OVERVIEW

The discussion surrounding the management of mule deer on Catalina Island has recently become a hot topic of concern for residents and visitors alike.

The Catalina Island Conservancy’s decision to eliminate 100% of the deer on the island has sparked debates and raised questions about conservation practices on the island. It is important to consider all approaches to ensure the long-term well-being of both the mule deer and the island's unique ecosystem.

Photo: Nick Morrow

The Catalina Island Conservancy claims that hunting is no longer a viable method to keep the numbers of the deer down. In the documentary “Killing Catalina” (click here to watch), the Conservancy states that the acceptable number of deer is zero. 

Yet, the prior Conservacy President and CEO from 2016 through 2022 stated “We've worked with a variety of people in the scientific community and they have established that the island would probably very easily carry 500 deer. That seems like the right number for 48,000 acres” (click here to see video).

The issue of determining the accurate number of mule deer on Catalina Island remains a topic of dispute.

Currently, there has been no comprehensive scientific study conducted to provide a clear understanding of the deer population on the island. As such, the exact figures regarding the mule deer population on Catalina Island are yet to be definitively established.

Honest, reliable deer counts must be done before creating a plan. Thermal deer counts using drones are generally superior and more reliable to traditional spotlight surveys in terms of count accuracy. Honest and reliable counts are not what we are getting from the Catalina Island Conservancy.

The management of mule deer on Catalina Island has sparked growing concern among residents and visitors.

The prospect of professional marksman hunters on Catalina Island hired by the Catalina Island Conservancy for the sole purpose of eradicating an entire species is disturbing. The actions are based on inconclusive science, further compounded by the absence of meaningful public engagement in the decision-making process and the refusal to find a better way.

Repeated efforts by the Catalina Island Conservancy to secure permission to eradicate all of the deer on Catalina Island have been unsuccessful with explicit rejections from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife scientists. Their rationale points to the absence of sufficient scientific evidence connecting the issues affecting the island's flora and fauna to the deer population, as well as the lack of honest public involvement in the decision-making procedure.

The Catalina Island Conservancy should strive for a harmonious coexistence between deer and native species. When considering the issue of managing the deer population on Catalina Island, exploring alternative approaches beyond complete eradication through inhumane measures is crucial.

By thoroughly exploring alternative methods like deer fencing and managing the size of the herd, the Catalina Island Conservancy can work towards achieving a balanced coexistence between the deer population and native species, without resorting to extreme measures.

This approach can foster a more ecologically sound environment by maintaining biodiversity while addressing concerns related to deer overpopulation.