Meridian Township Michigan is located about 9 miles east of Lansing, Michigan approved their first approved law enforcement cull of local white-tailed deer in December 2020 in response to complaints from residents who wanted to see fewer deer related traffic crashes and concerns from residents that the overpopulation of deer was affecting biodiversity negatively. The cull this year will continue through February 19th with a goal of killing 170 deer.

According to a release statement from Meridian Township Police Chief Rick Grillo, “The Meridian Township’s Deer Management Program has made an impact on reducing the number of crashes related to deer in Meridian Township, making our roadways safer for motorists.”

Officers assigned to this program are trained and have appropriate equipment. The cull will take place afterhours in parks, land preserves and on private property where owners have consented. Signs will be posted at culling sites.

Deer that are killed will be processed and the venison will be donated to local food banks, the cost of processing are covered by the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger.

As to where their goal of 170 deer came from, it was a recommendation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The DNR had issued a Damage and Nuisance Animal Control Permit to allow the township to implement the cull, it allows for culling outside the regular hunting season and has other exceptions to hunting rules as well.