Reston Neighborhood Seeks Deer Hunt

Worried about Lyme disease from ticks and tired of vegetation-nibbling deer, residents of a south Reston neighborhood are pushing for a controlled deer hunt.

Homeowner Larry Gsellman, who lives on Sourwood Lane, wrote a letter to the Reston Association requesting the hunt, according to RestonNow. He said the homeowners have tried many ways to rid the properties of deer, including a liquid fence, rotten egg sprays, and Deer-Vic, a deer repellent paste smeared on fenceposts.

They must first get permission from the Reston Association. The RA board plans to meet on Thursday from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Here's the association's Hunting Resolution and more about deer management from RA:

Deer populations have increased creating an imbalance in the forest ecology. In response to resident concerns, the RA Board approved a bow hunting policy for homeowner property. No hunting is permitted without board approval and submitting a request for bow hunting. The process for submitting a request to hunt can be found in the Use and Maintenance Standards Resolution 12, found on pages 24-26.

Fairfax County offers tips on deer management here.


Have you had problem with deer on your property?