Farmington, Farmington Hills and Southfield collaborate with USDA-WS in first phase of S.E. Michigan Urban Deer Coalition’s deer management program, setting stage for other cities

 Oakland County, Mich. (March 30, 2026) — The Southeast Michigan Urban Deer Coalition (SEMIUDC) — a regional partnership that includes the cities of Farmington, Farmington Hills and Southfield — has released results of its first year of coordinated deer management operations conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services (USDA-WS). These cities are the first municipalities within the regional coalition to implement a coordinated deer management effort, with additional communities expected to participate in future phases of a long-term strategy to reduce deer impact and bring deer herd to a healthier population size. 

Prior to the start of this year’s effort, experts from the USDA surveyed several sites selected by the cities to determine locations at which deer removal would be effective and safe. To limit public disturbance and impact on the community, the USDA-WS operated at night in locations that were closed to the public and focused on designated areas within the cities where deer activity and population levels have been documented as particularly high. The program was carried out by trained USDA-WS professionals according to established safety protocols. 

Calendar year 2026 marked the first time USDA-WS conducted field operations on behalf ofthe coalition. This milestone follows several years of data collection, research, and planning, including studies conducted by students from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, and ongoing collaboration among members cities and organizations.

Program Outcomes:

• 70 white‑tailed deer removed across Farmington, Farmington Hills and Southfield
•  2,312 pounds of venison donated to local food banks, processed with support from Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger program
•  More than 9,240 meals provided to communities in need
• Nighttime operations conducted primarily on city‑owned properties to ensure safety and minimize public disturbance

This regional approach reflects the reality that deer move freely across municipal boundaries. By coordinating efforts, the coalition aims to reduce deer-vehicle collisions, improve public safety and address ecological impacts across the broader area. 

In a joint statement, coalition participating cities shared: “We recognize that residents have a range of perspectives on deer management. This first-year effort represents one part of a long-term, data-driven strategy to reduce collisions, protect natural areas and respond to ongoing community concerns.” 

Challenges and Next Steps
The report identifies several challenges, including limited access to private property, weather‑related impacts on deer movement and the need for dedicated staffing to support regional coordination. Recommendations for future years include:

• Expanding access to private parcels
• Considering additional management tools, such as urban archery where appropriate
• Strengthening enforcement of deer‑feeding bans
• Continuing community education and outreach

As additional coalition cities prepare to participate in future phases, the regional program will continue to evolve as part of the ongoing work of the Southeast Michigan Urban Deer Coalition. The coalition, comprised of communities and organizations across a seven-county region, works to responsibly manage wildlife while maintaining the safety and well-being of communities and the environment. They will continue to evaluate data, refine strategies, and engage residents as the long-term effort progresses. 

The SEMIUDC Regional Report-2026 will be available on the website of participating cities.

 

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About the City of Farmington

Farmington is a welcoming community in Oakland County known for its historic yet vibrant downtown, and elegant Victorian-style homes. Farmington has much to offer residents and visitors – historic neighborhoods, great parks, highly-rated schools, and a friendly outlook.  Farmington is home to what has been rated the best farmers market in Metro Detroit for the nearly 10 years. The Rough River winds through Farmington adding to the City’s quintessential charm. The river is a prominent source of beauty and peace at the City’s Shiawassee Park. Our downtown features a historic movie theater, public library, restaurants, shopping, the Governor Warner Mansion and much more.

About the City of Farmington Hills 

The City of Farmington Hills is a place where everyone is welcome. Founded in 1973, it is one of the largest communities in Oakland County. Farmington Hills is home to more than 83,000 residents who speak more than 60 languages, and more than 75 Fortune 500 businesses, including multinational corporations like Nissan and Bosch. The City is routinely recognized as one of the safest cities of its size and is known for its extensive amenities, including over 600 acres of parks, 90 athletic fields, six miles of hiking and walking trails, the Farmington Hills Golf Club, and an Ice Arena. Farmington Hills is also home to The Hawk, an award-winning, approximately 270,000-square-foot recreation and arts venue, which includes The Hawk Theatre and The Hawk Makerspace. For more information, visit www.fhgov.com. 

About the City of Southfield

Southfield is a diverse and dynamic community and a leading center for business, innovation, and residential living. Home to more than 10,000 businesses and a daytime population of nearly 175,000, Southfield provides a full range of municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure, parks and recreation, and community programs. The City is committed to delivering high-quality services while fostering a safe, inclusive, and thriving community. cityofsouthfield.com