2023 Edisto Beach - Deer Management Measures Taken

The Town of Edisto Beach approved payment of $9800-dollars for a new deer management contract at the January Town Council meeting. The removal of approximately 70 deer took place in February, with a permit from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The team from Lowcountry Wildlife Specialists undertakes cull hunts in other communities in S.C. and specializes in ethical removal of white-tailed deer. A second contract for $6,000-dollars was also approved to have all the deer processed at Long’s deer processing, and the venison meat then donated to the food bank on Edisto.

Too many deer and too few food sources

            

“This issue had to be dealt with, and we wrestled with this decision for years,” said Mayor Crawford Moore. “I consulted with other places that have dealt with overpopulation issues such as Fripp Island. Sterilization programs were more costly and the results were mixed, and we decided this was the best way to address the issue at Edisto Beach. The study we had done estimated that we are at 237 deer per square mile, and that our deer population will continue to grow. We are entering a new phase where we will manage the herd as needed, and these activities conclude on March 1, 2023.”

            

“Some of the underlying effects of overpopulation of deer is malnourishment, and the beach habitat doesn’t offer lots of lush growth for deer to feed on,” said Moore. “Of course Town work vehicles constantly undergo repairs from collision damage with deer, and members of the public report a similar issue. During the rut, a male buck actually gored a family’s dog, and two does that were being chased nearly knocked down a walker at Burly Lyons Park.” Deer management involves public safety, auto safety and offers a good defense against compounding problems that come from no action. Viewing white-tailed deer and other wildlife in The Town of Edisto Beach will continue to be a draw for visitors for years to come.

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click on Horseshoe Crab Awareness - 2025 Beach Renourishment - Botany Bay Volunteer Supper - Christmas Bird Count 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2022 click #WhoYouWhit Benefit - Land Trust Oyster Roast - Edisto Belles Beach Walk - Edisto Billfish Tourney - I Love Edisto Auction - Botany Bay WMA Birding - Edisto Dolphin Slam 

To view past blog entries from Edisto from 2021 click #WhoYouWhit Benefit- Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney