A Look Back: The Formation of TCWCS
In August 2023, a group of passionate residents in Tega Cay came together with a shared goal: to protect animal welfare and address the growing concerns in our community of implementing lethal practices for animal management. This led to the formation of the Tega Cay Wildlife Conservation Society (TCWCS). Our mission was clear from the start—to advocate for non-lethal deer management solutions and to collaborate with organizations and communities to integrate these methods into public policy.
Understanding the Need
Tega Cay, a beautiful community nestled on a peninsula in South Carolina, has long been a sanctuary for wildlife, especially the white-tailed deer. However, as overdevelopment encroached on their natural habitats, these animals increasingly sought refuge within our community’s wooded areas and access to water. While the deer had thrived here for years, the growing pressure on the city to manage the rising deer population became unavoidable.
In the summer of 2022, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) conducted a spotlight survey, confirming a high deer population. Despite the herd being healthy and causing minimal biological threats, concerns from residents, particularly regarding landscaping damage, sparked heated debates. As hunters and local conservationists began voicing the need to “thin the herd,” the city was faced with mounting pressure to do something quickly.
The Community Divides
The city’s survey revealed a community split evenly on the issue. With non-lethal options like birth control deemed too expensive and relocation prohibited by state law, the city was left with two stark choices: either live with the deer or kill them. Realizing the lack of a local organization advocating for humane wildlife management, a small group of residents took action, officially establishing TCWCS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in September 2023.
Our Early Efforts
We hit the ground running, quickly establishing connections with other communities facing similar challenges and engaging with SCDNR to educate ourselves on deer management processes. We also reached out to our community, rallying support for our cause. Our guiding principle was to remain kind and positive, even amid the negativity and anger surrounding this issue. Our research led us to PZP (Zona Stat D), a cost-effective birth control vaccine for deer that had shown promising results in various states, including South Carolina.
Proposing a Solution
Armed with this knowledge and supported by SCDNR and the author of the EPA label for PZP, we presented our findings to the city council. We proposed managing the deer herd using PZP, administered by a local darting team. Although initially met with enthusiasm, the city ultimately abandoned the project due to logistical challenges and a lack of volunteers.
The Decision to Cull
Despite our efforts, in December 2023, the city moved forward with plans to cull 80 deer—the maximum allowed in one season. In January 2024, the city successfully appealed for an additional 80 to be culled, bringing the total to 160. Despite evidence that culling does not provide a long-term solution, the city council voted 5-1 in favor of the cull.
The Cull and Its Aftermath
The culling, conducted by USDA contractors over six nights, concluded in early February 2024. However, only 36 deer were taken—a far cry from the city’s target. The operation faced numerous challenges due to Tega Cay’s dense population and challenging topography. While some blamed law enforcement for imposing too many safety restrictions, the police department deemed the cull a success from a safety standpoint.
A Fresh Perspective and Renewed Commitment
With the cull now behind us and two new city council members in place, TCWCS has renewed its focus on advocating for non-lethal wildlife management solutions. We engaged with Dr. Anthony DeNicola, founder of White Buffalo Inc., who is an expert in wildlife reproductive control. Dr. DeNicola discussed the limitations of immunocontraceptives like PZP and highlighted surgical sterilization as a more effective method of controlling birth rates.
Following discussions with the city, Dr. DeNicola visited Tega Cay and, during the February 2024 council meeting, presented his research and work on fertility control. He strongly advocated for surgical sterilization—a non-lethal approach that directly tackles the root cause of overpopulation: reproduction. TCWCS fully endorses this method as it aligns perfectly with our mission to manage and protect wildlife in a humane manner.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on our first year, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to our mission. TCWCS will continue to advocate for humane, science-backed solutions for wildlife management in Tega Cay. Our work is far from over, but with continued community support, we are confident that we can create a future where humans and wildlife coexist peacefully.
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