Like many of you, I've given up my garden because of the abundance of wildlife in Amberley Village. Truly, as saddened as I was to succumb to the reality that the deer were getting more produce out of the garden than I was, I love nothing more than to have breakfast while looking out my full wall of kitchen windows at the deer and birds who make their home in my backyard. Last June, we even had a fawn born in the backyard and that was very cool and exciting!
And yes, I am concerned about herds of deer nonchalantly crossing the street without a care for the driver of oncoming vehicles. In my own neighborhood, I worry about drivers who aren't as familiar with these beautiful animals who are also residents of Amberley Village. Without our experience, they don't know that at any moment a deer, or most likely several deer, will cross the road in front of them while they are driving at a high rate of speed for the neighborhood. My sons witnessed a car/deercollision on Ridge Road while driving to Walnut Hills early one morning, and it affected my son Adam deeply.
But, I don't know whether a deer cull actually has any real impact on the herd. I do know that it's fairly expensive, coming in at over $3,500 for last year's cull. A cheaper method would certainly be welcome. Currently, we pay $61 per deer for processing and the meat is donated to the Freestore. Maybe a resident would like to pay for the processing, as it would be a tax-deductible donation. Or, maybe we could allow hunters for a day. I don't know the answer, but I am continuing to research the issue. If you have a suggestion, please leave it in the comments. I'm definitely interested in your thoughts.
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