MCK Engages in Collaborative Deer Cull Management

11/06/2024

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is pleased to announce its involvement in collaborative discussions concerning targeted Deer Culls planned for the Monteregie and the island of Montreal. The Culls are aimed at addressing the challenges associated with deer overpopulation in areas heavily impacted in the region. This initiative focuses on responsible wildlife management to mitigate the effects of overpopulation, including habitat degradation and the spread of disease.

Since 2022 the MCK has initiated discussions with the Provincial Ministry of Flora Fauna and Parks to ensure Kahnawake benefits from the Culls, including the provision of venison, hides, and antlers. In recent months discussions were also held with the Conseil Régional de l′Environnement de la Montérégie (CREM) for harvesting on private property, Government Relations Office in Montreal for the Ahuntsic and Pointe des Prairies parks and the Director of SEPAQ for the Mont Bruno and Iles de Boucherville National Parks.

These Culls are controlled, restricted hunts, conducted solely by certified wildlife management experts equipped with specialized air rifles or rifles with silencers, for efficient and safe harvesting. Community members cannot participate in this year’s culls however, MCK is exploring separate opportunities for community collaboration with local landowners, primarily farmers, to help manage nuisance deer populations.

“Our goal is to work alongside our regional partners to develop a mutually beneficial approach that supports the provision of venison and hides, while upholding the cultural values and long-term sustainability that are integral to Kahnawà:ke," emphasized Ratsénhaienhs David Diabo, who holds the Lands and Territories portfolio. "While Kahnawà:ke, cannot participate in these controlled culls, we will focus on alternatives that honor our cultural traditions and align with the guiding principles of the One Dish One Spoon Agreement."

For additional information, please contact Ratsénhaienhs David Diabo or Dennis Diabo, OCC Project Leader, at 450-632-7500 or by email at david.diabo@mck.ca or dennis.diabo@mck.ca.