Bring a pilot deer sterilization program to Lakeway, Texas

Something happened that changed my life. Someone posted a PETA video of what was happening with OUR deer. Here in Lakeway, Texas, the suburban paradise. That day, I got a very rude awakening to what was happening in my sleepy little suburb. And, I didn't like it one bit. That day, I started finding my voice again.

I started looking for info on our deer management program. I went through page after page on the city website. In an online forum, someone had justified the current TTP (trap, transfer, process) program by stating that it was legal. I didn't care if it was legal or not. It was wrong. The current program is licensed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife, as all whitetail deer in Texas belong to the state. There are two permits available currently. One of those permits allows for the tranfer of deer to another location, and the other allows for the deer to be "processed." Guess which kind of permit Lakeway utilizes? And, the way that it is done goes something like this: the deer are trapped using nets suspended from trees that are dropped with the help of CO2 catridges. The sound of the cartridges frightened the deer, but, at this point it is too late. The deer are already enmeshed in the nets. So, they were already frightened, and now they are terrified and disoriented because they can't move. The trappers will hold the deer and saw off his antlers and then put him in a trailer. It's OKAY to saw off the antlers of a frightened animal because sawing off their antlers doesn't HURT the deer that is about to be SHOT anyway.

This method of TTP has been used in Lakeway for the last almost twenty years. Lakeway was applauded for building the "model deer management program" and TPWL refers to it in several places on their website. Lakeway has been proud to be the model for the state. The city appears to stand firmly behind the program. The city website goes into the history of how we came to have a deer management program, and leaves off a few details here and there about the implementation of the program. And, this is why so many people had no clue until "The Video."

During the rest of my time on my self-imposed isolation during my sickness, I started researching other options. I came across some excellent resources, sent some emails, and spoke to several people on the phone. The city stands firm in that there is no other alternative to our current program because the state owns the deer, the deer must be managed, and there are no current permits authorized to sterilize the deer. Well, at least in Texas.

The Clifton Deer are being sterilized. Those deer don't live in Texas. They live in Ohio. The citizens there were able to pull together and work together to lobby the city. The citizens brought in a group called White Buffalo. Together, they started a sterilization pilot. And, they weren't the first.

These communities are going to be the new models for deer management, thankfully. HUMANE deer management. It is my hope, and the hope of many here in Lakeway to bring this program to our state. We hope to create a NEW model for the state. Anyone can help. You don't have to live HERE. The thing is, if you live ANYWHERE where there is a deer population, this could be YOUR future. If you live in one of the towns that modeled their deer management program after ours, this is happening in your city, too. Together, we can make a difference.

Tell Texas Parks and Wildlife and the City of Lakeway that Texas needs a pilot program to test sterilization. Tell Texas Parks and Wildlife that times have changed, and that TTP is not humane. Tell Texas Parks and WIldlife that Texas is going to be on the wrong side of history. AGAIN. If you want to do more, call your representative. Tell them the same thing. This will not change unless we do something about it. We need your help.

www.lakewaydeerproject.org www.facebook.com/lakewaydeerproject @lakewaydeerproj