MILL CREEK PARK, Oh. - Mahoning County citizens are rallying to protect Mill Creek Park's white-tailed deer population ahead of reduction efforts. This comes after Mill Creek MetroParks Executive Director Aaron Young announced earlier this week that the deer reduction program would continue. 

This fall would mark the third year of the program.

The local "Help Save the Mill Creek Park Deer Group" is hoping to rally Mahoning residents to the deer's rescue. It is planned to be a peaceful demonstration and, according to a statement from the group, aims to remind the public of "Mill Creek MetroParks administration's mismanagement" of wildlife.

Group member, Beth Shutrump told 21 News that this is the third year of the rally, in direct response to the deer reductions.

"We are continuing to remind the taxpayers of Mahoning County that Mill Creek Park has continued this unethical and unnecessary deer slaughter in Mill Creek Park," Shutrump said.

The group's biggest concern is the Security of their private property and the safety of themselves and their neighbors.

"Mill Creek Park has said that Collier Preserve which is out on Western Reserve Road, that has the most abundance of deer," Chris Flak, group member said. "Go hunt there, you know but stop hunting in people's backyards here," she said.

"I just feel that it's worth fighting for because these are deer born in the spring and slaughtered in the fall," Abby Ivan, group member said.

In a July 9 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) aerial survey, Mill Creek MetroParks staff found roughly 14 deer per square mile in the park. The numbers, Young stated, support continuing population reduction.

A 2023 article from Mill Creek MetroParks staff and the Vindicator included a statement from former Natural Resources Manager Nick Derico about acceptable deer density in the park. Derico stated that the recommended density is 10 to 20 deer per square mile.

Shutrump said she and others have sent Mill Creek Park officials numerous forms of scientific proof to show that deer culling is not necessary in the park. They have received little to no answers.

The group claims that Young and Mill Creek Park staff have no scientific evidence backing up their deer reduction efforts. By rallying, Shutrump and her fellow group members hope to impress the importance of protecting the park's deer population upon donors, residents and taxpayers, county-wide.

The Help Save the Mill Creek Deer group rally will begin at 4:00 p.m. today, July 25, at 48 McKinley Ave, Youngstown, Ohio 44509, across the street from Fellows Riverside Gardens and the public is welcome to attend.