The following is a legislative update from Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga.

The 2025 legislative session kicked off this month in Annapolis, and we’ve certainly seen fireworks! We proudly launched the Maryland Freedom Caucus with five other fellow House Delegates. This organized group of patriots will work together to fight for fiscal responsibility and conservative principles. Delegate Ryan Nawrocki was voted the Caucus Whip, and Delegate Kathy Szeliga as the Vice-Chair. We believe that doing business the way we have always done it in Annapolis isn’t working. While our focus is to stop the potential tax hikes proposed by Governor Moore, we also have a few pieces of local legislation that will impact Baltimore County.

One key initiative is Delegate Nawrocki’s bill that has been cosponsored by Delegate Szeliga, HB173 – Baltimore County – Deer Management Program – Establishment, which aims to require Baltimore County to create a comprehensive deer mitigation plan for its lands. Currently, Baltimore County is the only large jurisdiction in the state without a formal deer mitigation program, despite the growing concern over the overpopulation of deer and its impact on both the environment and residents.

The abundance of deer in Baltimore County significantly strains our residents and farmers, most of whom report severe disturbances due to overpopulation. In an informal statewide survey conducted by the Maryland Department of Agriculture last year, a staggering 99% of farming community respondents indicated that they suffer from deer damage on their farms. The economic impact is no less concerning. The most recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate that deer are responsible for 80% of wildlife-related damage in the North and Central parts of the state, leading to an estimated $4.3 million in economic losses. However, this data is now 13 years old and lacks county-level details, underscoring the need for a more accurate and up-to-date assessment.

This issue was brought to the forefront during a summertime tour with the Baltimore County Farm Bureau, where it became clear that while agriculture is heavily impacted, it is not just farmers who are feeling the effects. Deer-related incidents are increasingly becoming a common issue for motorists, with growing interactions between deer and vehicles as urban development encroaches on traditional deer habitats. As Baltimore County continues to grow, these issues are likely to intensify.

The legislation we have sponsored does not dictate how Baltimore County should address the deer population, nor does it prescribe specific methods. Instead, it allows the county to develop a plan tailored to its unique needs, whether through controlled hunting, habitat management, or other means. By giving Baltimore County the flexibility to adapt its strategies, we can ensure that a comprehensive solution is found for managing the overpopulation of deer.

In a positive development, we’ve recently learned that Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier will support an extensive deer mitigation program because of this bill. This expanded program will be developed with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, ensuring the county’s plan is scientifically sound and comprehensive. County Executive Klausmeier’s commitment to addressing this issue head-on reflects her dedication to our residents and agricultural community’s safety and well-being.

The collaboration with the Maryland Department of Agriculture is a key component of this program. The department’s expertise will be invaluable in guiding the county to implement effective strategies based on the latest data and best practices. With state resources and local leadership working together, Baltimore County will be able to address the deer overpopulation problem more effectively and reduce its adverse impacts on rural and suburban areas.

This cooperative approach is crucial as it ensures that we are addressing the immediate concerns of residents and farmers and taking a long-term view of how to manage deer populations in a growing county sustainably. By working together, we can develop a strategy that balances the community’s needs, protects our local wildlife, and helps preserve the integrity of our ecosystems.

The deer issue is not just a concern for Baltimore County but a statewide challenge. It’s a problem that requires both local innovation and state-level support, and this collaborative effort represents a crucial step toward a sustainable solution. As we move forward with this program, it’s clear that Baltimore County is taking the lead in addressing this pressing issue, and with the support of both local and state elected officials and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, we are hopeful for a positive and lasting impact on our community.

Photo by Matthew Doged, submitted to the 2016 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.