The Town of Kiawah Island reports on their website that they have between 600 and 700 deer on the island. The town began a “deer harvest” program in 2021 to help reduce their deer population, which was initiated to target about 80 deer per square mile.
It’s safe to say that out of the many reasons why Seabrook Island is not only a desirable place to visit, but also a desirable place to reside, is because of the island’s natural wildlife and the chance human encounters with these majestic creatures. From the many species of birds and sea life to alligators, deer and even the occasional bobcat, Seabrook certainly offers a great possibility of catching a glimpse at native animals in their natural habitats. But as we know, all too well, sometimes mixing humans with wildlife has its downfalls. Unfortunately, the deer population in particular, is a situation that must be maintained. On Dec. 13, Seabrook Island Town Council voted unanimously to continue to allow the Seabrook Island Property Owners’ Association’s Environmental Committee to manage the deer herd on the island in direct consultation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Of course, managing the deer herd with the help of SCDNR is nothing new for SIPOA. However, they need the approval of the Town Council since hunting is prohibited on the island. The program is actually 15 years old. It’s necessary to manage the deer population due to the absence of many predators who would normally manage it naturally. There aren’t enough bobcats or coyotes, and alligators do not manage the population well enough. If the population were to get too out of control, the number of deer would outnumber the amount of food available. Disease and malnutrition would inevitably ensue. There is also the impact of deer and human interaction, such as the nuisance of deer feeding on landscaping and of course getting hit by cars. Currently, SCDNR suggests that Seabrook maintains a population of 400 deer.
As development and human population change, that number is also subject to change. The Town Council announced that the current deer population needs to be reduced by 50. Seabrook Island Town Administrator Joe Cronin explained that the current program is administered overnight. Removing deer, also called culling, is usually carried out yearly between December and early February. A skilled “marksman” takes out deer only in selected areas and the shots rarely exceed 50 feet in distance. Mature does are usually targeted since they contribute most to the overpopulation. The program with SCDNR allows for the harvested deer to be immediately taken to a local deer processing plant, where the meat is then delivered to local charities.
Council Member Jeri Finke commented that she wanted to go on record stating that this program of managing the deer herd is something SIPOA already had established. “I know it breaks some people’s hearts, but this is a way to keep the herds healthy,” she said. The Town of Kiawah Island reports on their website that they have between 600 and 700 deer on the island.
The town began a “deer harvest” program in 2021 to help reduce their deer population, which was initiated to target about 80 deer per square mile.
The town’s website also reported that about 20 deer are hit each year by a car on the island. The island’s deer population has been steadily rising since 2015, with a significant boom in 2018.
