S.C. DNR conducting deer survey in Tega Cay

One of the more unusual light displays comes to Tega Cay Monday, but it has nothing to do with holiday cheer.

Instead, state wildlife experts will be out looking for deer. They will be primarily on the golf course, spotlighting and surveying to see if Tega Cay has a deer population problem. The effort follows complaints from some residents who say the animals are becoming increasingly present and, at times, aggressive.

Charlie Funderburk, city manager, said a final decision hasn’t been made on what to do if the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources survey finds an overpopulation of deer.

“SCDNR will send staff a report of the findings,” he said.

“If their findings show that the peninsula has an over-population of deer, City Council will discuss what to do next.”

The city could choose not to act, or obtain permits for an urban deer removal program. That program involves “licensed sharp shooters, in a defined area, during specific times, to reduce the deer population,” Funderburk said.

The program doesn’t allow for bow hunting, meaning guns would be used.

There will be no guns on Monday. City staff and wildlife experts used bright spotlights from about 5:30 to 9 p.m. Some groups charge a nominal fee for the service, Funderburk said, but the state agency is helping in Tega Cay at no charge. The agency also will teach the city how to conduct future surveys.

“SCDNR is doing this at no charge to the city and will be teaching city staff how to conduct the survey and prepare the report should the city decide to undertake this endeavor again in the future,” Funderburk said.

This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 1:03 PM with the headline "S.C. DNR conducting deer survey in Tega Cay."