Kahnawake in discussions: deer cull

The MCK has been in collaborative discussions concerning targeted Deer Culls planned for the Monteregie and the island of Montreal. The Culls are aimed at addressing the challenges associated with deer overpopulation in areas heavily impacted in the region. This initiative focuses on responsible wildlife management to mitigate the effects of overpopulation, including habitat degradation and the spread of disease. Since 2022 Council has initiated discussions with the Provincial Ministry of Flora, Fauna and Parks to ensure that Kahnawake benefits from the Culls, including the provision of venison, hides, and antlers. In recent months discussions were also held with: the ‘Conseil Régional de l’Environnement de la Montérégie (CREM),’ for harvesting on private property; the Government Relations Office in Montreal for the Ahuntsic and Pointe des Prairies parks; and the Director of SEPAQ for the Mont Bruno and Iles de Boucherville National Parks. These Culls are controlled, restricted hunts, conducted solely by certified wildlife management experts equipped with specialized air rifles or rifles with silencers, for efficient and safe harvesting.

Community members cannot participate in this year’s culls, however, the MCK is exploring separate opportunities for community collaboration with local landowners, primarily farmers, to help manage nuisance deer populations.