One suggested plan to shoot deer on Catalina Island was demolished to save native vegetation.
The Catalina Island Conservancy had originally proposed helicopter shooting of mule deer on the island because the animals are devouring native plants to extinction, making the island more vulnerable to wildfires as more fire-prone vegetation thrives.
The Los Angeles County Fish and Wildlife Commission announced Wednesday the change in plans for the island’s more than 1,770 mule deer.
A representative of the Catalina Island Island Conservancy said there were concerns about the shooting plan from residents and Supervisor Janice Hahn.
“We are working to revise our plan to prioritize other methodologies,” said Lauren Dennhardt, senior conservation director for the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Last month, Hahn, who represents Catalina Island, asked the wildlife agency to reconsider alternative solutions, such as relocating the deer, extending the deer hunting season to thin the herd, and sterilization.
“I heard from residents who were terrified at the thought of bullets raining down from helicopters over their beloved island and others who couldn’t bear the thought of the deer carcasses left in their wake,” Hahn said.
There were concerns from the conservation organization that a recently restored native plant project would be in vain if the deer were simply left to graze freely.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Dennhardt said it will take some time to develop future plans, but in the meantime, a regular hunting season will take place this fall.
