US EditionCalifornia Officials Approve Plan to Shoot Mule Deer on Catalina Island to Restore Native Habitat
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved culling about 1,800 mule deer over five years to restore native species and reduce wildfire risk, officials said.
- The state granted a permit on Feb. 4, 2026, allowing the eradication of Catalina Island's mule deer population, as approved by California wildlife officials.
- The Catalina Island Conservancy, which manages 88% of the island, says removing deer is necessary to restore native plants including the Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany, as invasive annual grasses now dominate 35% of the island and deer accelerate their spread.
- Starting as soon as this September, 10 to 12 trained professionals will remove deer using rifles, with helicopters, dogs, and aerial nets aiding in the process.
- Opponents including hunting and animal-rights groups note this plan disregards the deeply held values of many Catalina residents and visitors, with nearly 23,000 signatures on an online petition and legal options underway.
- The conservancy will start restoration within a fenced 10-acre plot and expand to high-priority restoration zones, with a permit to remove roughly 1,800 deer over five years to reduce wildfire risk and improve groundwater recharge.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Catalina Island Conservancy's Plan to Wipeout All "Invasive" Mule Deer on the Island, Sparks Outrage
The Catalina Island Conservancy's plan to remove all mule deer from Santa Catalina Island has moved forward with state approval, marking a significant - and highly controversial - step in the nonprofit's long-term effort to restore the island's native ecosystem. In late January 2026, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) approved the Conservancy's Restoration...
Catalina's Mule Deer Aren't Long for This World
California is moving ahead with a plan that would leave Santa Catalina Island without a single mule deer. The state's Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved a permit allowing the Catalina Island Conservancy to wipe out the roughly 1,800 deer over five years, largely by hiring shooters. In...
Catalina Island's deer to be culled to restore its ecosystem
California wildlife officials have approved a plan to eradicate Catalina Island's entire deer population as part of a broader effort to restore the island ecosystem, sparking fierce opposition from an unusual coalition of hunters and animal welfare advocates.
Catalina Island’s deer will be killed to restore its ecosystem
California wildlife officials have approved a plan to eradicate Catalina Island’s entire deer population as part of a broader effort to restore the island ecosystem, sparking fierce opposition from an unusual coalition of hunters and animal welfare advocates. Read more...
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