnecessary and dangerous.

Folks who object to deer culling make note that the deer were here first. One hundred years ago there were close to zero deer in Ohio. Today there are 700 to 750,000 deer on the loose here. Every area in the world that has had a problem with wildlife overpopulation has had to resort to culling. You name it--elephants, monkeys, rabbits, raccoons rats, birds, practically every species you can think of has needed thinning when they become a nusiance. It's a sad situation when animals need to be killed for the good of the herd and the good of the folks who are affected by their overabundance. The reality is, controlled hunting is the safest and most effective way out of the problem. The time to do it is when there is still undeveloped land open enough to allow it. Think pragmatically and with less emotion, and you'll see the light.

I'll never see the need for this in such a densely populated city.

N. Ridgeville, Mentor, Solon among other cities see the importance of culling deer and have done it waaaaaaay ahead of Avon Lake, but thankfully Avon Lake is taking leadership to protect humans, vegetation and prevent disease. da

Again...N.Ridgeville, Mentor, Solon are MUCH less densely populated. Humans aren't in any danger, who the hell cares about the landscaping, and what disease has been caused, in Avon Lake, by the deer??

Dear Jen G -

Why do you have to jump all over people you disagree with? It's OK to disagree with this vote but "shame us all" is a bit high & mighty - isn't it? If you would go in the back of the wood behind the Landings and you would see fenced off area's. The purpose of such enclosures is to see what plant life would grow w/o being munched on. It is drastic. We do have a problem! Many folks have had accidents (including one of our own policemen while on duty). It will only get worse if we do nothing. I hate to see deer killed, but it's a matter of time before they cause a fatal auto accident (already causing numerous accidents).

I don't believe I jumped on anyone! I am simply stating my opinion and reasons for it. I've seen the fenced off areas.... I've also seen 30 years of building which has also destroyed vegetation. However, I'm not concerned with the vegetation....I'm concerned with the safety of the PEOPLE in Avon Lake. I also never said that "nothing" should be done to control the deer population. I just feel that there are other, less dangerous methods to at least try first!

Wow. Miss Wilhelm sure is intimidated by families of deer.

Deer who are just trying to provide for their babies.

Instead of her contempt & cruelty, wouldn't it be nice if she was merciful toward creatures who are weaker and "dumber" than her ?

Proverbs 14:31

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Here's an idea.

Lower the speed limit throughout ALL of Avon Lake and enforce it !

Everyone is familiar with the 35MPH on Crocker extension (between Center Ridge and Lorain Rd) Many think it's ridiculous since other similar roads are 45+ but because the speed is ENFORCED, most people drive it safely.

Lower AL to *20 MPH* and ENFORCE it ! It is primarily a bedroom community - suburb. No one should be in THAT much of a hurry to speed through the city. SLOW DOWN and considerably less deer-auto accidents will occur. Here's a novel idea: perhaps even OtHER types of accidents will lessen too!

Oh yeah, and make it illegal to be on cell-phones in AL !! Staying off the phone and actually concentrating on driving would also lessen ALL types of accidents !!

(it's not rocket science LOL)

Here's an idea: How about we just introduce mountain lions to Avon Lake?

Thats absurd you say? Let's think about it for a second. The mountain lions would surely take care of the deer "problem" (quotes).

But what happens when the mountain lions become over populated and take over the city? Well, hopefully a few of the people from this post will go out in their yards and try to shoo them away from their precious azaleas with a broom. Then, we would not only solve the deer problem...but we would also start a lovely nature inspired culling program for stupid people.

to Jen G- you're correct about wildlife in my yard not being a reason to kill, however I don't want my landscaping/ garden to be ruined. I don't want to have to wait to exit my drive and I believe it is more humane to thin the herd than to let the deer starve to death. I have a close friend who has had Lyme disease for 10 plus years. There is no cure and she has been in a living hell for many years. The disease is a result of a DEER tick bite. This is the main reason I don't want deer anywhere near me or those I love. By the way, do you live anywhere near a heavy deer population?
Disease for 10 plus years

The city of Solon, Ohio is referenced as a "success" story by deer-culling advocates. That city has had a deer-culling program each year since 2005, without a statistically credible decrease in their deer population or reduction in damage. Solon intends to continue to increase the number of deer killed in 2009 in reaction to complaints about residential landscaping damage from feeding deer. These complaints and vehicle-deer accidents continue despite having killed more than 1000 deer in this period, at a cost to that city of more than $750,000. Solon's program is also part of a greater regional culling effort which includes Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Metroparks.

Oh, and what about the raccoons!? They get into the garbage when we put it out and make a mess. They can transmit rabies.....shoot the little nuisances! And the drunk drivers that cause accidents....get the gun!

City councilpersons should be asked if they or their spouses are bow hunters. Bow-hunting is the cruelest form of hunting. Statistics show that more than 50% of deer shot with arrows are merely wounded, and that the majority of these escape to die protracted and agonizing deaths from infection, a process that lasts for up to two weeks. Human decency demands that there be no bow hunt in Avon Lake. For those who insist on it, they choose to ignore these facts and condone cruelty. Let them be known as animal abusers.

One case of Lyme's disease is too many.

we have a gun range for like the past 50 years-don't recall any dead people or stray bullets from that, of course the newbies complain and now they don't shoot as often. we should cull all the subdivision people AND the deer so i won't have to listen to Jen g types AND the woods will normal and maybe even grow a garden. Thats what Avon Lake needs-slow death or not. Reading these idiots IS a slow death. let the Killing begin!!!!!!!!!!!

Were Killing deer-LIVE with it-and thank GOD we are, go complain about the lifeflight helicopter and the noise it makes!

those of us who have lived in Avon Lake a Looooong time, know that we have an explosion of deer... and I don't care how careful a driver you are,... especially during rut, if a deer pops into the road unexpectedly, it's pretty hard to avoid, no matter how slowly you're going... I regularly (almost every day) see 4 deer in my backyard... I enjoy wildlife tremendously, but there comes a time when you have to be realistic about a problem. I used to grow lovely flowers in my yard.... now the deer get almost all of them, whether perennial or annual.. trying to grow a garden?? good luck!!! I do wish council would allow those who live on the lake to hunt on our own property provided we're aiming towards the lake.... I could easily take the 4 who frequent my lawn.... if you want the deer in your yard, fine... plant some corn and feed them all you want... the rest of us would like to enjoy garden (whether it be flower or vegetable) and driving down the road without having to battle the deer.